We were lucky to catch up with Vincent Postle recently and have shared our conversation below.
Vincent, 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.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been quite the journey, especially in a field as creatively demanding as videography and photography here in New Orleans. Working both for Tulane University and Elephant Quilt Productions has provided me with invaluable experiences, but it’s also brought to light the challenges that come with mental health struggles. With a visual medium, your work is on full display. Your soul is exposed. The fear of being perceived as an amateur can come up. But I find that pushing past your own perceptions of self is the way to become the version of yourself you know that you are.
For a long time, I grappled with feeling like I didn’t belong, like I was just pretending to be skilled at what I do. It’s been a process of acknowledging those feelings and understanding that they don’t define my worth or my capabilities. My mental health journey has certainly influenced how I perceive myself, but I’ve learned to see it as a part of what makes me unique rather than a hindrance. In fact, I see it as a strength now. Time and time again I have been my worst enemy, and I think that the people who have faced their own demons are the strongest people you’ll meet.
One of the things that helped me break through those barriers was embracing the mantra, “You already have everything you could possibly ask for.” It’s a reminder to focus on the strengths I bring to the table rather than dwelling on perceived weaknesses. It’s about recognizing that my experiences, both successes and failures, have shaped me into the professional I am today. Keep that energy, but always stay hungry. I know that I have so much more experience to obtain. I am only in my mid-20s, but I extremely proud and content of where I am today.
Pushing through imposter syndrome isn’t about ignoring self-doubt; it’s about acknowledging it and choosing to move forward despite it. Every shoot, every project, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and prove to myself that I am capable, that I belong here.
So, while imposter syndrome may still rear its head from time to time, I’m learning to trust in my abilities and lean into the journey. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic and continually pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve. And that, to me, is where the real magic happens.
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?
Hello! I’m Vincent Postle, a dedicated videographer at Tulane University and a versatile freelance photographer and videographer in the lively city of New Orleans. Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, I followed my passion for visual storytelling to Loyola University, where I graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications and a minor in Digital Filmmaking and Entrepreneurship.
What truly fuels my creative fire is collaboration. I’m deeply passionate about people—more than anything else—and I find the most fulfillment in working together to capture moments that evoke emotion and foster connections. Through my photography, I try to capture the model’s authentic self and give them confidence in their appearance and energy. Through my videography, I look to highlight impressive people and their amazing accomplishments.
In my role at Tulane University, I have the privilege of documenting the diverse and vibrant campus community, showcasing the stories and achievements of students, faculty, and staff. It’s a role that allows me to combine technical expertise with storytelling prowess, creating compelling visual narratives that resonate with audiences.
Outside of my university work, I am constantly exploring the rich tapestry of life in New Orleans, seeking out opportunities to capture the city’s unique culture, history, and spirit through my lens. From street festivals to intimate portraits, I’m always on the lookout for the next captivating story to tell.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to continuing to push the boundaries of my craft, exploring new creative avenues, and embracing exciting opportunities for growth. Whether it’s through personal projects, collaborations, or freelance work, I’m dedicated to creating meaningful experiences and sharing compelling stories that leave a lasting impression.
I’m always open to new collaborations, events, and projects that allow me to connect with others and bring our shared vision to life. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
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?
EMBRACE BEING THE STUPIDEST PERSON IN THE ROOM – This philosophy revolves around the idea that by surrounding oneself with individuals who are smarter, more experienced, or possess different perspectives, there’s an incredible opportunity for growth and learning.
In the creative realm, this mindset has been instrumental in my journey as a videographer and photographer. I’ve found that when I enter a space where I may not have all the answers or expertise, it opens the door to new ideas, techniques, and ways of thinking. By humbling myself and acknowledging that there’s always more to learn, I’ve been able to push the boundaries of my creativity and evolve as an artist.
CONNECTION – In the creative field, there are many amazing artists and people who can do your job but better. I find that being someone that people want to work with gets your foot in the door, even more so than a comprehensive portfolio to show off. Go out and find connections, go on instagram and DM an artist you look up to, find events you can network at. And throughout this whole process, remain humble and excited to learn more.
AMBITION – Ambition is what propels us to innovate, grow, and build a strong personal brand. It’s what motivates us to pursue our goals relentlessly, whether it’s landing a dream client or making a meaningful impact with our work. I see it as pushing past myself. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with work and personal life, I feel scared to put myself out there, or I’m just tired. But I’ve pushed past those feelings and have been ambitious. It’s what has taken me to where I am today.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
The biggest thing I’ve learned the past year is the statement “You are what you assume you are”.
I have struggled with mental health issues for as long as I can remember. At a certain point last year I was so overwhelmed that I was just about to throw in the towel. This made me take a step back, and get back to basics. What I mean by that is I dialed back my freelance work, prioritized my physical/mental health, and tried to get to a place of contentment. Months later I felt better than I had ever felt in years. My manic & depressive episodes stopped occurring, and I was content. From there, I built on that foundation of contentment with personal strength. I started going to the gym, adjusted my diet, zoned back in on work, and took accountability.
Through this time period, I realized that I never assumed that I was capable of being happy. I’m a mentally ill broke 20-something year old with no confidence, is what I thought. Of course I’m going to be miserable if I assume that of myself! That’s the version of myself I was reaffirming into my experience with existence.
I now assume much more of myself. I assume strength, confidence, health, positivity, and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vapphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinstagrab
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-postle-88196215b/
