Let Them Watch: Promoting Yourself Without Fear

I had another failed job interview the other day. It was probably for the best - I don't know if typical employment is for me. I've said it here before, but I'm just not sure "circling back" culture is for me.

So what is the alternative? Fast food? Retail? I don't know.

The thing is - I am a good photographer. I'm skilled in video production. This I know. I've proven it over and over. And yet...I don't promote my stuff.

It wasn't until I started listening to "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins that I realized why.

I am so afraid of what people thought - or might think - that I don't put myself out there. And you know where that has got me? Nowhere. No one has asked me to take pictures of their family. I'm not getting many contracts for social media management.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins is available on Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive compensation for items ordered through my affiliate link, at no extra cost to you.

What is the "Let Them" Theory

At its heart, the "Let Them" theory empowers you to accept judgment from others.

It emphasizes that your worth does not depend on external validation.

When you say "let them judge," you liberate yourself from the fear of negative feedback.

The chapter that truly got me was where Mel was talking about her motivational speaking, and how she realized she was preventing her own success.

She was talking about how the fear of being judged was preventing her from hyping herself up on social media.

It was like she was talking directly to me.

Putting yourself out there can feel vulnerable, and the fear of judgment is real. What if people think I’m posting too much? What if they don’t like my style? What if they roll their eyes at yet another business update?

They might. And that's ok. Let them. But they also might think - hey those are really good pictures I should ask her to take some of my family, or my event. Deciding how people are going to react...does nothing for me.

The "Let Them Theory" is simple: if people have an opinion about what you’re doing, let them. It’s not your job to change their minds or shrink yourself to fit their expectations.

• If people think you post too much—let them. You’re running a business, not a hobby.

• If some don’t take your work seriously—let them. The right clients will.

• If others admire your confidence and book you—let them!

  
  

When you release the need to control how others react, you free yourself to show up consistently and confidently.

So this is me..shooting my shot.

Obviously I need clients to be able to build my portfolio. That's where you come in. You need family photos? Hit me up. You need me to take a nice corporate headshot? I got you.

How can YOU use the "Let Them Theory"

How to Promote Without Fear

If you’re ready to step into your confidence and market your photography without fear of judgment, here’s how:

1. Show Up Consistently – Keep sharing your work. Not every post needs to be perfect, and not every post will get a ton of engagement. But visibility is key to building a brand.

2. Detach from Opinions – Some people won’t like your style, pricing, or marketing approach. That’s fine—they’re not your audience.

3. Find Your People – Focus on those who support, appreciate, and connect with your work. They are the ones who will book you and spread the word.

4. Celebrate Your Wins – Big or small, every milestone matters. Booked a new client? Finished an amazing shoot? Share it!

5. Remember Your Why – You started photography for a reason. Whether it’s a love of storytelling, creativity, or connecting with people, let that passion guide you—not fear.

   
   
   
   

So let's do this together.

Tag me in your stuff. Show me your work. I will come through and hype it up. This is the beginning of me - hyping myself up.

The fear of judgment never truly goes away, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Your work deserves to be seen. Your clients are out there waiting for you to show up. And those who don’t support or understand? Let them watch from the sidelines.

So today, I challenge you: what’s one thing you can do to share your photography with confidence? Post that image, talk about your services, or tell your story. And if anyone has an opinion—let them.

You’re building something incredible. Keep going.