Meet Zoe Smythe

We recently connected with Zoe Smythe and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Zoe, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I wouldn’t say I’ve completely overcome imposter syndrome, but I’ve learned how to keep it in check. The more I talk with other creatives—even those I deeply admire—the more I realize almost everyone deals with these feelings. It’s comforting to know that imposter syndrome is not just my challenge; it’s something many successful people face.
This perspective helps me avoid letting imposter syndrome hold me back, and I even use it to push myself forward. There’s a certain humility in this feeling that can be useful—it reminds me that there’s always more to learn and room to grow. Honestly, if I ever felt like I’d learned it all, I think the excitement would fade! So, I see it as a push to keep learning and challenging myself.
While perspective is helpful, real action steps are key to combating imposter syndrome. My best recommendation is to prepare thoroughly. Preparation will look different for everyone, but for me, it includes creating a design brief, making shot lists, gathering and cleaning my gear, researching, and reviewing any techniques I plan to use. This level of preparation keeps me confident and grounded, helping me avoid freezing up mid-session when nerves try to take over.
If you’re dealing with imposter syndrome, remember it’s common—even the people you admire experience it. With solid preparation and a commitment to keep learning, you’ll keep moving forward, one project at a time.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I grew up in a small town in Western Canada, earned a Bachelor of Fashion Design in Vancouver, and lived and worked as a women’s footwear designer for eleven years in NYC. After the birth of my first child, I chose to follow my heart, dedicating myself to capturing emotive stories through my lens. While I love photographing weddings and milestone moments, my true passion lies in co-creating narrative portraits with individuals. After relocating to Seattle in 2020, I revamped my business to focus on Narrative Portraits. I still photograph a select number of weddings each year but limit my bookings to concentrate on this aspect of my business.

My background in fashion design has profoundly influenced my work. I merge my extensive visual and design training with photography to tell each person’s unique story. I have a deep love for fashion history and joyfully experiment with materials, fabrics, accessories, headpieces, and backdrops to create stunning, customized looks that truly reflect my clients. Each portrait is a meaningful collaboration, combining various contextual elements to capture the essence of my subjects.

What sets my work apart is the co-creative approach. This is not a photographer-driven process. I’m here to guide my clients in translating their stories into visual representations of both their internal and external identities.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities that have truly shaped my journey are persistence, adaptability, and community building.
Persistence: Creative confidence builds with consistent practice, and growth comes from embracing the ups and downs in the process. Personally, my creative flow includes moments of doubt, but I’ve learned to see this as part of the journey. Finishing every project—even those that don’t feel perfect—teaches invaluable lessons. So, keep pushing forward, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. For me, having other women around who lift each other up is a source of emotional and creative strength.
Adaptability: Every new project requires a fresh approach, and that’s what makes it exciting. I often feel like I’m stepping off a cliff with each new photoshoot, not knowing exactly how it will go but trusting in my skills and preparation to create something meaningful. This leap of faith keeps me on my toes and drives constant growth.
Community building: I believe small business owners and creatives thrive when they view each other as support rather than competition. Photography can feel isolating—while we often picture photographers with a camera in hand, much of the work actually involves long hours alone at a computer. Connecting with other photographers is invaluable, providing camaraderie and insight that make the work more fulfilling. Building a supportive community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I’m also passionate about fostering a network of women supporting women, and creating a space filled with encouragement, inspiration, and a shared sense of purpose.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! My work focuses on two main areas for collaboration. I’m passionate about creating narrative portraits with individuals who want to tell their stories in a genuine, visually impactful way. I also specialize in photographing food, people, and products, making hospitality brands—like restaurants, hotels, and food companies—a key focus of mine right now. Whether it’s helping an individual translate their personal story into a narrative portrait or creating compelling visuals for a brand, I’d love to bring these visions to life.
If you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out through my website or social media—I’d love to start a conversation!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zoesmythe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoesmythephotography/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoesmythephotography/

Image Credits

Headshot taken by Petara Panabaker Photography

All other images are taken by and credited to Zoe Smythe Photography