I’m a Photographer and I have Imposter Syndrome 

Nigel - 431K subscribers doesn't lie. You can lay the 'not good enough' imposter to rest. Have a peaceful, happy 2023

I'm not even good enough to be an imposter. But I have found since the beginning, photography is a mind game. When it comes down to it, I have to do it for myself, to please myself, and try not to get carried away or bummed by likes or lack of likes. Or by recognition even on youtube channels where they review my photos. A lot of times they are not even mentioned, and I think it's the greatest photo I've taken. I just have to do it for myself. My photos will probably never be seen by the world. But maybe they'll make a difference somewhere.

Nigel, I find both your work and your story inspiring. I bought Woodlands and love it! Thank you! Please, keep doing what you do. Also, I avoid imposter syndrome by not wanting to be as good as or better than others, but instead asking if my work is better than it was a year ago, a month ago etc. The answer is always yes and that keeps me going.

Some years ago I wrote a poem called, "Love This Moment", and one of the lines I try to live by, particularly with my photography, is, "While the dream may be the silver, the journey is the gold." Most of the time my number 1 intent when going out to shoot is to enjoy the experience, then my secondary intention is to do the best I can with what I'm given. This brings me so much more enjoyment from my photography, and I can appreciate it for its representation of my experiences and the moment, so regardless of how it compares to others work it remains special to me. Like you I find I'm much more inspired by others photography when I see it in a book or in a youtube video, I think because when either a book or video is done well you get some of the story in making the image, which creates inspiration to get out there rather than comparison, which can be detrimental. Thank you for a thought provoking and insightful video. And thank you for the inspiration you bring to me to not only go out and shoot but to create videos of my own 🙏

Firstly, thank you for all your videos. I generally don't comment but always click 'like'. Social media tend to make people competitive and sometimes can drag you down. The reality of life is that there will always be someone better than ourself, whether it's photography, sport, work, animal keeper etc.. but I retain one thing from your video, is that you question yourself after so many years of doing and improving your photography, and that proves how amazing you are, rather than sitting there saying or thinking you are the best and there is nothing to improve. There are times in life when witnessing something (especially in art) can drag you down as you only feel the missed opportunity. But then something kicks in and this missed opportunity becomes an inspiration to go out there and create again. Sometimes the 'best people' at something do not provide any inspiration for other people. And then there are 'less successful or less known' people who are like gems. With the amount of photographer on social media and RU-vid, you have over 431k subs. So you obviously inspire people! You have certainly inspired me to take my camera out again and go out again and get back into shape physically and feel better, and probably saved my life to a certain extend. So I can only thank you....

Thank you for opening up with your struggles Nigel. But very honestly, the imposter syndrome should be the least of your worries. You are making incredible pictures, and the number of followers on your social media is the proof of it. Also, in a personal point of view, among the photographers I follow, your art is the one that makes me feel the most. Through your videos, you share with us your amazing stories, and I can feel those through the images.

Don't devalue also just the enjoyment people get from watching your videos. It's not all about the photos. You're the Bob Ross of photography and watching your videos is actually both informative and relaxing. Hope you have a wonderful 2023.

This video is perfectly timed. I've been beating myself up about my photos recently. It's great to have a reminder that these things happen! It's great to have you, Mads and James to look up to! A few of my "bad" photos have been saved by using editing techniques from you guys!

I really do like your videos. You are so right about the good part being just getting outdoors. I went out with a friend recently photographing (wildlife on this occasion) , when I got back my photos were all so bad I deleted the whole card of a few hundred shots. I was disappointed, especially as my friend's were stunning, but pretty quickly pulled myself up and thought about the great walk, conditions, company, scenery and wildlife I'd seen - that wildlife will be there another day to photograph🙂. My daughter bought me your Seascapes book for Christmas - currently my inspiration!

Nigel, my man, we're all here to learn from YOU! You shouldn't worry for a second about your skills as a photographer, artist, and teacher.

Happy New Year, Nigel and Pebbles. I retired last month and been going through then blues of "was it the right decision?" Coming out slowly but I feel I'm getting there. I keep constantly before me that it is the relationship I have with my photography and the prospect of being able to rediscover myself through the photographs I take. I've done the same journey and gone back through images from 2006 and moving forward to the present. I cringe at many of them, but there are odd ones that I like and I feel happy and that is such an important thing. I know that I can't please everyone and I've stopped trying. I've reached that age when it doesn't matter anymore; it's the journey that matters now, not the destination. On the way you can see the most amazing things and it's those moments that are worth treasuring.

Nigel, I am my worst enemy when I am working on my design project. But you have to trust your ability. I don’t doubt myself anymore because I know my ability and I never stop learning.😊

Not gonna lie, at the beginning when you flashed the instagram images, none of them looked better to me than yours. Keep it up Nigel you’re creating amazing things and one of my top inspirations for landscape photography. A true masterclass photographer in my opinion.

It is refreshing to hear that someone of your caliber getting the the same issues that most hobbyists get. Best of luck in 2023

Nigel, very timely words of wisdom. I fall into this trap all the time myself. We need to value ourselves and our work equally with others and not let ourselves become disheartened because we did not or could not get the photo they did. Happy New Year, really looking forward to what you bring forward this year. And as always, keep snapping!

I think we all have that moment or few when we wonder whether we're good enough . . .. whatever good enough is! We all thought, can be contributors to the stories of the world! That is always a gift regardless of where we are on the journey.

Nigel you're films are fantastic. Ps a happy springer is a wet and muddy springer 🐕

I only got out to shoot on the very last day of the frost. Because I shoot on film, I still haven’t seen my images and this is something that really helps me because I’m able to look at my photos more objectively.

I admire your work, you gave me the motivation to go back to photography after 5 years away

You are so on the mark with this. No matter my progress I always think everyone is so much better. As they say, “comparison is the thief of joy”. Thank you for this well-timed video!! You are an incredible and inspirational photographer!

Thanks so much for sharing this! Just new to photography and have people telling me I can sell calendars etc, but always think they're just being nice. We all compare ourselves to others WAY more than we should. We need to just go out and enjoy doing what we're doing and share our art...no matter how good we think it is. There is always someone who may not like it, but there will always be way more who DO love it! Thanks for sharing the reality!

I've often struggled with thinking that my photography sucks and that I should give up photography. What has helped is thinking of every picture I take as practice. I may not get as many pictures taken as I would have liked, but at least I got out and shot. I can see the progress I've made compared to past pictures and in how I'm able to find more things to photograph (I'm a nature photographer). I've learned to ignore that part of myself and focus instead on just doing. I love photography too much to give it up and I love being out in nature. I always love seeing Pebbles in your videos. She's so good at getting dirty!

Best wishes for 23 Nigel. And may I thank you for sharing your superb images which have been an inspiration. Please take comfort from the fact that part of your process is inspiring and sharing your learning and insights with the rest of us. You've certainly been a wonderful guide to me as I have been learning the pleasure and skills of landscape photography. Thanks again 👍

The beauty remains in the eye of the beholder, you have a style worth pursuing. And Pebbles is gorgeous in the peat pond!

Nigel, if you were perfectly confident and never doubted your skills, you would have nothing to teach me. I am a better person because of you. Sharing your doubts helps me confront mine. Thanks. Jack Conboy

A long time ago I submitted a group of images for accreditation and I was told basically that my work was rubbish. This really dented my confidence but the funny thing was that the same work had already been assessed by two different organisations and received nothing but positive comments. It is all down to the individual how they see your work and you are not going to please all of the people all of the time. I think the important thing is that you are happy with your work, and if not you are prepared to try and improve it to the best of your ability.

Nothing wrong with your very inspirational images and you tube channel... one of my regulars. 2023 is here for us to get imerged in.

Amen to all that insight. One point on the likes count, we often miss posts thru not looking at social media all the time, don't fret when numbers swell and rescind. Best wishes for the new year ahead. 🕊

My old HR manager at Philips in the late 1980s had Happiness = Reality - Expections written across the top of the whiteboard in his office. I have always thought it clever, simple and thoughtful. Great video, as always. Wishing you good things for 2023.

Usually Nigel, when I upload my photographs into lightroom I’m disappointed. I leave them in frustration and return to them a day or two later, at which point they’ve magically improved.

I hold myself back so much with my photography at unhealthy levels. Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, procrastination. They are serious problems for me even though I am told I am good enough by people I still struggle to see it at times. I need serious help. Thanks for the video.

Seems like your competitive self is saying you are not good enough, but your logical self is saying that is not true. So glad your logical self is winning because you are a great teacher, and I so enjoy watching your videos!!!

Thanks for sharing this. I often wonder why I am so easily affected by the number of likes a photo has received on social media, when in truth, we all know that the number of likes does not equate to the quality of the photo. Perhaps we have placed an expectation too high or forgot the reason we loved photography was due to the joy of capturing precious moments and telling stories. Thanks for the reminder that we can treat ourselves better.

Hey Nigel. Thanks so much for the honesty. Coming from you, I'm sure that those thoughts can and will help us all. Continue to feel better !!!!!!!!!!

Nigel, this is probably the most important photography video I’ve watched. I’m getting back in to photography after many years. I live in New York City and don’t have the wonderful natural vistas that close to me the way you do so sometimes it gets frustrating. Your work probably frustrates me the most, and I mean that as a high compliment. Thank you for the post. I’ll keep watching and hopefully I’ll become a better photographer.

You are a great photographer. As a novice, I watch your videos for inspiration. These videos help make me better and inspire me with amazing photos.

Nigel, I work in IT and sometimes our job seems too easy because other people don't know how to do it and I have the same Imposter syndrome as do some of my colleagues but you inspire us all. You have no reason to doubt yourself. By the way, by mum loved the calendar as a Christmas present. Thank you

Exactly one year ago I bought my first camera. I loved it, but I was still clueless about everything concerning photography. I could look at a photo and like it, but I couldn't tell someone why that photo looked good, or even more importantly, how I could create such a compelling composition to shoot a similar photograph myself. I've watched tons of photography channels on youtube and for me, you are the only one that covers everything (like literally everything). From working around with the camera, knowing what to look for when creating a composition and how to work with lightroom in an easy-to-understand way. You helped me find my love and understanding for landscape photography. For me, you were my online teacher and I'm pretty certain that almost everything I learned in photography, I learned from you. You made me the photographer I am today. I still have a lot to learn, but I somehow managed to have my first photography exposition in two months which I'm incredibly excited about, and I have you to thank for it. I'm looking forward to all the videos and photographs you'll be posting and in my opinion, you're the best teacher around here. Thanks Nigel

Thanks for sharing this Nigel. As someone who is relatively early on in their professional photography career, it's refreshing to see that even people I look up to have struggles with impostor syndrome on occasion.

You're the best landscape photographer out there. You don't have to worry about being good enough. Your work speaks for itself. You don't over process images like a lot of photographers do. I can't wait to see what you capture in 2023! I don't do IG anymore. I mainly post on Facebook and that's it. IG has turned into TikTok and if I wanted TikTok I would download it. 😂 I hope you have a wonderful day! I hope your back is better. You and Pebbles make a great team out exploring!

I love your frost pics Nigel! I drove to work in incredible conditions (hoar frost, mist, golden light) all that week, praying they'd last until Saturday... Saturday came - it was dull, mild and windy! You win some - you lose some! Thanks for your excellent videos, great teaching, and superb photos that you share with us each week. Happy New Year!

Thanks Nigel, for all your help and support

I think the secret is to enjoy it and not worry. Immerse oneself into one’s own creative world and not worry about others at all. The great painters are a good example.

You are a true inspiration Nigel...so stop faffing and believe...my take on this... we are all on a journey and we all have our goals...mine is to be the best version of me as that's all i can ask for in life...there will always be somebody bigger and better but thats not for me to worry about...so its down to me to continue my creative journey and enjoy every step of the way 🙏

I came accros the same thoughts not long ago, and I ended up trying to figure out what my signature as hobbyists photographer is. When someone sees my work can he tell that’s probably from that guy … So ultimately I do appreciate the diversity of signatures in photography which makes photography beautiful. I think being good is about extending that diversity and meet viewers that resonate with your work. I have seen technically incredible pictures that do not stand out, and technically poor pictures that have some sort of soul and grab your attention. You try to figure out what is about that picture you like but can’t put words on.

Thank you so much for such honest and uplifting words of wisdom. I have been to IG since summer 2022 and I sometimes notice myself in a trap between "great I seem to have improved" and "oh God, no, 1 follower just unfollowed, my last post was rubbish". I tend to take all this quite seriously and it worries me a bit. Yes, sharing is important, seeking the exchange is important and also to look for new inspiration...but let´s not let toxic social media take away the fun of photography. Happy New Year to you and everybody.

Love the quote about reality minus expectations. I really appreciate your candidness on this topics. Imposter Syndrome is such an incredibly powerful thing to understand and give voice to. Over the years I've realized that most people who differentiate themselves / high performers suffer from it and that it's both really daunting but also the sign of a high personal drive and desire for improvement. It exhausts me, but i've come to appreciate it more over time. That said, it's also not a coincidence I'd wager that every year this time of year you and many many other creatives, myself in particular, get extra critical and have increased luls where we feel extra challenged. The reduction in sun and vitamin D has such a dramatic mood impact, I can always feel a huge spike in how much more critical my internal voices are. Just the impact of that on my mood can trigger a 20-50% chance in that internal voice and the lens I review my own work in and I suspect it's the case for a lot of other photographers/creatives. I also tend to think there's a challenge as we get better, and as we begin to network and benchmark ourselves against different types of talent. The weight of success, and of perfecting your craft is that you feel added responsibility to your audience, and your peers, and that you evaluate yourself at least at some level against ever increasingly talented goals. At the outset, the novice photographer wants to be like a Steve McCurry or Ansel Adams but is frustrated, awed, and inspired by the gulf in skills. The better you get, the more talented, well recognized, and iconic your peers and the pool you find yourself in - the more you benchmark against the iconic in a way where you end up with a reality distortion around you - and the exceptional begins to seem and feel like the mundane and standard. I think it's something profoundly difficult that you see the most talented creatives struggle with, no matter their craft. Absolutely loved your point about novelty. I'm also constantly in awe that you're able to continue to create and share such wonderful content, images, and stories and that you do it with such consistency and at such a high caliber. Thank you and happy 2023!

One of the reasons I enjoy your work, and follow you, is that you open yourself up with sincere honesty. It comes through clearly in your videos and creates a bond with viewers like me. I really appreciate your approach and wish you continued success with your great photography. I have been hesitant to post my images, but this weeks video will help me get over that fear of not being up to par with the gang in your Masterclass. Happy New Year!

As Henry Turner says, "Living the dream". I'm glad you came round with logic at the end, but I would go further and suggest that Expectations are a killer. Just do what you love doing, because it shows. You have how many subscribers? By the way, I have just replaced the old D3000 with the incompatible 35-80 f4 D lens with a D300s (5070 actuations) including the following: 3 batteries, battery grip, SD and CF cards, CPL, 4 ND filters, 18-55 + 55-200 kit lenses, Jack Wolfskin camera rucksack and a Manfrotto 144 tripod. All for £160. I'm over the moon. Lynne luxom Jones wanted our favourite images for the year and that's when I discovered I hadn't done as much photography as the year before. Will have to put that straight this year. 👍 Love, light and peace to you and your family mate.

It's not easy discussing one's vulnerabilities and thank you for sharing something of your insecurities. A prophetic video for me that comes at a timely intervention. I too, missed all the amazing light and weather conditions a few weeks ago because my neck and back problems prevented me from getting out. I'd also had a severe bleed in my right eye and was under doctors orders. Looking at the amazing images posted on social media wasn't easy because I was envious of those who were able to make images. My opportunity for photography has been limited during the last few years by my wife's chemotherapy and will be again soon when she starts more chemo. I'm able to get out to use photography as respite from my caring and work commitments for a couple of hours a month. My shoots have to be local in winter (no more than 20-30 mins drive time) at sunrise and I can travel a little further in summer (maybe 2-3 hours round trip time) at sunrise. As long as I'm home or close to home when my wife wakes in the morning. I've learned to use the limited opportunities and I share them on social media when I can. I look forward to your videos and regularly look at all 3 of your books to relax and help me think about what I'd like to photograph and how I can improve my own work. As for imposter syndrome, it's a pandemic but I think looking at your work you're well vaccinated against it. Happy New year and I look forward to seeing more of your work. I'd like to send you a couple of my images, not for feedback or anything, or to open the floodgates for others to do the same , but just to show what I do with my limited opportunities for photography, or you could check out my rather haphazard Instagram feed @gaskinstony

Enjoyed this video. It’s comforting to know we probably all feel this at times. Of course, your attempts at trying to get the best shots and critiquing them are what keep us watching.

I really admire your honesty. No need to doubt about your photos, but of course everybody doubts sometimes. I'm sure very much people love your photo's and also love your video's that are great for inspiration, learning and enjoying. Thanks!

I loooove your pics, your videos are inspiring and have taught me sooooo much!! Thank you for everything you do! Your a blessing!! There’s no one else like Nigel Danson you are one of a kind, handcrafted by God!

Hi Nigel, I'm 100% sure that every time you look at one of your pictures and wonder is it good enough......someone will have looked at the same picture and thought, I wish it was mine. I'm a huge admirer of you your work and I think your selling yourself short. I hope your back is on the mend and wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

I bought my Fuji XF10 two years ago, but it's only in the last three months that I've been taking photography seriously. In that time, I've learned a lot from your videos. I suspect I'm heading in the fine art direction, but there's still been much that I've learned. Imposter syndrome is real, but I think it's critical to judge our work in context. If a professional photographer is top 20% in terms of photo quality then one who can also edit is top 20% of that group. And you can keep adding layers to that: experience, location familiarity, gear that they know how to use etc. Then there's unpredictable positive outcomes where we go to a place and everything works which gives us an image that's 200% of our normal capability. Mood also factors in where we can see something that would normally go unseen because we're more open that day. So you could have gone out on the same day as the people you're comparing yourself to and still not got much that you like just because you weren't in a great mood. You're way up there in the standard of your work so I don't think you have anything to be ashamed of even though there's much still to learn. If there wasn't would it be worth continuing as a photographer? My goal this year is to approach the standard of professional photography. Quite a broad objective though I have further to advance than you. If there's something that's objectively lacking in your photography then grasping hold of that is a great adventure for you this year, don't you think? Brave heart!

Thanks for sharing this Nigel. It's so strange how such a good photographer like you can also experience imposter syndrome, but I understand where you're coming from. Keep up the great photography!

I know exactly how you feel Nigel. The main reason why I stopped posting to Instagram towards the end of last year but something we need to remember is most creators think the same. I'm going to put more effort into my photography this year for myself and if other people enjoy it happy days, if not ah well. Keep the head up pal.

I'm feeling exactly the same. Thank u Nigel for opening up!

Kinda reassuring that somebody who produces such amazing art as you do can suffer from imposter syndrome! I think a small dose of imposter syndrome isn’t a bad thing! It can keep you humble and also drive you towards constant improvement without ego. Keep doing what you are doing buddy and know people draw strength from you and your adventures

Thanks Nigel - really inspiring - key points I heard: trying to get better all the time, and being happy with our own work

I’m grateful for your stunning art and inspiring me to improve my own photography over the years. And like you, I love looking at photo books including both Vistas and Woodlands on my shelf. All the best for 2023.

Thank you for being vulnerable and honest with your photography Nigel as I'm experiencing the same lul or lack of motivation to create. We have lovely freezing fog right now in Minnesota, but my lack of enthusiasm to grab my gear and shoot has been quite low. This video has perfect timing for me.

We all those doubts. Returning to photography after being away from it for so long it is easy to see what you and other vloggers do and get discouraged. Remember to be the person your dog thinks you are.

From my side when you showed all the images then your own they fitted in perfectly with the others for wow factor. Also I’m guilty of this myself but lately learnt to think differently towards my own images and I now see my images as reminders of that moment instead of the final product, this way your image will always be so powerful. The small imperfections become trivial to the memory. For example when have you ever looked back at childhood photos and thought the shadows are two dark etc you usually don’t your thoughts go straight back to memories. Also sometimes others are in a better location to us sometimes we are in a better location to them.

You are so right here nigel! Funny thing is that I look at your videos because I think you are one of the best photographers I know. And then you're saying that you're not good enough 🤣 I think your right that someone else's work looks more exciting. I've actualy found the same problem for my own channel. I live in bit of a dull country and so I always envy other peoples shots. But those people find my channel and images great because I got them in this rather dull area. It's a circular thing I guess. We just need to appreciate what we have in front of us. I hope your back will get better this year. Grt guido

Thank you Nigel for the video! I sometimes go out knowing I probably won't get great photos and other times feeling like I hit the weather/light jackpot. For me it is the journey. The exploration of some place new. Of being outside in nature. Those are the things that keep me motivated with this creative pursuit. Happy New Year!

Wonderful video Nigel. I have suffered with Imposter Syndrome all my life, whether it be with my photography or with my day job as an industrial model maker... I have managed to overcome it in my model making, by pure hard work and (30 + years of) experience. I am still fighting a loosing battle with my photography. I am a member of a photography club, and we all share a lot of positive feedback about our photos, but when it come to competitions I still struggle to achieve results... So I generally try to avoid entering them or taking them seriously, if I do enter...

Hey Nigel, happy new year! I love how your videos are more than just photography, but life’s mountains and valleys. You are an encouragement to me and many others! Keep being yourself, and God bless you!

Good video Nigel. I struggle with this too sometimes, both in photography and life in general.

"Writer's block" in literal terms ! It doesn't matter what photographic genre you are in sometimes nothing presents itself ! Some people only ever get one shot they are known for. The thrill of the chase is the main thing for me today . One day you might get that killer shot ! But I won't get it sat here, so great video, but your delaying my creativity Happy New Year !

Hi Nigel, your work is inspirational as are your abilities to teach others. Yes, we all strive to improve, but my experience is there is always someone “better” in our own eyes and for that I’m thankful because without it we would become stale and lose interest. Wishing you a fantastic 2023

I wonder if part of the creative woes come directly from your health issues, Nigel. I have back issues as well and there are days when my entire perspective on the world is adversely affected because of that. I can't do what others do, I can't keep up, I'm always in pain. It's a conscious effort to separate that from how I look at my own work or the work of others. Your work leaves nothing to be desired - it is wonderful. You will continue to discover and learn, I have no doubt.

Many feel the same Nigel, thanks for highlighting this. Best wishes and keep up the great work.

Love your work Nigel. As always, thanks for sharing - and thanks also for your honesty and vulnerability. Your art speaks for itself (and you) so never any need to compare yourself to anyone else. I am enjoying finding my own inspiration from your 'Seascapes'

I think part of the problem may be vloggers put too much pressure on themselves to exceed. Totally agree with you that ‘the journey’ is the major part - for you as an individual - it’s good for the soul and your health, both mental and physical. I’ve been doing photography for a number of years, but I do it wholly for my own enjoyment (& a select few family & friends). I’ve been down the photography club, competitions, exhibitions, etc path and found that it creates a degree of pressure (possibly brought about by the judgement of others on your work), so as am now less of a slave to that convention and do it for myself. Just my approach but it works for me. I continue to watch the vlogs of you and others though as you all inspire me and teach me technical things. Have a great year and hope your back doesn’t interfere with your enjoyment too much 👍

Lovely video, thank you for talking about this topic and the struggles that come with photography and art in general. I often can't find the motivation to go out and take pictures because I don't think I'll get anything good. Watching your videos and seeing your images always inspires me to get out there and just try and have a good time and do my best. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many photographers and sharing your knowledge and passion with the world!

Nigel, thank you for your honest view. In my opinion, I would happily trade a thousand likes for one honest critical assessment from another experienced peer photographer. I am studying photography formally part time and presenting a body of work for critique is the scariest and most fulfilling experience I have had. Keep pursuing your own work, your vision is unique and your work is an ongoing journey.

Hi Nigel. Your photography and RU-vid channel are of the highest quality. I wouldn't have bought your books and calendars if they weren't. Is it possible that your recent video where photographers and friends you admire critiqued your images may have influenced your thought process? We all see things differently. And we all feel like poor photographers every now and then. There's an old movie quote about comparing your whole life to someone else's highlight reel. Keep going. The confidence will return.

Totally feel what you are sharing Nigel. I didn’t get out the recent weather conditions as I had a chest infection throughout, and was gutted both when looking out the window and scrolling through Instagram! Thanks again for sharing your feelings and Happy New Year.

A great video Nigel, I admire your honesty. If you can doubt yourself then I certainly can. It keeps is on our toes! I thoroughly enjoy all your work, thank you.

Nigel, thanks for the thought provoking video. As a very active amateur i enjoy and learn from pros like you but I only compare my images to my previous pictures. As long as I’m improving, I am happy with my efforts and I’m quite proud of my Instagram grid! Thanks to you and others on RU-vid, I continue to learn and grow! Give Pebbles a pat on the head for me!

Just started my channel and just posted a video about the very same thing! I live in the Canadian Rockies so a lot of my work is from iconic locations. Im back in the UK at the moment so went out to shoot my boring home town to see if I could get anything good and not rely on the scenery!

Great video. Photography can be intimidating, there are so many talented people about, it becomes too easy to compare yourself to the top 1%, and beat yourself up. I fall into this all of the time, I’ve got a toddler, and haven’t managed to get out anywhere near as much as I’d have liked since I’ve become a parent. I put more pressure on myself when I do get out to get killer shots, get home, load them, and either love them, then talk myself out of it, or come back disappointed! It inevitably ends up with me not posting, rather than just thinking I’m comfortable with where I am, I’m improving, and I’m going to embrace the journey with the countless others enjoying the process of photography and improving skills!

Great topic. Welcome to my mind, Nigel. I desperately try not to compare my shots with those of others. Invariably, a great shot from someone else is MUCH better than mine; in my head. Whether it is or not is subjective, of course. You're right about familiarity being an issue here. I may not have identified this before. Or rather I have, but in a different way. I find that going on a shoot and then simply not looking at the images for a few weeks removes that familiarity and that can make me more subjective. As RU-vidrs, this is a difficult thing to do as we have "schedules" to worry about too, which impounds the issue. The same can be said for the pressures of social media: who wants to be posting pictures of last month's Haw Frost when the sun is cooking us at 15 degrees? Ultimately, we need to learn where our insecurities lie and find a way to deal with them in a way that works for us and we may each be different.

Great video. I think this is a very real and common feeling for Photographers and for most to hear this from someone who is held in the highest regard among the majority of photographers will be, well, in the nicest way, heartening. The real takeaway is how you are, and are going to, deal with it. Lessons for us all I feel. Hope the back is easing and look forward to a great array of photos in 2023.

Thank you so much for sharing this. Hearing this from a photographer that I admire like you, makes me feel like I'm not alone in feeling this way. Honestly, I think all of us creatives are really starting to feel the covid burnout.

Happy New Year Nigel. I have been an amateur photographer since I was a teenager. For me, I just shoot what catches my eye, and it usually works for me and the people I share it with. Since my career does not depend on the results, it is easy for me to work this way. I just think you cannot overthink photography, otherwise the fun and satisfaction is lost. Thanks for your continued prime content. Cheers from Canada.

The best piece of advice I got was to take the photo for myself. If anybody else likes it that’s a plus but not paramount. I realise it’s different for yourself as this is your profession

Great message Nigel, and one I definitely need to take on board. I don’t get out as often as I would like anymore (a hangover from many covid lockdowns!), but when I do I realise it’s the journey that I love probably more than the photos I take. I rarely post any images these days. Maybe that’s because of the “Imposter Syndrome” you talk about. But I really should process and post more images, if only just for me because when I look back at them I am reminded of the journey I took to get them and the people who were with me. Thank you for your splendid videos, your amazing images and your words of wisdom.

I have found your work to be inspirational, your words to be motivating, and your technique helpful. One could not ask for more. I have loved taking pictures since I was in my 20's. But now at 66 I found that most of my pictures were of family and friends in personal settings. I love that my kids lives are well documented with pictures. But now in retirement I am struggling to find my way with photography and the direction I want to take it. I'm not looking to make money at it, I'm just looking to have fun taking it to the next level. You, Mads Peter Iversen, James Popsys, Peter McKinnon, and others have played a big part in helping me find my way. People like you help pave the way for others. So I thank you for that! And your Masterclass is helping me a lot as well.

You are an amazing photographer and an amazing instructor. You should always be proud of all your work.

I think its def that time of the year when people reflect on their lives etc. I look at you as one of the top bunch of photographers more so with your attitude of no ego. I am getting tired of looking at well processed images of the same epic places around the globe. Because you are real, your images reflect that quality of your personality and thats important. You, Mads and James have a friendship based on photography and all three of you have completely different styles but you are all equally as good. You don't have to be the same to be good. BTW when you and Pebbles were sitting on the rocks on that hill I couldn't help thinking what a nice image that would have been to take lol. Thank you and looking forward to what you have in store for us this year.

Thanks for your honesty. I find myself massively disappointed looking at photo’s immediately after I’ve shot them as the memories of the day and experience are fresh in my mind. I prefer looking at them at a later point. I also struggle with sharing my photos so they tend to just sit on a hard drive! One of my goals is to look at them and share more 😬

This video is really timely for me. I've been really struggling with feeling not good enough, and this video was very encouraging for me. Thank you for sharing!

Nigel - I like how you keep things real throughout your photography including equipment and our physical abilities. A word of caution, wait until your 70's and 80's. I have been stuck for almost a year at home due to ankle issues so I've worked on old photos. It's keeping my mind going. I think often we miss those photographic opportunities in our local areas, wherever that might be. Thanks for all you put into your videos. I do wonder what remote release you use to include yourself at distance.

Nigel you produce some brilliant inspiration on your video channel it helps me a lot . I love my photography be it motorsport or landscape but I do it purely for my own enjoyment I never post on line I never show any photos to anyone because its totally for me may sound selfish or strange but it helps with my inner happiness. So what iam trying to say . To everyone just go out ,take photos but enjoy and be happy don't let the negative spoil such a fabulous hobbie,past time fun thing . If your photos make you smile and sit back when you view them . Job done perfect .

Excellent video which describes the feeling many of us have. I think you did a great job at tackling this issue.

Nigel, you have inspired thousands of photographers to get out and take photographs. You have shown many how to improve their photography. If your not good enough to call yourself a professional photographer and share your work, then the minions like myself have no hope. My husband passed away suddenly back in September, my photography has been my escape to forget the world around me. It doesn't make the pain go away, but he always encouraged me to get out and enjoy taking pictures. I like many have looked up to you. Put that imposter to bed in 2023 and get out and enjoy life, especially Photography. Happy New Year.

Thanks Nigel. Unless you define "imposter" as someone who inspires others with his art and teaching you have nothing to worry about. That aside, this is an especially important and helpful video which I plan to share with my local photography group - I think we all suffer to some extent from self-doubt, and you have framed the topic (pun unintended) very well.

Well said. Feel the same but then shake it off cause I am & you are you & God created everyone different so we all have something different to share. You are a good teacher & I have learned from your videos & this year I will continue to get out & first enjoy nature as the shot comes second. Keep shooting & sharing your images are really awesome!