I was just fighting this same battle. I found a quote by Henri Cartier-Bresson where he said, "Your first 10,000 photos are your worst." I have discovered photography late in my life and I am consistently fighting the fear that I'm too old to make anything work--then I have some fun again.

finally a video just for me

Brother, all that matters is that your family loves you and is in your good hands. Same for your friends and community. Nothing else matters. Whatever you did and do works. Don't change, just keep developing ;) love you man.

This hits home for me. I come from a very poor background and I thought photography was only for people who could afford it, always filled with doubt. Watching KZfaq videos by people such as yourself has helped me take steps and at 38 I’ve quit my job, taken on a part time job and I’m going to college to do a diploma in photography because i no longer want to try and shoehorn it in while working a job that makes me miserable. Your transparency is really admirable, painting an honest version of yourself instead of a false narrative. Congratulations to you for all you’ve achieved.

I've had a life-long battle with depression and imposter syndrome is embedded in all of that. I really appreciate your honesty, Matt.

Been going through this the past couple of months and second guessing everything I do. I just keep telling myself that you never second guessed yourself before and look where it got you…so don’t do it now. Helps a lot but it gets harder when there are more eyes on you when in reality it should be easier. Also been trying ingest less work at the moment so I essentially have nothing to compare myself to but that’s also hard because then you feel like you’re not supporting others or something like that. Overall, it’s great 😅

The more you go through life you more you realize that everyone is just winging it to a greater or lesser extent. Normally those that are the best are the ones that question what they do. You are an inspiration to many people Matt. Keep doing what you do.

Matt, I will be honest with you and tell you that I am personally someone who watched your Leica conversation thinking or wondering what you were doing there or what you had to contribute. And then the conversation started and I realized it's more than just your photographs that get folks to listen to you. I don't look at your work and get inspired (for the most part...you do have some absolute BANGERS), and that's okay! Photography is an amazing hobby, and you don't need to excel or be the "best of the best" to have validity or power behind your perspective, or desire to stick with a hobby. I know I'm not speaking for the majority here when I say I don't obsess or draw inspiration from your work itself, but I will say that your passion for photography, your philosophy behind sticking with it, and your perspective is why I have been subscribed to you for years and why I tune in when I see a notification that you posted something new. All we see of the old greats is their highlights, so a comparison to that is a waste of time. You've cultured a strong following because of the person behind the camera, not always necessarily the work produced from it, and I think that's more impactful. Looking forward to more of your work, because you as a person are inspiring to me.

As I used to tell my late wife, It’s a big world. Talking and sharing helps. Your ok Keep on.

Remember that if at least one person likes your work you are already making a good job.

OMG I relate to this so much, I have been on constant anxiety for the last couple of months of thought of me being not good enough or why would people like me. It's hard to tell yourself that you are not an imposter, somehow you just feel it

You are NOT an imposter. Enjoyed so much, your videos on different cameras and got back into "film" because of your excellent videos. Been a figher, myself, of severe depression and know the battles. This battle runs in the family. My aunt, Patti Page, never ever understood why people bought her records and why anyone ever paid to hear her sing because there were so many others out there that could do it better. Her peers may have done it differently, but better? This kept her grounded and humble. She was an incredible human being. Her talent shined from within. She could draw an audience in like no other. And you...playing with your cameras all those years, and your passion makes what you do extra special. You are in good company bud and again...NOT an imposter; but a gifted artisan that generously shares a gift. Thanks for your honesty.

Oh man, I can relate to you 100%. I suffer from severe Imposter Syndrome; which dominates every aspect of my daily life. The first seeds were sown at the age of 11 in school. And incidents in my teens, re-enforced and compounded the problem. I am now 68 and have always suffered from an overwhelming fear of failure. 18 months ago I took part in a free on line tuitional course on how to create your own textures to overlay on photographs. Duly inspired, I went out and bought a huge box of acrylic paints and white and black card to use, to create the textures. 18 months on, they sit in the cupboard unused, because I know whatever I produce will be rubbish, because I'm crap at everything. I've stopped entering competitions in my local camera club, even though I was top of the league table for my category. The stress and pressure to overcome my self doubt proved too much. I don't think non sufferers can fully appreciate the impact it can have on your life and the depression it can cause. I wish you well with your struggles.

Dude, you’re not an imposter - rather I see you as more of a ‘conductor’. Like you’re the beacon and guide on a long journey we all share with you in our own ways. Your photography, your wisdom, your bare-knuckles honesty and humility is a reckoning for the vast majority of us. Keep up the great work - and seriously, don’t sweat the ‘why’ - we don’t get to know those answers, that’s where one’s character and faith in yourself does indeed separate the cream from the curdle. You’re a Maker - not a Mirror…

Hey Matt, I’ve been watching your videos for at least a few years. I’ve seen it grow and evolve. I started a KZfaq channel as well and by far the most difficult thing for me has been recording the taking parts because of the imposter syndrome and the vulnerability that comes with that for me. It’s like pulling teeth every time I’m going to post a video and I have to record myself. I don’t want to make this about I just want to convey that everything you said resonates with me so much. I found you to be inspiring when I first started watching your channel and I still find you to be inspiring. I’m glad you posted this video. There been several times where I watch your channel and it reenergizes me. Thanks for sharing your journey and as amazing as your success has been up until now, I wish you even more amazing things to come. 🙏🏼

Well, I don't remember loaning you my journal, but you captured it nicely. Thanks for sharing your struggles; it is somewhat comforting to know I/we are not alone in the battle.

Matt, by all accounts, I am viewed as having a long and successful career in my field…..and, yet, Imposter Syndrome creeps into my head too. Sometimes I feel I am where I am through a series of lucky breaks, or correct decisions made at forks in the road, not the hours of study, work and skills development put in. If most folks are being honest, they probably have those moments too. On the photography side, I have been shooting for decades, and I draw huge inspiration from your work. In fact, you channel and others dedicated to film photography, have encouraged me to dust off my old Nikon and Minolta SLRs…..That old Nikon F3 is one sweet machine. I have my old Minolta loaded with some HP5, ready to create! Thanks, young man, for everything you put out. Here’s to hoping some of your anxiety fades!

I am thankful for you being who you are and love watching you here doing your thing. You have awesome talent and skills that comes from years of hard work. Always grateful for this channel. Thank you

That pretty much sums up how I feel about my photography too, even though I’m just an amateur photographer and it’s not a career for me. I too take my camera pretty much anywhere I go without any purpose, shooting whatever catches my eye, many times taking mediocre photos and every now and then some better ones. It’s not really the technique. After all these years that becomes natural, but finding a purpose or inspiration it’s a whole other beast! Great video Matt!!

We're all our own worst enemies! I've learned that this is something that definitely doesn't go away and that most people suffer from, myself being one of them. Only way is forward and through. I'm at a point now where I've accepted that the creative process is messy and chaotic, and ya gotta just dig in and try and have fun with it all! That's somewhat made things easier. 😂 It's also really easy to get caught up in the short term... I try to keep in mind what two, three, or even four years of work will look like, rather than criticizing myself for the performance or results from one specific project. Anyways, thanks for this vid, Matt. This stuff is important to talk about. 🙏

Sounds like you struck a chord with a lot of people. It's great reading how much support is flowing your way from all these people (including me!). It's a great community. Most of us here, if we were walking down the street and saw you, would say "Hey Matt, good to see you again!" Your videos have made you a familiar friend.

Thanks so much for making this video. So good to hear the honesty.

Matt-first, let me say thank you for this video. I really struggle with this and appreciate your candor in describing your feelings. It is a tremendous help to hear you talk about this subject, because I have struggled very hard with these issues of feeling not good enough or not being worthy, especially in my creative endeavors-specifically my photography. I know this, though; I love photography. I have always loved it and hope to continue for a lot longer taking photos for the joy of it. I can honestly say that this video is the best photography-related subject that I have seen on KZfaq. Thanks again.

I keep coming back to your videos because of honesty and quality you are delivering, I have never dealt with what you are dealing but I enjoy the content you are putting out there and I have learn alot from you ever since I started following you here. keep up the good work man, you are doing great

your honesty is refreshing dude thank you

Matt, I've been following your channel for a couple of years and I appreciate how real you are with videos like this. Keep doing what you are doing.

You seem like a nice guy who's in it for your love of photography and not just to be the next big influencer/tech channel. Which is why I'm enjoying your videos! Thanks.

You never alone Matt, I have literally been going through it ever since I moved here to the states, few days ago I was talking about it with a friend. I’m always questioning why all these good things are happening for me and so fast. But just like you my wife is always there to motivate me through them and let me know I worked for it and it’s not just a by chance. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing!

Thank you for making this video, it’s incredible how relatable I feel to what you saying! Keep doing what your doing Matt! You have got this!

I've been following your channel for quite awhile and what keeps me coming back is the heart and passion you put into most every segment. I think the key is what you were saying toward the end of this video where you spoke of simply doing what you love to do. And, don't forget that many "overnight successes" are followed by years and years of hard work! Please keep doing what you're doing!!

Matt, love your work because you are real. You don't sugarcoat the struggle and you honour the good times and successes too. I've struggled with similar thoughts too, wondering why I have continued to follow the path I believed my parents and in-laws expected, all the while wanting to be a creative. Life is tough and we all have that little voice that is quick to self sabotage. Keep doing what you do!

You deserve all the good things man, you're an inspiration to me and to many many others. I struggle with the same thing every day, never let it stop you :)

Recently went through similar experience. I had a really rough month which may sound fine comparing to people who have a huge social media exposure but wasn't easy for me. But what you've said about these imposter thoughts being a temporary background thing sounds so true! I hope it's just a part of growing as a person and as a photographer. Hope we all can be happy doing our favourite things!

Dear Matt: I'm there with you. I'll never make a nickel selling anything, but photography keeps me engaged with the world,. Darkroom,Van Dyke, cyanotype, large format et al keep me going. I live in a place that doesn't have a film community at all. I worked next to the Curtis Gallery in downtown Seattle, and fell in love with Platinum prints. I usually don't care when I'm told it is weird to make paper images and even weirder to make them without a computer. Keep on shooting and printing. I really liked the emotional warmth in the images of your wife and kids.

Thank you, Matt. To know that others struggle with the same things I do is comforting. To hear you use your voice to speak up about struggles openly gives me some solace in getting back to doing the things I love without feeling as lonely. There’s a real sense of community here and that means a lot

Very relatable. Thank you for facilitating the convo on this topic.

You deserve it. You’re a great photographer. I know what you’re going through, I do this to myself with guitar, photography and my job. But.. no matter what I keep going and I started to enjoy the moments where my passions reward me the most. Your pictures and stories are amazing sir. The passion we put behind what we love is a double edged blade, once again so much reward but at the cost of pain sacrifices and frustration. But you got to enjoy those magic moments when you realize that somehow, no matter the audience, your work is great because you decided to put the most valuable thing in your life, time. In your case mister, your art is just amazing.

Needed this today. A lot more people (like me) than you may even realize feel this way all the time. Keep it up, bud. Great stuff.

Thank you Matt for such an honest and personal video. You are the “genuine article”. You have helped me and do many others develop their craft. Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺

What I like about your work? Your honesty. Everything speaks Truth (capital T, like referenced in Sean Tucker's recent book), your photos, your conversations. Seeing your videos is like keeping in touch with a friend from overseas. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Portugal.

Hi Matt! Wow! This really hit home for me. I've been following you for years and this video just made me admire you even more. At the end of the day self-doubt can get to us all no matter what we have achieved. Is like we have this hability to just forget the good and see ourselves through a lens that highlights the parts where we suck or struggle the most. As a therapist I've been there and helped many people overcome this, or at least helped them to reacess their true value. You've helped me so much with your videos in my photography that if there is anything I can do to give a little bit back just let me know. 😉

I am a very new subscriber but I'll be staying. This video was quite beautiful in its raw honesty and we have all felt less alone for it. Thank you

humility and sincerity …. happy trails Matt

Mate, your passion is what made me choose the route that took me through Chillicothe rather than taking the highway. I find your photography and your discussions inspiring so paying a little homage to that by briefly visiting where you live and gain your inspiration was well worth the detour. IS sucks, it eats at you and tries to suck the joy out of your positive moments. I don't have a fix for it either so I just try to believe in myself as much and as often as I can to try to counteract it. Love makes a whole world of difference; giving it and getting it. Just keep being Matt Day, it's working.

Thank you for sharing. What amazes me about this is how dynamic the Imposter Syndrome is for me. I go through periods of time when I think I am making real progress and producing some quality work, and in those times I feel as though I’m on the top of the world and that I can do anything. It the something happens that shatters my confidence, and I begin to think that I should sell all of my gear. Very cruel.

You're an inspiration Matt! I'm glad you took us with you in this journey. And if having doubts along the way is a little byproduct, maybe it's worth it. Personally, I always enjoy those little moments when you display openly your doubts, or even play down your work. It shows you're just human, maybe of the best kind.

Thank you for your courage it is very much appreciated. I think a lot of us can relate to some point. But I had tears in my eyes when you said you had the thought that people would buy your book out of a joke or something. That’s heavy. Hope you’ve received a lot of love for the work you have done and also find the courage to feel proud of yourself.

So true…lt happen to me all the time. The important thing is to just carry on and never forget your values. Stopping as you did and explain in true honesty should tell you that you are in the right track…you have a lot going and have a beautiful family! Keep going… you are doing great man! Be safe, Cheers..

Thank you for putting this out there. This is something I deal with periodically. In my professional life I work with very talented people. I sometimes get that feeling I am inferior to what they are doing. It comes and goes, and the further along in my career the less it creeps in. I used to feel like my personal work wasn't important, based on 'Likes' off of Instagram. After hearing others, whose work I respect, have the same problems with social media, I feel that my work is important to me. That is what matters. If I can respect my own work, then I can be proud of it.

Dude, you have worked hard and earned your place! You can still thank your lucky stars 😀 but you have honestly earned it. I enjoy your photography and your videos. I have learned from your experiences. Thank you for doing what you do! Sure, many people _could_ do it. But you have done it! Keep doing it and many of us will keep appreciating and learning from what you share.

you are more than deserving of the position that you are in, we wouldnt all be here if it wasnt for the person that you are and the aproach to photography and capturing life that you have, but its wasy to fall into mental traps... I myself have been strugling with a lot of self deprication when it comes to my photography and the feeling that im never satisfied and ultimately having too high expectations on my self. It leads to "creativly crippeling" anxiety... I just stay in watching yt vids on film photography instead of going out to shoot and that spirals into me feeling more presure to perform and take "good" images and getting in my own head over beeing a fraud... I almost feel like i want to reset my photographic eye and aproach to when i first got into film back in 2016, then i was just shooting and not thinking too much... Idk if anyone can relate

Being ourself is all we can do. If people have higher expectations of you, thats on them.

This is an important video Matt. I appreciate your honesty here as it’s something we, as creatives, hate to admit but often struggle with. I don’t know if I’ll ever get past it, but I can at least acknowledge now that it is simply my own mind telling me I’m not good enough. The past couple years in particular for me have been a particularly infertile creative period, largely due to the state of the world, but also being too in my head. I’m still working on climbing my way out, but it is a daily struggle. The only advice I can offer to anyone reading this is that it’s OK to feel this way, heck it’s quite normal even, but when it shifts to being NOT OK is when you start to believe it. That’s when you stop creating, stop trying. Anyways, thank you Matt for being a good dude, for being honest and open, for the conversations we’ve had over the years, for what you do to inspire the photographic community, and for just caring enough to share.

That spicy depression is the worst. I think alot of very “normal” people have had battled these sorts of problems due to our current world climate. I am thinking…. I might have this exact same problem. Looking back over the past couple of years, it really starts to make sense. Thank you for sharing this with us. It helped.

First, you built something. Whether it grew organically out of your love for photography or you carefully planned it from day one doesn’t really matter. You’ve created something pretty cool. It resonates with people. YOU resonate with people. Playing with cameras is a great thing. The right people have found you because I think we all share that “camera thing”. It can’t be faked, and we know a kindred spirit when we encounter one. Thanks for sharing your world with us.

Man, couldn't have put this video out at a better time! Appreciate the open conversation.

Thank you for sharing!! I feel exactly the same. I hope I’ll ever feel confident enough to start a career in photography. This gives me courage, thanks!

Thank you so much for opening up and sharing 🙌

It’s so endearing to listen to you speaking so candidly. I’m convinced that it’s not only the works but largely the personality of an artist that makes other people gravitate towards their art. I feel like people are genuinely attracted to your honesty and openness, they want to see where such a person could guide them through the medium of photography. At the same time, frankly speaking, this video got me thinking about my own situation with impostor syndrome. If someone like you who has a substantial following online struggles with that, what am I? A no-name impostor? 😅🤷‍♂️

The question why you are so successful on KZfaq is because you are so open and honest about not only your work, but also about who you are, what you stand for, how you see the world, through the viewfinder from a camera. That's how you look at yourself. You look at a part of yourself and you magnify it. That's what makes you so strong with regard to your work, but what can also work against you. A thought comes and then you magnify it. It is important to always realize that people value us for what we show, and what you show is valued. But that's not quite you, a part of you, viewed through the viewfinder of a camera. As the listener, we look at that image and just like developing a photo in a dark camera, you emerge more and more. That image that now appears, you also have to get used to that, you may not have known that about yourself, or you did not see yourself that way, because you focus on a small part of yourself, which you find a difficult part of yourself. We as listeners appreciate it precisely because we recognize ourselves in it. All people have their fears, problems and encounter bumps in their lives. Your honesty is reflected in your work and that is beautiful, it shapes your work and your work shapes you. Accepting yourself with all the unknown sides of yourself that can still be discovered is a quest for you and you let us watch, you as a person, which translates into your work. That is your life's work at the moment and no matter how often I repeat that this is beautiful to be able to experience as a spectator. At the end of this story, you don't believe that sentence anyway. And as difficult as that may be, that is your drive to create, to perform and to keep working on yourself. The only thing I can tell you is, enjoy the journey, even if it is sometimes very difficult.

You're a good dude Matt Day. I enjoy what you do.

I could go on with advise and personal anecdotes but all I want to say is just let it go. KZfaq is a pure meritocracy. You are where you are because of skill, knowledge and very hard work. Think of how much better life will be when you let go of this and just live the life you have earned. And thanks for sharing this.

Matt, you are genuine. That’s what keeps me coming back. If you look up genuine you’ll see that fraud or phony are basically the opposite meaning. I don’t believe you could be anybody but yourself. And that’s where your success lies.

I totally get you. For me it's sometimes the simple fact that you have seen and remember someone else doing that thing your doing in a similar way gives me that feeling. I working in motion graphics and visual effects and building your reel is a complete imposter syndrome nightmare because your basically comparing yourself to others in your field and trying to be different and anything you do feels like "well I know that guy just posted a project just like this last week so I can't do that!". As silly as you might have felt filming this I'm glad you did because it's good to hear.

Thank you for the compelling and honest video. I've had the same feeling many times in my field. You've proved beyond doubt that you're a great photographer and educator. You have to try to rid yourself of the attitude that you'll never forgive yourself for not being Cartier-Bresson or Avedon. Love your work, my friend.

“I care to hear about it” because I feel exactly the same way. Thank you for that.

This feeling is universal for some of us who are self-critical even those who are not in the creative arts. I am a physician educator with imposter syndrome. Go figure.. To a certain extent it does keep me humble and grateful.

In the end, people will always make remarks, tear you down, in whatever you... So, do whatever the fuck you like to do, Matt, keep up the excellent work! I also have anxiety and have Asperger, since the age of 16, and I'm 46.

A really special video. I feel with you.

"Everywhere I go, there I am, and I usually spoil everything." Right there with you. Struggled with self confidence my whole life. I've often reflected on the notion that whenever I get a compliment, or someone says I do particularly well at something, or someone says they see a certain "gift" in me, I think, "What? That's not any special. That's just who I am. Nothing to see here." So, often we can't see or appreciate our own gifts because we don't see them as such. After 76 years, I can recognize the pattern of my behavior and confront it for what it is.

I still go through these thoughts every time I go out for a job. I almost turned down a job just yesterday because I got in my own head about how they'll just be disappointed with what I give them/what if I can't deliver?/I don't deserve that much money for what I can do/etc etc. I've been doing it for years, but I still get in my head like that sometimes. I've traveled the world because of the photos I take and I still doubt myself every time I pick a camera up. It's not healthy, but it is very nice to hear here how many other photographers experience the same thoughts.

You inspire my friend. Many of us feel the same as you do, and we are grateful for your videos. The only thing I really learned about photography is that everyone has a camera. The difference is no one can see the world the way you do. 5x photographers can be in the same location and take 5 different photos. The determining factor is do you have something to say? Continue doing your thing and we will keep watching brother.

Sooo easy to get in our own heads. Great video Matt, seriously.

The answer to Impostor Syndrome for me is simply knowing that other people are going through the same thing as you albeit in different contexts and levels. It's comforting and that's usually how I deal with it.

Wow this is dear to my heart man. I go through this all the time!

Chin up! You take awesome photos. You have earned your success, your incredible work has brought you rewards. You just need to own it!

Rad video Matt! ♥️ I feel like most creatives can relate to the self doubt, but I don’t want to take away from your personal experience. For me, I really enjoy your work not just because you take amazing photos but because you’re an epic human, I think that’s just if not, more important now then ever.

GREAT video Matt. Thank you. Could have been me talking, and I completely identify, even though I don’t have 1/10th of your success. Plus 1 on the anxiety and depression. I’m a photographer as my second career so mixed in with imposter syndrome is ‘why do you bother, you’re too old to make it.’ Again I don’t know what ‘make it’ really means but I enjoy taking photos so that matters. You deserve your success, whatever ‘success’ is (differs for us all I think) even though you may think you don’t. Keep doing what you do.

Well a lot of people are going to relate to this one. I certainly do. Thanks fro always being brave and authentic.

You’re the best 🖤 Looking forward to your moment lesson! As someone who lives in a small town (in Germany) your approach to photography is really inspiring.

I get it, thank you for putting yourself out there.

Watching this makes me feel better about my microscopic following on social media

I bought your book because I followed you since the start and always enjoyed the work you create.

I resonated with this so much. Thank you 🙏🏼

It’s def something we all deal with man. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻

Just found your channel today so haven’t watched all your videos yet…..but I will. I’m an old guy also living in southern Ohio with 50 years of photography background. I completely understand your imposter syndrome as I’ve had it off and on for many years. And as photography and cameras have changed to digital and now mirrorless and cell phones I feel less and less talented. Years ago I bought a Gotland Calumet 4x5 right before digital exploded. I’ve still got it and I’m thinking maybe trying get a lens and other accessories to learn to use it and I might feel more like a real photographer again. Thanks for the talk. Made me think. Now I’ve got to find out all I can about large format.

Matt, Never, never under estimate your attitude of gratitude. It is critical to your well being and success. Don't be so hard on yourself! You do great work! You are appreciated by many.

Thank you for this

I think it‘s not always about being better than somebody else. Sometimes it‘s simply about having a better connection to others, that matters most. Do you support the best soccer team in the world? No, because there is another team that you simply like more. You‘re humble, you‘re inviting, you‘re empowering and engaging. At least for me, that‘s so much more appealing than someone who is simply „the best“, whatever that means and whoever is able to define that.

I didn't start posting or sharing my best pictures, because I knew they were great. Or thought I was good. I started sharing because other people enjoyed them. Key word, enjoyed, not liked. I take pictures because its my passion. But passion alone doesn't make you see your accomplishments or potential for what it is. On the other hand, as long as you keep on shooting, a certain amount of self doubt keeps you humble.

Definitely felt this way about a lot of things in life. The main thing I've learned is that there is a lot of good in just doing and trying something, even if you feel like it's the worst version of it or will be bad. Like every project and career milestone that I've hit has happened because I tried something I was passionate about. I've never ultimately gotten to a better place by listening to my insecurities in my head. They are still there all the time, and often I don't feel good about the work I do, but I just kinda remind myself to just try the thing. Trying to do something and potentially creating junk is still better than doing nothing.

Thank you, Matt. It’s hard to hear what you’re saying as applying to me, because I think “well sure, but he’s a good, successful photographer saying these things.” But then I suppose that’s just imposter syndrome at work. It doesn’t require us to be any particular level of “success”, it just depends on our own doubt. I think your comments about gratitude are probably a big part of working through this. There is no real answer to whether we’ve “succeeded” or “deserve success”. But being grateful what we do have and have achieved maintains actual humility while ignoring the useless, negative voices of doubt. Just some thoughts. Thanks again for sharing yours!

Matt Day book, best joke ever wanted to buy. 😆 jk love your work matt.

This is a very brave video.

Thank you for this video.

Awesome, its like you were describing me but without the successful or talented part :-D Great vid Matt.

Same here...still here....and I m way behind you. I still was in a kind of "shock" why I was approached asking if I sell my photos. I dunno what a photo of mine is "worth" if there s so many other way better photographers then me. It helps hearing your words. Makes it easier. Thx, Matt.

I go through this constantly. It takes me so long to get the nerve to get in front of the camera to shoot a video. I constantly feel not good enough when theres so much talent (like you) out there doing it so much better than me in my mind. It’s not easy being in any kind of artistic feild. We will always be our worst critics

Very honest and difficult thoughts. For sure, in this hyperconnected world we are all exposed to far more content, in all the arts, than our brains can possibly assimilate. That makes it hard for anyone to stand out, and for those who "make it" to have perhaps a false sense of their specialness, or for others to make such false assumptions. Once upon a time when photographers were also chemists, not to mention handymen, there were simply a lot fewer of them. That said, many famous and presumably great photographers just pointed their cameras at whatever they saw around themselves and interested them (like Cartier-Bresson). Some were in the right place at the right time, some had the time money and energy to go somewhere unusual (like Ansel Adams), and some became famous and great after their deaths (as with Vivian Meier). It's difficult, but when I start feeling impostor-like, I try to see my life as objectively as I can. I was hired and am paid to do what I do (life sciences research), so somebody must think I'm good at it. Artistically we are what we are, some will like our stuff and some won't. Other than for a few really simple concepts, good and bad art are really impossible to define, and the standards of fashion change regularly anyway. If you get to do what you love doing, that's a blessing. Cheers from Montreal!

Man I feel you, I've and I'm still struggling with the same exact thing, both with my photography and when I started my new everyday job just before lockdown...