Meet Zsuzsi Pal

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zsuzsi Pal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zsuzsi below.

Zsuzsi , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is such a quirky little beast. It’s like trying to convince yourself that you don’t belong at the party, even when you clearly have a ticket! The truth is, some people breeze past this stage of self-doubt, while others, like myself, get weighed down by it.

For me, the turning point came with a simple realization: a massive chunk of the population is grappling with imposter syndrome in one way or another. Once I acknowledged that, I felt like I could take a deep breath and gradually let go of my own doubts. I had the experience; now I needed to be my own cheerleader.

I knew I was putting in “the work” and that I was genuinely improving, even if it was hard to see at the moment. When that veil finally lifted, I could actually see myself and my work more clearly. The point is, I had done the work and I had the substance, I just needed to believe it.
I started working on positive self-talk, cliché, I know, but it worked! I learned to embrace compliments from friends and clients without awkwardly brushing them aside. As I grew more confident, my skills started to climb, too!

For me, it was a combination of work + confidence + purposeful thinking = overcoming the mountain of self-doubt and imposter syndrome one tiny step at a time.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a fine art wedding photographer, but more than that, I connect with people on a personal level and help them feel beautiful, confident, and worthy. My focus is creating a comfortable and fun experience for my clients, where their input plays a huge role in the process.

Art has always been a part of my life. I grew up surrounded by creativity. My mom is an incredible painter and graphic designer, and my dad, a builder, has a knack for creative problem-solving. They immigrated to Canada from Hungarian Transylvania, where art is deeply woven into the culture. Watching them fight for a better life while staying true to their creative roots was inspiring. It’s no surprise I was drawn to a career that blends artistry with a personal purpose.

I discovered wedding photography by chance when a friend recommended me for a job. I fell in love with it instantly. After gaining experience with a big studio, I realized I needed to do things my own way, so I launched my business in 2014. The journey wasn’t easy. Starting out was slow, and I battled imposter syndrome and self-doubt. But I leaned into the process, working hard to improve my craft and gain experience. Over time, I discovered my superpower. I help real people feel at ease in front of the camera and bring out their inner confidence.

Weddings are a perfect fit for me because they combine so many aspects of photography. Portraits, documentary, product, landscape, and interiors all come together, often under intense pressure and tight timelines. I thrive in that environment, thinking on my feet, finding quick solutions, and keeping the energy positive. It’s my happy place, creating beautiful images while supporting my clients on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

As a mom to three energetic little ones, a 4-year-old and 2-year-old twins, I’m learning to juggle parenthood and my passion for photography. I shot my first wedding as a mom when my daughter was just 5 months old, and even though it was an overnighter in Ottawa, it felt amazing to rediscover that part of myself. Now that my twins are a bit older, I’m ready to fully dive back in.

Bring on 2025. It’s going to be a big year, and I couldn’t be more excited!

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?

1. Learn by working with others
While I didn’t study photography full-time in university, I immersed myself in learning through every other avenue. I took workshops, single courses, and most importantly, worked with other photographers. I assisted them, carried their bags, second-shot for them, and even helped with editing. Working alongside so many different photographers, each with their own style and personality, at various shoots and events, gave me a well-rounded education that no textbook could match. When I branched out on my own, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do—and just as importantly, what I didn’t want to do.

2. Edit your own photos
This one is huge. I’ve met plenty of photographers who work for others but don’t edit their own work, and it shows. Editing isn’t just about making your photos look polished; it’s a mirror for your mistakes and triumphs. It teaches you where you can improve and highlights what’s working well. The more you edit, the sharper your eye becomes and the stronger your work gets.

3. Work, work, work
When you’re starting out, work as much as you can and with as many people as possible. Say yes to everything, even if it’s unpaid. The experience you gain is invaluable. Don’t limit yourself to one niche at first—try weddings, products, headshots, events, everything. Experimenting will help you discover what you’re passionate about and where your strengths lie.

Advice for those starting out
Get out there and do the work. Find photographers you admire and ask if you can assist them. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the process. And remember, the more you do, the clearer your path becomes.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is rediscovering my motivation and creativity after becoming a mom.
Being a mother to my three beautiful children has been the most rewarding and transformative experience of my life, but it’s also the hardest job I’ve ever had. Knowing that these little souls depend on me for their stability and growth is both humbling and daunting. Parenting demands so much of me, and as someone who tends to go all in on whatever I do, I’ve had to learn to split my focus.

When I had my first daughter, I quickly realized that as an entrepreneur, there’s no such thing as a proper maternity leave. While I scaled back my workload, I kept things going where I could. The mental and physical exhaustion of balancing a career and motherhood was intense. Then, just two years later, I had twins, which brought even more joy, and even more chaos.

I shot my first wedding after the twins were born when they were just three months old. It felt incredible to be back in my element, doing what I love. But once I got home, it was a different story. Without much help at home, it was impossible to commit fully to work. Honestly, I wasn’t mentally ready for it yet either.

It wasn’t until the twins turned 18 months that I felt like I was getting my groove back. I invested in personal growth, revamped my business structures, and started seeing real results. With weddings being seasonal in Canada, I’ve been able to use the quieter months to reset and prepare.

Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, I feel genuinely ready for the first time in years. I’m excited, motivated, and eager to dive back into doing what I love. The balance is still a work in progress, but I’ve never felt more inspired to make it all happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zsuzsipalphotography.com
• Instagram: @zsuzsipalphoto
• Facebook: @zsuzsipalphotography

Image Credits

Zsuzsi Pal Photography