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As photographers, we live in a world where comparison is inevitable. With social media showcasing everyone’s highlight reels, it can be easy to feel like we’re falling behind or not measuring up to the standards set by others in the industry. In this blog post, we’ll tackle the feelings of overwhelm that often accompany comparison, and I’ll share some mindset shifts that have helped me navigate this struggle in my own career.

The Emotional Toll of Comparison

Let’s be honest—comparison can have a heavy emotional impact on creative entrepreneurs. Whether it’s self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or stress, the effects can be paralyzing. Social media amplifies these feelings, especially when we’re constantly scrolling through other photographers’ perfectly curated feeds. It’s so easy to look at someone else’s success and question your own worth.

I’ve been there myself—looking at someone else’s beautiful work, wondering if I’m even good enough to compete. You might be asking yourself, “Am I talented enough? Do I deserve to be in this industry?” These thoughts are common, but they can hold you back from your true potential.

Shifting Your Mindset

If you’re stuck in a cycle of comparison, the first thing you need to do is reframe your thinking. Stop viewing someone else’s success as a reflection of your failure. Just because another photographer booked a big wedding or landed a feature doesn’t mean there’s less room for you to succeed. There are more than enough opportunities out there for everyone.

In fact, instead of feeling threatened, try celebrating their success. It shows you what’s possible, and it can even motivate you to set bigger goals for yourself. Remember: another person’s win doesn’t take away from your potential—it only proves that the dream is achievable.

Compete with Yourself, Not Others

The only person you should be competing with is yourself. Take a look at your own progress—compare your work from last month or last year, and focus on improving your skills, your client relationships, and your business. This is where real growth happens.

Rather than getting caught up in what everyone else is doing, pay attention to your own journey. Set personal goals that align with where you are and where you want to go. By comparing yourself to your past self, you’ll find that you are constantly improving, and that’s what matters most.

The Power of Stepping Away from Social Media

If comparison is getting the best of you, it might be time to take a break from social media. I’ve done this myself—deleted the apps from my phone for a month or two, and it made a world of difference. Stepping away helped me refocus on my own creative process, rather than feeling the need to keep up with the constant stream of content from others.

Social media will always be there when you come back, but sometimes we need space to reconnect with our passion and creativity without the pressure of posting. This break can give you the clarity and peace of mind to come back refreshed and ready to create on your own terms.

Make “Bad Art” to Get to the Good Stuff

One of my favorite pieces of advice is to “make bad art.” Not everything you create has to be a masterpiece—and that’s okay. The more you create, the better you’ll get. Don’t let the fear of not being perfect stop you from creating at all. Every great artist has rough drafts and failed attempts; it’s part of the process. By giving yourself permission to make mistakes and experiment, you open up space for growth.

Remember, the photographers you admire didn’t become amazing overnight. They put in the work, made their own bad art, and eventually got to where they are now. So give yourself grace and trust the process—you’re on your way to creating something truly great.

Final Thoughts

Comparison will always be a part of our lives as creatives, but it doesn’t have to control us. By shifting your mindset, focusing on your own journey, and taking breaks when needed, you can combat the overwhelm and keep moving forward in your business.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by comparison, know that you’re not alone. You have the potential to grow and succeed, and by competing with yourself instead of others, you’ll find that progress is always within reach.

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Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear how you’ve been dealing with comparison in your own photography journey. Let’s connect on Instagram and keep the conversation going.
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