Podcast Summary: “Advice to Your Past Self (Reset)”

This Can't Be That Hard, Ep. 344 | Host: Annemie Tonken | Date: Nov 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on sharing collective wisdom from the photography community, specifically advice that seasoned photographers would give to their younger selves at the start of their careers. Host Annemie Tonken introduces the idea, collected by her colleague Dana at the Reset Conference, to inspire photographers during this transitional time of year. Listeners receive actionable “wish I’d known” insights across creativity, mindset, business practices, and personal growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Investing in Education Early

• Invest in yourself:
  • “Invest in education early.” (04:25)
  • Several guests emphasized the importance of not waiting to seek resources, workshops, or training that can accelerate growth and confidence.
  • “You can always learn from someone else. Always.” (05:13)
• Don’t pose as an expert too soon:
  • One guest describes the unspoken pressure of being seen as an expert before earning it, which discouraged asking for help.

2. Owning What You Don’t Know & Always Learning

• “Don’t be afraid to, like, own: I don’t know this… I am always learning.” (04:48)
• Regardless of your stage, embrace a beginner’s mindset and foster continuous self-education.

3. Building Boundaries: The ‘Fake VA’ Trick

• One clever nugget: Answering business emails as your own “fake VA” (virtual assistant) makes enforcing policies and saying ‘no’ feel less personal and more professional.
  • “It’s a lot easier for me as my VA to come back and say like, ‘Oh, the policy here is this.’” (05:32)
  • “She’s real cheap to work with too.” (05:55)

4. Finding Your Creative Voice

• “Don’t look at other people’s photos and try to compare yourself to them… you want to be yourself and have your own creative look.” (06:07)
• Avoid creative mimicry. Honing your authentic style takes time and courage.

5. Progress Over Perfection

• “There’s no right or wrong way to do my business… I can always pivot and tweak along the way.” (06:20)
• “Don’t get it perfect, just get it going.” (06:35)
• Type-A personalities especially benefit from the visual mantra: “Progress over perfection.”

6. Portfolio Building & Client Selection

• “I could have grown my business so much faster… if I had just done model calls and hired the type of people that I wanted to photograph… rather than show photos that I wasn’t really feeling.” (07:10)
• Build a portfolio that represents your vision and attracts your ideal clients.

7. Don’t Compare and Don’t Copy

• “Don’t compare yourself to other photographers who are farther along… don’t copy pricing from strangers on the Internet.” (07:45)
• “Other people’s opinions don’t pay your bills.” (08:00)
• Know your numbers and your path.

8. Find Contentment, Not Just Success

• “I would advise myself to climb the ladder of contentment, not success.” (08:25)
• Savor the journey; don’t be so focused on ‘making it’ that you miss life’s beauty.

9. The Importance of Mentors & Networking

• “Find a mentor that you look up to and can learn from… you can learn from anyone, something new.” (09:00)
• “Don’t be afraid to reach out and network and meet... find your group.” (12:45)
• Success is easier and more joyful with community.

10. Confidence & Authenticity Win Clients

• “Have more confidence... don’t be so afraid to speak and have something to say.” (09:43)
• “A lot of people can take nice pictures, but they’re gonna come to you because it’s you and they love you. So be more you than you’ve ever been.” (10:15)

11. Don’t Delay, Just Jump

• “Don’t be afraid to jump… I was kind of forced to jump… if I do horrible, it’s better than what they don’t have right now, which is nothing.” (10:35)
• Taking action outweighs waiting for the “perfect moment.”

12. Start with Good Systems and Policies

• “Find what your policy is and stick to it… You never want to have one client get one thing and one client get another, and then they talk to each other and like, ‘Oh, well, Tracy gave me everything. Oh, then you’re in trouble.’” (13:55)
• Consistency builds professionalism and protects your boundaries.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Climb the ladder of contentment, not success.” (08:25, guest)
• “Other people’s opinions don’t pay your bills.” (08:00, advice from a mentor)
• “Have your fake VA; she’s the best person on my payroll.” (05:55, guest)
• “Don’t get it perfect, just get it going.” (06:35, guest)
• “You can always reassess, you can always go back, but don’t regret not trying.” (11:42, guest)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00-04:15] – Annemie’s intro, context on the Reset Conference, Dana’s role, and episode purpose
• [04:15-14:47] – Dana’s “on the street” interviews with photographers about advice for their younger selves
  • [04:25] – Invest in education early
  • [05:32] – Fake VA tip
  • [06:07] – Be yourself creatively
  • [06:20] – There’s no perfect way; progress over perfection
  • [07:10] – Build the right portfolio from the start
  • [07:45] – Don’t copy pricing or compare to others
  • [08:25] – Contentment over success
  • [09:00] – Find a mentor
  • [10:15] – Be more you than you’ve ever been
  • [10:35] – Don’t be afraid to jump
  • [11:42] – You won’t regret trying
  • [12:45] – Network and find your group
  • [13:55] – Find your policy and stick to it
• [14:47] – Episode wrap-up

Tone & Style

The mood of the episode is warm, open, and encouraging. The conversations are candid, supportive, and full of practical humor, making the advice relatable and easy to act upon.

For Listeners

This episode is a heartfelt, advice-rich summary of the struggles and lessons from real working photographers. Whether you’re launching your business or looking for a reset, these reflections will remind you: progress is built on showing up authentically, building systems, and embracing the learning journey—perfection not required.