Facing Imposter Syndrome as a Photographer in NYC: My Journey to Founding Exit 18 Media

New York City—where the lights shine brighter, the skyscrapers seem to touch the sky, and the creative energy is palpable at every corner. As a photographer, it’s a place that inspires, challenges, and occasionally overwhelms. The talent here is undeniable, and as a newcomer in the industry, there were many days I questioned whether I truly belonged. Imposter syndrome—the feeling that you’re not “good enough” or that you don’t belong in the spaces you’ve worked so hard to enter—was a constant companion.

But in 2023, after years of self-doubt and navigating my journey through this incredibly competitive city, I founded Exit 18 Media. Looking back, it wasn’t just the culmination of my efforts to become a professional photographer—it was a personal breakthrough. I learned how to silence the imposter syndrome and trust in the path I had carved for myself.

Here’s how I made it happen, and the insights I gained along the way.

The Weight of Imposter Syndrome in a Creative Career

When I first picked up a camera, it was just for fun. A hobby. The kind of thing you do to capture memories, share experiences, and explore your creative side. But as I spent more time behind the lens, my passion grew, and I started to see photography as something more than just a pastime—it became a calling.

However, turning this hobby into a professional career in New York City, a city filled with some of the most accomplished photographers in the world, was overwhelming. I had to face a tough question: Do I really belong here?

The streets of NYC are lined with billboards of world-renowned photographers, and every coffee shop has a display of stunning, artfully captured moments. The more I looked around, the more I felt like a tiny fish in an ocean of talent. I questioned my skills, compared myself to others, and constantly asked myself if I was good enough to make a name in such a saturated market.

But here’s the thing—imposter syndrome thrives on comparison. The more I compared myself to others, the more I doubted my worth. I realized I was chasing a version of success that wasn’t my own.

Why I Transitioned from Hobbyist to Professional Photographer

The decision to go from hobbyist to professional photographer wasn’t a sudden revelation; it was a gradual shift. For years, I honed my skills in the background, shooting for friends, family, and local businesses. Every click of the shutter gave me more confidence, and I realized I was not just capturing images—I was telling stories. Stories that resonated with people. That connection to my audience became my motivation.

But there was a moment that changed everything: a friend asked me to photograph their wedding. It was a huge step, and the stakes were high. It was my first big gig, and I remember standing there, camera in hand, feeling the weight of imposter syndrome like never before. Would I mess up? What if I wasn’t good enough?

But the moment I delivered the photos and saw their reactions—joy, tears, and pure gratitude—it clicked. I wasn’t just a hobbyist. My work had the power to make an impact. That’s when I decided to take the leap. To stop doubting myself and to start building a brand that represented my artistic vision. That was the start of Exit 18 Media.

The Birth of Exit 18 Media

In 2023, I officially launched Exit 18 Media, and I chose the name because it represented a turning point in my career. Exit 18 symbolizes a transition—a moment when you leave behind self-doubt and step onto a new path. It’s an acknowledgment that growth comes from embracing challenges and imperfections.

The early days were tough. Running a business, handling clients, and maintaining my creative flow took more effort than I had anticipated. But the beauty of it was that each challenge was an opportunity to grow. There was no overnight success; there was only perseverance, learning, and refining my craft every day. I embraced the small wins, like a positive client review or a particularly powerful photograph that made me feel proud. And slowly, I started to trust in my journey.

Lessons Learned: Growth Through Self-Doubt

Over the past three years, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that not only helped me grow as a photographer but also as a person. Here are a few that stand out:

1. Clarify Your Journey: Your journey will be uniquely yours. In the beginning, I struggled with being overwhelmed by the accomplishments of others. I wanted to be everywhere, doing everything. But I realized that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. My niche, my perspective, and my creative voice mattered. For me, it wasn’t about chasing accolades—it was about telling authentic stories through my lens.
2. Action Over Perfection: Imposter syndrome thrives in perfectionism. I spent countless hours trying to perfect every detail, fearing that anything less would be a failure. But perfection is a myth. What matters most is moving forward and learning as you go. My biggest breakthroughs happened when I embraced imperfection and allowed myself to grow through experience.
3. Build a Support System: NYC is a city full of competition, but it’s also a place of immense community. One of the most important actions I took was to seek mentorship and build relationships with fellow photographers. The more I shared my struggles, the more I realized that imposter syndrome wasn’t just something I was facing alone. We all go through it, and together, we could lift each other up.
4. Consistency Is Key: There were many moments when I thought about giving up. But every time I pushed through, I found growth. Whether it was updating my portfolio, trying new techniques, or staying consistent with marketing, the key to success was consistency. Every step forward, no matter how small, was a step closer to where I wanted to be.

Where I Am Now: Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, it feels surreal to have reached this point. The challenges, the doubts, and the hard work have all paid off, but what I treasure most is the way I’ve grown as a creative. I’ve learned that it’s not about the recognition or external validation—it’s about believing in yourself and your unique voice.

Today, Exit 18 Media is not just about photography; it’s about creating authentic, powerful imagery that tells stories, celebrates moments, and connects with people. My journey is far from over, but I’ve learned to appreciate each step I’ve taken.

Let’s Talk About It

If you’re an artist or photographer, or even someone just starting out in any field, I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome? How did you overcome it?

Your experiences matter, and sharing them can help others realize they’re not alone in this journey. Let’s continue the conversation , shoot me an email at info@exit18media.blog or on socials @Exit18media.

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