Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Liz Putnam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Liz, 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.
While I would love to say I’ve overcome imposter syndrome, it’s a work in progress!
I have an engineering background. College and even the engineering real-world had metrics in place for my progress – grades, tests, projects, performance evaluations. But I’ve since moved out of engineering, and become a self-taught photographer, leaving all those metrics behind.
It can be really easy to fall into the trap of “I don’t know what I’m doing”. But I’ve proved myself (to myself) over and over and over again. Challenging lighting conditions? Totally fine. Chaotic day that’s way off schedule? Got it.
Experience and a community of likeminded female photography mentors helped me get over the hump of not feeling like I should be here – reminding me that I’m just as important and knowledgeable as those around me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a family, maternity, and newborn photographer, located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I’ve been a full-time professional photographer since 2015, photographing families at all stage of life. I specialize in laid-back, fun sessions for quiet, introverted families – helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera is my absolute greatest joy.
While I love being a photographer, I’ve recently discovered how much of a need there is for SEO education, especially for family and newborn photographers. I plan on launching an SEO course/consulting business specifically for family and newborn photographers in 2024.
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?
While having photography skills is great, the best thing you can do for your business is learn business – accounting, marketing, SEO, website, all of it. Whatever you can’t do, outsource. Yes, it can be expensive, but great photos will only get you so far! Invest in professionals who can take you to the next level, knowing it will be much faster and more efficient than learning to DIY everything yourself.
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?
I am always on the lookout for other experienced female photographers to chat about business with. The last year has brought me some incredible coaching communities, and I can’t even begin to describe the impact it’s had on my business. I love having a community of people to bounce ideas off of, and to help me with my business issues. I would love to expand my network!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lizputnam.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz_putnam_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-putnam-840153301/
Image Credits
Liz Putnam Photography
