Photography In My Sixties
LEARNING NEW LIMITS AND EXPECTATIONS
We never think we will grow old and when time takes its toll on your body it can be devastating. There is nothing in this world more challenging than aging.
That being said, we must endeavor to persevere… we must adapt a new mindset and overcome the obstacles the best we can. Photography can still be a great way of expressing our creative vision, we just have to develop a different workflow and adjust to our situations.
My mom told me “Growing Old Ain’t For Sissies”. She lived to be 83 and had to overcome many health issues in her life. She never gave up! We must keep our passion for life and our creative visions fresh and thriving. Photography has no age limits and creating beautiful images as we age can be achieved if we just keep growing and learning and being present. Although we may not be as spry and able to get around as we did when we were young, we can still enjoy making images we are proud to share with others.
THE GIFT OF TIME AND STILLNESS
These days I don’t rush a composition. I sit with it. I watch the light move across the trees and grass, I wait for the clouds to open up a golden patch on the mountainside, listen to the birds and animals creating their music. I notice things now I may have missed years ago… a shadow line, a gentle curve in the snow, the quiet mood of the moment.
That is the beauty of photography as we get older, you begin to see deeper, not just faster.
Meadow Grass at Sunset
REDEFINING THE ADVENTURE
I still go after the shot and get out there, of course. You have to be there to capture the magic or it slips away in the darkness. I just take my time more these days and understand it’s not about epic hikes and elevation changes anymore. It’s about elevating my awareness. You don’t have to hike miles to find a great composition. Some great scenes are just off the road or on a well-worn path. We don’t have to travel far to get images that are amazing, we just need to put ourselves out there and see the beauty of the places we visit.
We must still push our limits and boundaries. Life is meant to be lived. We must never lose our sense of adventure and exploration. Let that kid inside you take you on a journey you may have thought you couldn’t go on anymore. Be adventurous and willing to step outside your comfort zone, you’ll never regret living in the moment and feeling the rush of achieving something you thought was unachievable.
A NOTE TO FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THEIR LATER YEARS
If you’ve ever thought “I’m too old for this now” I want to gently tell you that you are NOT. You’ve got experience, wisdom, patience and a lifetime of seeing the world in a way no one else can.
You don’t need to hike miles to find beautiful compositions. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on the newest gear. You just need your eye, your story and the willingness to slow down and see.
Photography isn’t a young person’s game. It’s a timeless one.
The Cadillac Grill
A FEW TIPS FOR SHOOTING SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Plan out your shoot. Try and keep the gear you take as light and minimal as you can.
Scout areas you are interested in from the car and use Google Earth to help you find spots you are interested in.
Bring a collapsible stool or camp chair and keep well hydrated and nourished
Be kind to your body. Take everything you’ll need to be comfortable and ready for the shoot.
Use a tripod and an electronic shutter release if you have shaky hands
Overlooking The Herd
Photography can be a lifelong companion. Young or older or recovering from injury or illness, photography is great therapy. It’s about keeping your mind sharp and spending time in a meaningful way. Connecting with the Earth, the Elements, the Animals and each other is the gift that photography offers us, no matter our age.
Thank you all, Michael
