Yes, we notice. And no, it’s not flattering.


There’s a quiet rule in creative work—unspoken, but deeply felt:

You build something with your heart, your vision, your years of learning… and you hope it’s respected.


So when someone copies your work, your poses, your website layout, your brand language, even your editing style—it doesn’t feel like flattery.

It feels like a kind of theft. And yeah, maybe that sounds dramatic, but if you know, you know.

Recently, I came across a local photographer who’s clearly mimicking the look, feel, and voice of another photographer’s business, someone whose work has a very distinctive presence. It wasn’t subtle.

And the thing is, this happens a lot. Especially in our industry.

I get it.

We’re in a niche where the tone tends to be whimsical, romantic, poetic.

We’re photographing motherhood, softness, beginnings.

Of course people want their work and their websites to reflect that dreamy, emotional feeling. Of course we look for inspiration. Of course people use tools like Pinterest or even ChatGPT to help craft words or shape ideas—this post included. But there’s a big difference between being inspired by a vibe and lifting whole sentences, whole websites, whole experiences.

And when you do that...when you copy someone’s exact words, their exact posing, their exact site layout and style...it stops being “inspiration.” It becomes replication. It becomes confusing, not just for us as professionals, but for the families trying to choose someone they can trust.


You know what’s wild though?

Most of us who’ve built something original, we want to see other creatives grow. We want you to succeed, in your own voice, with your own vision. Because that’s how you build something real. Something people can connect to.

So let’s be honest: If you’re relying too heavily on what someone else has already done, step back. Take time to understand why you’re drawn to their work. What part of it feels like you? And then build from there, not from a copy-paste mindset. To the clients out there: if you’ve ever felt a little unsure about who to book because two portfolios looked eerily similar, trust your gut. Ask questions. Look at consistency over time, not just aesthetic.


And to my fellow photographers who’ve felt copied and haven’t known what to do about it—I see you.

You’re not overreacting. You’re protecting something that came from your soul.


There’s room for all of us. But only if we each show up with our voice.

Not a borrowed one.



Deborah T xxx