A few weeks ago I received a box of photographic equipment, a camera and three lenses, with a note asking that I put everything on consignment to sell. A follow up call from the owner explained that he was retiring and cleaning out things that he was sure he would no longer use.
I have been thinking about that one-time serious photographer. I don’t know his circumstances. But in my opinion photography is a great hobby for retired folks.
For years I have talked with retirees who have taken up photography as a way to fill anticipated free time and add an interesting challenge to their future. What a neat way to get our wandering legs and creative thoughts active.
One fellow I met said, “I figure with the time I have I should enjoy every day.” When he retired he spent well over $20K on a camera and lenses. For those that gasp at that level of expenditure, be aware that his recreational investment won’t be taxed every year, won’t need expensive maintenance, and will give him years of enjoyment at no real additional cost, except perhaps the expense of good footwear for when he travels to some exciting location.
I say, good for him, but I know he didn’t need to spend anywhere near that amount of money with all the great used and inexpensive cameras that are now available, even those with limited budgets can get into this low-cost hobby.
Another retired friend that just downsized to a small apartment was an avid hunter all his life that sadly had to give up packing a rifle has switched to packing a camera with a long lens attached. He explained to me that he really liked to hunt and now says the fun continues all year around.
I’m not sure why he quit packing a rifle, but if it was due to tired, old eyes he now has a camera that quickly auto-focuses and immediately let him know (quietly) if they got the shot right.
Modern camera technology has freed photographers from equipment and production challenges of the past. For those that want lighter cameras, there are many small new mirrorless models available, so photographers aren’t weighed down.
Want to send a picture to family or friends or grandkids? It’s become laughably easy.
I remember a three-month trip across Canada that I took in the 1970s. I would shoot slides, put them in postal mailers that both Kodak and Fuji supplied, mail them to be processed and sent to my home address. My house-sitting friends would then get together and have slide shows wondering where I was when the picture was made. Gosh, I doubt that younger readers can’t even imagine that cumbersome process now that we easily transfer images to cellphones or post pictures for friends and family with commentary on any image-sharing site like Facebook from our motel room or while relaxing at a coffee shop.
Photography is a tailor made pastime for retirement. For many it’s a great time of life with lots of freedom. And what better way to capture and share new memories, be creative, remain active, and to keep that brain stimulated by working with a camera.
Stay safe and be creative. These are my thoughts for this week. Contact me at www.enmanscamera.com or emcam@telus.net.
