Fifteen years ago, I received a phone call that would change my life.

My local photography gild, the Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association (WPPA), asked me to speak about my techniques for creating dramatic skies using off-camera flash (OCF). My initial reaction was excitement—followed almost immediately by sheer terror.

At the time, OCF for outdoor portraits was still a relatively new concept, and I felt completely out of my depth. The idea of teaching a hands-on program about OCF to a group of award-winning master photographers who had a far better understanding of light and exposure than I did was enough to send me into a tailspin of self-doubt. Not to mention, the style I was doing with shooting at a super low angle and using a wide angle lens was breaking all of the rules!

I was just a newbie then, and I couldn’t help but think, Why me? Surely they’d run me out of town?!?!?

Sleepless Nights of Preparation

I spent several sleepless nights obsessing over how I could possibly wow these photography giants. I thought about ways to mask my perceived shortcomings with technical jargon and complex lighting setups, but every idea I came up with felt hollow. The harder I tried to think of ways to impress them, the more I doubted myself.

Then, one sleepless night, it hit me like a rock: I just need to be me.

I realized I didn’t need to pretend to be an expert or try to match the level of technical knowledge those seasoned photographers had. If I tried to fake it, they’d see through me immediately. What I did have was my unique perspective, my passion for creating, and my own process.

I decided that if I showed up as my authentic self and shared what I genuinely loved about the dramatic look OCF, it wouldn’t matter if I wasn’t the most experienced or the most knowledgeable. I would be showing my truth, and that would have to be enough.

Stepping into the Spotlight

When the day of the convention arrived, I was still nervous, of course. Standing in front of that crowd felt like standing on the edge of a cliff. But as I began to talk, something amazing happened. The more I shared my techniques and my personal journey, the more the nerves faded away. I wasn’t trying to impress them; I was simply sharing what I loved. And the response was incredible.

During the session, several photographers whose work I deeply admired came up to me and told me how much they appreciated what I was teaching. Hearing those words gave me a confidence boost like no other. I walked away from that experience with the realization that being authentic was the best thing I could ever offer.

Here are a few images I created that day...

The Power of Authenticity

To this day, I carry that lesson with me in everything I do, whether it’s teaching at workshops, conventions, the Photo Happy Hour Podcast, working with clients, or connecting with members of my community.

I’m not the greatest photographer, nor the most polished teacher. But I am always me. I’ll never stop sharing what I know from a place of authenticity, because I’ve seen the power it has to connect with others and make a genuine impact.

This mindset doesn’t just apply to teaching; it’s at the heart of how I approach my clients and my membership community. It’s important to remember that people don’t hire you because they think you’re perfect. They hire you because they see something in you that they love. They connect with your style, your personality, and the way you make them feel.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

If you’re reading this and you’ve ever felt like an imposter in your creative journey, know that you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is incredibly common among creatives, but here’s the truth: You don’t have to be the best. You just have to be you. Being YOU is your superpower! Stay true to your unique voice and your authentic style, and the right people will appreciate and value what you do.

Remember, people hire you for what they see in you, not for the doubts you see in yourself. Embrace who you are, share your passion unapologetically, and trust that your authenticity will shine brighter than any technical perfection ever could.

Just like the images above, they may not be great, perfect, or amazing, but I love them because of what they represent and what I overcame that day.

This is similar to what you do for your clients. They may not see the challenges you face, but they appreciate what you create for them because you invest your authentic heart into each session. They only see the beauty of your work!

A Commitment to Growth

Throughout my photography journey, I’ve always invested in education to help push down the self-doubt. Whether it’s learning new techniques, understanding the art of business, or expanding my creative skills, education has been my anchor.

That commitment to growth has been instrumental in building my confidence and staying inspired. It’s also why I’m so passionate about bringing educators together for the Peak Senior Summit—to share their knowledge and help raise the industry as a whole. When we learn from one another, we all grow stronger, and our craft reaches new heights.

I hope you continue to educate yourself, improve your skills, and never stop growing....I know I will.

Here are a few recent images using some of the same OCF techniques I taught many years ago, but with "growth" to make the even better:

Create-Smile-Repeat,

Dan Frievalt M.Photog, M.Artist, Cr.