It’s a question I carried with me for years: Am I really a photographer?
My journey began in the most classic way. As a child, I dabbled with cameras, curious but not committed. Later, during a year living in Spain, I started documenting my life more intentionally. That experience gave my interest a stronger foundation. Still, it took another ten years before I dared to make the switch to professional photography. The encouragement of my wife, Aundrea — an incredible photographer herself — finally gave me the courage.
Coming from Austria, the cultural expectation was clear: pursue a “solid” career in a larger company. Self-employment was not the path most people encouraged. Compared to the United States, striking out on your own felt risky, even irresponsible.
So the voices I heard, both external and internal, were not supportive.
- You’re not good enough.
- You’re not passionate enough.
- It’s impossible to make a living as a photographer.
I listened. I followed my father’s footsteps, went to business school, and built a career in finance. Respectable, yes. But not the life I truly wanted.
With Aundrea’s support, I finally made the switch. At the time, we were living in Hawaii — a place where family and wedding photography made perfect sense. Scenic backdrops, endless demand, and a logical business model.
I enjoyed it, especially working alongside my wife. Yet something inside me kept pulling in another direction. I felt drawn to the clarity, the structure, the quiet strength of architectural photography. Still, the old refrain echoed: You’re not good enough for that. It’s not possible.
When we moved to the East Coast, I began to put more energy into architectural photography. That’s when I started following my true passion. And that’s when Aspect Six was born.
Those early years were full of learning — both the craft and the business side. Yet one question kept circling back: Am I really a photographer?
It felt strange. I was working full-time, serving hundreds of clients, creating thousands of images each year. And still, the doubt lingered. Was I good enough, or just pretending?
Even today, those questions still appear. They don’t vanish completely. But I’ve learned to accept them as part of me.
Instead of holding me back, they push me forward. They remind me to keep improving, to keep learning, to keep growing.
And yes — I am a photographer.
A Note to Fellow Photographers
If you’ve ever asked yourself, Am I really a photographer?, know that you’re not alone. Doubt is part of the creative journey. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care deeply about your work.
- Let the questions sharpen your focus.
- Use them as fuel for growth.
- Keep creating, even when the voice of doubt whispers.
Because in the end, being a photographer isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about claiming your place.