My Award-Winning Photos Were an Embarrassment (To Me)

Is that negative voice in your head ruining your photos? I've been there. Like many photographers, the negative self-talk almost made me quit after 30 years. In this video, I share the practical steps I took to overcome self-doubt and regain my creative spark.

Here’s what you'll learn:

How to identify the sources of your self doubt - Social media and comparison are sabotaging your passion.

Why you should focus on the positive - Reframe the way you look at your photos and learn to see what is good rather than fixate on what is bad.

How to find your own authentic style - Learn to stop copying others and allow your own style to emerge and flourish

Learn to identify your internal roadblocks and rediscover your passion.

The Photographic Eye is all about sharing and spreading the joy of photography.

I am excited to share with you a collection of captivating images captured by renowned photographers, all while adhering to a fair use policy. As an avid creator and a firm believer in promoting artistic expression, I have carefully curated these visuals to enhance the storytelling experience and enrich the content I present.

It's important to note that fair use allows for the limited use of copyrighted material without obtaining explicit permission from the copyright holder. In this context, I have utilized select images from famous photographers to analyze, critique, and educate, ultimately adding value and providing a unique perspective to my viewers.

Through this approach, I aim to celebrate and showcase the incredible talent and vision of these esteemed photographers while offering insightful commentary and fostering a deeper understanding of their work. It is my sincere belief that these images contribute to the overall discussion and appreciation of the art form while respecting the rights of the original creators.

I want to express my utmost gratitude to the photographers who have brought these magnificent visuals to life. I encourage you, as viewers, to explore their full portfolios and support their remarkable contributions to the world of photography.

[csc-photo]

All of these reasons are exactly why I abandoned social media sites. Self-doubt, overthinking, under-expressing. I've painted myself into this little corner of perfectionism and guess what... it's polluting the joy of photography for me. At least as far as sharing my work goes. I LOVE shooting & creating. But I feel anxious about showing my work lately (at least publicly / online). I suppose the positive side here is now I'm having fun working on photo books, printing images and making photo albums. I'd like to find a balance again. Thank you for this message!

[kyostischmidt]

Hi Alex - I love it when you are so honest, which is very rarely seen on Youtube (and elsewhere). Only the brave dare to be honest, and you are truly a fantastic teacher who dares to share your mistakes and doubts with the outside world. It's really well done! Chris / Kyösti

[monicariveiro]

Wow... I feel so identified with everything you say. For years, I have been self-sabotaging, taking photos always with others in mind—how they like them and making sure they only say positive things about my work. But I've reached a point in my life where I have rediscovered myself, especially in the past few years. I’ve opened my mind. Now, I let myself be guided by instinct—I do what I want, how I want. I experiment. Before, I never allowed myself to experiment.

I’m in the best moment of my photographic journey. And most importantly, thanks to this, I am getting to know myself through photography. Now I embrace imperfection. And I like imperfection. Seeking perfection in every photograph, in every detail, kept me from enjoying my photography.

[lynettedodson]

Thank you - perfect timing. I am currently in the process of changing my website by replacing the photos I thought I "should" include with the photos I love and reflect who I am. Putting the fun back in that had gotten lost in the "process."

[paulmstuart]

Sounds like you have cleared some hurdles. It can be difficult. Well done. Cheers.

[warwick]

This Alex rings so true with me, some of my work has been published world wide during my time as a photographer for various news and celeb media . But now self doubt and self criticism really gives me a hard time, confidence in my ability as a photographer hits rock bottom on occasion . It can be hard to pick yourself up sometimes. Thanks for the post 😊

[kristiebussler]

Thank you, Alex. This video is a perfect example of why I call you my photography teacher. Your honesty is priceless.

[Raistdb]

This is an amazing video for something you point out about 65% in the video. That contradiction you mentioned. I have to watch this again when I have had rest and more coffee, and think about this. It's not the average impostor syndrome, and a lot of what you said towards the end reminds me of what Zack Arias said in one of his YouTube videos a while back about - that you can't wait for inspiration to strike- you need to make it happen- like get off your behind and get to work.

Anything- get out of the house. Try some idea. Try something. Do anything. Inspiration will come once you started the engines. Waiting for inspiration is a good way to sit there and do nothing (paraphrased).

[TheSilverDartRacing]

I did chuck it all in the late 80's. After a 35 year career in a heavy industrial job. I've picked back up. Now I just shoot for me and what i like. Maybe it will go somewhere/maybe not. I'm good and it's enough. thanks I love your channel.

[grahamhobbs]

I'm so glad you decided to share that lazy perfectionist bit - it's something a lot of us do and giving it a name makes it easier to catch yourself doing it.

[steveh]

I appreciate your vulnerability. There is much to learn and laugh about when we face ourselves in the mirror.

[billbromer]

Thanks. Self doubt hits me when I look at my images on the computer. I love walking around finding possible photos and trying to make images. Feel like I missed the composition when I was at the computer and couldn't go back to try again. Thanks, I will try to learn from the best parts.

[happyjackphoto]

Alex you are a true inspiration and a wonderful photographer. I enjoy your you tube very much.

[jobecker]

Todd Hido said these great words: Trust your work.

[kewalsingh]

The words coming from a calm, serene, and 'lazy-perfectionist' are awesome.

Nice. This channel is always soothing, and inspires one to express the best from within, while guiding one not to fall for. the false glam, or meaningless influences.

It feels like watching an old serene, nice movie. There is beauty there. :)

[JamesBoyer-plus]

Thank you, Alex. This is timely and I hope as valuable for others as it is for me. Good job.

[gregpantelides]

Thank you so much, Alex! This is really both healing and inspiring for my journey.

[sbai]

Alex, thank you for this video! I’m going through the same struggle at present. Dissatisfied with my work, I put the camera away! My solution now is to work on a few ideas of projects that will inspire me as part of what really energises my photography is not the single frame any more, I need to work on cohesive projects that share a common theme!

[RickCarroll-Canada]

Thanks for sharing Alex. One of the biggest things I hate hearing is when someone suggests that you copy someone else's work to learn. I hate that. It's fine to learn things but ALWAYS do yourself. I don't have imposter thoughts and I don't do social media for the most part. The photographs I like, I like PERIOD. That's it. To me, that's all that ever matters. Seriously... Don't ever do for others, do for yourself and love the experience of it all. Thanks

[guzmansram]

Great, that's true. Try to be yourself, express your essence, and don't be anybody else. Simple and difficult at the same time. Thanks a lot.