Self-doubt can creep into any creative process, but in photography, it has a way of growing unchecked. That inner critic can leave you questioning your abilities, even if you’ve won awards or spent decades honing your craft. It’s not a lack of skill that fuels this doubt—it’s often how you compare yourself to others and how you view your own work.
Coming to you from Alex Kilbee of The Photographic Eye, this powerful video dives into the emotional challenges of being a photographer, particularly the feelings of inadequacy that many face. Kilbee shares how self-doubt took root early in his career, growing into a barrier that blocked him from appreciating his own successes. He describes how constantly focusing on mistakes instead of strengths led to feelings of being an imposter. This is something you might relate to if you’ve ever felt that others’ work overshadows your own, regardless of your achievements.
One of the key takeaways from this video is Kilbee’s shift in perspective. By cutting through his “hedge” of self-doubt rather than trying to eliminate it entirely, he found a manageable way to regain confidence. Printing out and displaying positive feedback about his work created a physical reminder that his photography was valued. This simple step helped reframe his mindset, showing how a tangible approach can counter the abstract weight of doubt.
Another major theme is how comparison amplifies self-doubt. Kilbee explains how time spent on platforms like Instagram, watching others’ polished work and apparent success, left him feeling like he wasn’t measuring up. He made the bold decision to step away from social media to focus on what truly mattered—his own enjoyment of photography. This detachment allowed him to experiment freely, rediscovering the joy of creating without external pressures. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping back can give you the clarity to move forward.
Kilbee also touches on an unusual but revealing habit: pointing out deliberate mistakes in his own work when presenting it to clients. This behavior stemmed from a fear of rejection and a need to shield himself from criticism by preemptively addressing flaws. Recognizing and stopping this self-sabotaging tendency was another crucial step in his journey to rebuild confidence. His story highlights the importance of identifying and changing patterns that hold you back. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilbee.
I was worried about my photography because I didn't have any self-doubts. But now that I have self-doubts, I feel much more secure in my work.