We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Denise Carmichael. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Denise below.
Denise, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Oh the forsaken imposter syndrome; I can’t say I never experienced it because it wouldn’t be true. I truly don’t know anyone who hasn’t experienced it even once. My biggest motivation and reason for overcoming imposter syndrome is my daughters. I don’t want them to look back and think low of me; I want them to look back and be inspired by their mother! I want them to know that just because someone else is doing the same thing or something similar as them, it doesn’t mean that you need to quit or give up. If no two people are alike and are all born beautiful, why can’t we apply the same concept to our art. We absolutely can be done and I am making sure my girls see that in me and my work!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Well, I am a Photographer. I don’t even know where to start because everything about Photography makes me so excited! How lucky am I that I get to capture moments for a living. I love being able to be myself with everyone I meet; yes we will be awkward but once we break that ice it’s going to be so much fun! I’ve had clients where we started with capturing their fun engagement photos and next thing you know I’m capturing their wedding, their pregnancy announcements, maternity sessions, new born babies and family photos. That is so freaking amazing! I absolutely love having the opportunity to go along on this journey with my clients; to be a part of some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and capturing the most important moments of their lives. It just fills my heart with so much joy and happiness! I can’t wait to meet new people this year, join their journey and make new memories! Let’s take your pictures!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I don’t think there are necessarily three things that were impactful, but looking back this past year and reflecting I can definitely say that my daughters have been the one main thing, my biggest motivation to keep me going. They have inspired me to learn new things in photography, to get out of my comfort zone and to not be afraid of putting myself out there. I truly believe that we as artists need to find the one thing that keeps us going and cling on to that. My girls need me and I pour my whole heart and soul into what I do so that they can look back and know that their mother worked with passion for them.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Marketing, advertising and social media; my goodness, I don’t know why I have this fear of putting myself out there. My business has been mostly word of mouth and I am extremely grateful for my clients and friends; I have had a hard time selling myself online. It’s really quite silly how I fear what others may think of me, but I know how simple it truly can be if I just do it. There’s this fear deep down in me that people will think I’m “annoying” or “too much” but I guess most people don’t think about that as much as I do. haha! I am working on taking more behind the scenes photos and videos when I go out on photoshoots, those help with making reels or videos on social media. It’s definitely a work in progress but I am slowly overcoming this obstacle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deniseana.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/deniseana
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/deniseanaphotography
