Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone: A Vancouver Photographer’s Journey
Hi there! I’m Simon Rochfort, a photographer based in Vancouver, BC, and today I want to share a personal journey about what it means to step outside your comfort zone—both as a creative and as someone striving to improve their craft. This isn’t just about photography; it’s about growth, self-confidence, and finding your unique voice.
Why Comfort Zones Can Hold Us Back
As a Vancouver photographer, I often work with clients who are nervous in front of the camera. I get it—posing for a headshot or portrait can feel intimidating. Yet, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth only happens when you push yourself beyond what feels safe or comfortable.
For me, that meant something a bit different. I’m fine interacting with people in person, but talking directly to a camera? That was uncomfortable. I wanted to start posting more YouTube videos and sharing my creative process online, but the thought of it made me anxious.
I realized that my hesitation wasn’t about the camera—it was about perfectionism and fear of judgment. I wanted every word to be perfect, every angle flawless. But the truth is, trying to be “perfect” held me back from doing anything at all.
Removing Friction to Make Creativity Easier
One key breakthrough came from looking at my workspace. My studio had a lot of friction—tripods to set up, lights to move, microphones to sync. Even though each task was simple, together they created a mental barrier that made recording feel daunting.
So I reorganized my studio. I moved my bench, positioned my lights, set up my microphone, and created a space where almost everything is stationary. The only thing I need to move is the camera. Suddenly, it became easy just to turn on the camera and start filming.
This small change reminded me of a powerful truth for creatives: the easier you make something, the more likely you are to do it—even if it makes you uncomfortable.
Embracing Creative Challenges
Being a photographer, especially in headshots and portrait photography in Vancouver, is a constant exercise in creativity. Over the years, I’ve honed my lighting skills, my editing techniques, and my ability to connect with people in front of the camera. But I realized I was missing a creative outlet for myself.
Recording these videos became that outlet. It allowed me to experiment, reflect, and challenge myself in new ways. Every time I step in front of the camera, I’m practicing something I want to get better at. It’s a personal challenge that pushes me beyond my comfort zone and helps me grow as a professional.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
One of the most complex parts of stepping outside my comfort zone was dealing with self-doubt. I worried about what people would think of my videos, whether anyone would resonate with my message, and if I was even “qualified” to share my insights.
But I realized something crucial: my perspective is unique. Even if someone knows more than me about photography or creativity, they don’t have my voice, my experiences, or my way of sharing what I’ve learned. And for those who resonate with my approach, my experiences can be valuable.
As creatives, imposter syndrome is real. It can hold us back from taking risks, experimenting, and showing the world what we can do. The key is to recognize that fear, work through it, and take action anyway.
Why Being Uncomfortable Matters
For photographers, stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t just a personal exercise—it directly improves your work. When I challenge myself to try new approaches, experiment with lighting, or push clients to step beyond what feels natural, the results are more authentic and more compelling.
It’s the same for my clients in Vancouver. When someone steps outside their comfort zone during a headshot or portrait session, the photos capture something real. Confidence, vulnerability, and authenticity shine through—qualities that can’t be faked in a picture.
Finding My Unique Voice
Through this process, I’ve learned that my creative journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about skill development. By recording these videos, sharing my thoughts, and embracing discomfort, I’ve begun to find my unique voice.
It’s freeing to realize that I don’t need everyone’s approval. I don’t need to compare myself to other photographers. I just need to show up, do the work, and share what I’ve learned. That mindset shift has been transformative—not only for my creative work but for my confidence as a professional in Vancouver’s photography scene.
Takeaways for Creatives and Clients
If you’re reading this as a fellow creative, a client, or someone thinking about investing in professional photography, here are a few things I’ve learned:
Embrace discomfort. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Try something that scares you, whether it’s a new creative project or a new pose in front of the camera.
Streamline your process. Remove friction wherever possible to make it easier to create. This could mean reorganizing your workspace, simplifying your workflow, or creating a repeatable routine.
Overcome self-doubt. Your voice, your perspective, and your style are unique. Trust that what you have to share is valuable.
Invest in yourself. Whether it’s your skills, your creative projects, or your personal growth, small investments today lead to significant results tomorrow.
For clients considering professional photography in Vancouver, this approach matters. Whether you’re booking a headshot session or a portrait photography session, working with a photographer who pushes boundaries and brings authenticity to your photos will make your photos more engaging, compelling, and authentic to you.
Let’s Connect
If you’re interested in stepping outside your comfort zone and capturing authentic, professional photos, I’d love to work with you. I specialize in headshots and portrait photography in Vancouver, and my goal is to make the process easy, fun, and empowering.
You can also follow my creative journey on YouTube, where I share behind-the-scenes insights, tips, and reflections on being a creative in today’s world.