Hi Younger Bambi,

As I reminisce over the 30 years I’ve spent in the photo business, I think of the many opportunities I’ve been afforded and am forever grateful to those who believed in me. In retrospect, though, there are some things I would have done differently.

Rob Greer, Photographer and SEO Guru, Lends Wise Words to His Younger Self

I would have said no more often. I used to say yes to everything—yes to photographing every event, yes to teaching everywhere at any time. I didn’t listen to that little voice inside my head that said to take time for my family and children. I worked just about every weekend (all weekend) and missed out on so many wonderful opportunities. 

I also wish I had said no more often when being asked to teach photography… What??? That sounds crazy, right?

Sage Advice from a Marketing Expert on Creating a Long-Term Work-Life Balance

As much as I would want to deny it, my ego was stroked. I was everywhere! The problem with this kind of mental attitude is that it feeds the ego but not much else. Teaching takes time and energy. I should have been better at counting the cost of my absence from the studio. While I’ve had the very best second shooter, when it was my name on the door, clients wanted to see me. Being gone a lot (one year I was gone roughly six months of the year teaching) means less marketing, less schmoozing and less attention to details.  

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So just relax and stop trying to take over the universe. I’ve finally learned the benefit of four little words: “I wish I could”—a nice way of saying no!

Bambi Cantrell
Nikon Ambassador 
WPPI Triple Master