I am a successful photographer

"I am a successful photographer - What is success?"

I often ask myself that question... both addressed directly to myself but also sometimes to the universe and everyone in it....

When I hit various SoMe platforms, sometimes I don't feel successful enough and other times I feel like the top of the pop! It varies a lot depending on which profiles I bump into.... and not least my state of mind! It can easily sometimes even be hormonal! (the struggle is real ;-))

The mental…..

All of us creatives often have what is called "imposter syndrome" and I must confess that it also affects me. I am a 100% self-taught photographer. Everything I know about photography in fashion, beauty, portraiture, light….. EVERYTHING… it is learned by watching, clicking and practicing…. therefore it is INCREDIBLY easy to fall into that trap of Imposter Syndrome…..and I do…. but thank God only briefly! When I become aware that this is happening, I can pull myself up by the neck and climb up the hole.

(Imposter Syndrome is roughly where you feel you can't give a shit and that it's only a matter of time before others discover it. That you feel like a sneak who just sneaks his way through the haves and haves - because the medical meaning: google please)

I can easily also feel what is called "photo envy", where I am a little annoyed that I haven't just shot that picture, got that idea, am just as talented, etc., etc., but again I become aware of the negative spiral, and reverse it to: COOL that others are so blistered and then I instead draw points into the inspiration account and let myself be creatively satiated.... THAT also has a value.

It was the slightly darker side of being creative 😉

When I REALLY feel like a successful photographer….

When I REALLY feel like No. 1 in my own photographer history is when I'm sitting on my Spanish balcony with my work on the computer and a cup of coffee on a sunny morning and I know that later in the day, I have to shoot portraits or a brand campaign for a company! To be allowed to live out my dream in this way is both a privilege but also the result of HARD work and THEN I am proud of myself.... VERY proud.

When I am allowed to travel around the world with my camera, such as in this blog post: click HERE then I feel REALLY successful and very very grateful

It can also be when I'm on a campaign shoot for a big international brand that has even sought ME out, and they clap their hands with excitement, just during the LIGHT test! (before we even get started) SOOO I know I'm on to something.

When I'm at home in Denmark...

At home, "Success" is when I can sit in the garden at our small terraced house in Holbæk with my wonderful husband, and enjoy the chirping of birds and hear the lawnmowers. It's neither award shows nor red carpet, but the simple things like this. Why? Because I CAN! We moved from an apartment in Ishøj to a beautiful house in Holbæk, where I have really found peace. THAT means everything.

All in all, I am actually really proud that as a first-time entrepreneur I have managed what I have. LIVING FROM MY PASSION!!!! As most of you know, I TOTALLY changed direction 9 years ago. After 20 years in an office, I changed course to today live as a successful photographer.

What is success for YOU?? Have you ever really thought about it? Do you sometimes experience the slightly darker sides? Leave a comment

Finally, stop by my instagram and follow along: Click HERE

XOXO

Anja