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Maturity, Wisdom, and Photography
Mar 20, 2020 10:48:12 #
Photobum wrote:
Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply ... (show quote)
You are not alone. I turn 79 tomorrow and I also loved shooting the outdoors, especially waterfalls. In the
past few years I have shot a lot in WV and believe me you can get into some pretty tough enviroment there. Starting with the last year it struck me that I am not near as agile as I once was and so I have taken a whole new approach to the terrain that I now shoot in.
Mar 20, 2020 10:58:08 #
Paul Diamond
Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA
Also approaching my 72nd birthday later this year.
Had my invincibility wake up call when I was 22 and got double pneumonia - bad. Pushed myself to burnout 3x during my career, working too much, too hard and needing physical and mental recovery time afterwards.
But, I wanted to take my wife to Yosemite for her first trip last May. I knew I was in bad shape to do it. So, I spent months organizing my photo backpack of lenses and 2 camera bodies (26 lbs.). Then wore it for 5 to 15 miles per week for months in advance. Built up my stamina and my determination. On the trip, our longest day was about 15 miles. Tired? Absolutely. But not dangerously exhausted. - Now, back from last year's trip, I don't want to lose that stamina. So, I still go out with at least 20 lbs. in my backpack, even when I know I'm not likely to use some of the gear I'm bringing.
Had my invincibility wake up call when I was 22 and got double pneumonia - bad. Pushed myself to burnout 3x during my career, working too much, too hard and needing physical and mental recovery time afterwards.
But, I wanted to take my wife to Yosemite for her first trip last May. I knew I was in bad shape to do it. So, I spent months organizing my photo backpack of lenses and 2 camera bodies (26 lbs.). Then wore it for 5 to 15 miles per week for months in advance. Built up my stamina and my determination. On the trip, our longest day was about 15 miles. Tired? Absolutely. But not dangerously exhausted. - Now, back from last year's trip, I don't want to lose that stamina. So, I still go out with at least 20 lbs. in my backpack, even when I know I'm not likely to use some of the gear I'm bringing.
Mar 20, 2020 10:59:05 #
Country Boy wrote:
The problem is they don't always arrive at the same time. Often age arrives first and we get a few knocks and bruises before the wisdom arrives.
My Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother had a crochet sign on her kitchen wall. "Ve get too soon olt, unt too late schmart". I didn't really get it until recently when I over-hiked while alone and didn't know how I was going to get back to my car.
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Mar 20, 2020 11:27:40 #
Mar 20, 2020 11:50:50 #
Well, I’m with you! Not interested in getting injured. I believe wisdom has prevailed! LOL
Mar 20, 2020 12:07:30 #
Photobum wrote:
Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply ... (show quote)
I feel for you and I'm in the same situation at 73. I have crippling arthritis and other medical problems that kept me from hiking for 2 years.i I just took my first hike in over 2 years, photos posted here, and did well it was fairly flat ground. I ran across in the app, all trails, that list all the hiking trails in the United States their length and wether easy modern etc. I have found several easy to moderate hikes fairly flat that are along rivers waterways and waterfalls close to where I live that I never knew existed. So that will be my new way to go. You might check it out. Good luck to you and your health and your photography. As we age and mother nature takes over we have to adjust. It's hard to do because we're still 18 between ears.
Mar 20, 2020 12:16:18 #
photonaut
Loc: Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
The following is a quote from author, Robert Heinlein:
"It's amazing how much 'mature wisdom' resembles being too tired."
"It's amazing how much 'mature wisdom' resembles being too tired."
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Mar 20, 2020 12:25:52 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
I have experienced four broken bones over the years. A spiral leg fracture after making a bad decision on a ski slope at age 18. Then a broken collar bone on a bike ride in my 40s, followed by a tibia plateau fracture when my golden retriever slipped in the snow and plowed into my knee. And finally at age 68 a fractured shoulder in another cycling fall that has significantly reduced my left arm range of motion.
Today, it is easy and careful all the way. I have avoided many areas and skipped photo ops not wanting to go further another surgery and rehab, etc.
Common sense is very important at 71.
Today, it is easy and careful all the way. I have avoided many areas and skipped photo ops not wanting to go further another surgery and rehab, etc.
Common sense is very important at 71.
Mar 20, 2020 12:26:33 #
Photobum wrote:
Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply ... (show quote)
Wonder what the average age of Hoggers is? Most seem to be in their 70's - I'm 74.
Mar 20, 2020 12:28:17 #
Richard1947 wrote:
I can identify with your post. I’m 72 and feeling every bit of it. There are numerous waterfalls here in Tennessee that I would love to photograph but moderately steep to steep trails have me staying away.
Come down to Burgess Falls in White country. There is a good walking trail to the falls with photo opps on the trail. You can also visit Rock Island state park for more opps. Check them out!
Mar 20, 2020 14:13:35 #
Photobum wrote:
Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply ... (show quote)
As a Confused one might say: as the year's get longer eh so should lenses..... That somewhat confusing Nikon P1000 might have a found a purpose place in photographers community. It appears, well at least to me a complicated piece of machinery that can do and does wonderful pictures. In right hands that is. I am strugling, but do like it for affordable reach, something I could not possibly ever afford in standalone lenses. Just as side note on that great reach, that camera sure does make liars out lot of folks that we have come to believe for a long time.
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Mar 20, 2020 14:33:02 #
Bigmike1
Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.
I'm 79 now and I realize that, like you, there are many places that I will now never photograph. I would love to go back up to Delicate Arch but with my limitations at walking I would never make the hike. They would end up medivacing me out....probably dead.
Mar 20, 2020 14:34:16 #
Richard1947 wrote:
I can identify with your post. I’m 72 and feeling every bit of it. There are numerous waterfalls here in Tennessee that I would love to photograph but moderately steep to steep trails have me staying away.
At 82 I too limit my off road photography trips.
Mar 20, 2020 14:45:41 #
latebloomer
Loc: Topeka, KS
"Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply some places I will not be able to photograph, despite the natural beauty and calling."
Falling is not just breaking appendages. April 9 of last year I was taking pictures of neighbors flowers. There were some small limbs. I stepped back on one and fell on sidewalk. I Ended up with emergency brain surgery to same my life. I have no memory of the failing, brain surgery, or the first 2 weeks in hospital. I defied odds and left the hospital after over 4 weeks of being in the hospital. My memory requires relearning a number of things . My computer and Olympus OM D E M1 ii have been a pain. (Olympus settings are not as reasonable as my Nikon's; in fact, the camera settings of this wonderful camera must have been designed by logically devoid technicians. )
Be careful and watch your step.
Falling is not just breaking appendages. April 9 of last year I was taking pictures of neighbors flowers. There were some small limbs. I stepped back on one and fell on sidewalk. I Ended up with emergency brain surgery to same my life. I have no memory of the failing, brain surgery, or the first 2 weeks in hospital. I defied odds and left the hospital after over 4 weeks of being in the hospital. My memory requires relearning a number of things . My computer and Olympus OM D E M1 ii have been a pain. (Olympus settings are not as reasonable as my Nikon's; in fact, the camera settings of this wonderful camera must have been designed by logically devoid technicians. )
Be careful and watch your step.
Mar 20, 2020 14:48:10 #
At 77 I have found that trekking poles let me hike in a few areas (steep hills, or rocky surfaces) that I wouldn't be able to without them. Also, tai chi has been an enormous help with balance this past five years.
I do evaluate places more carefully though.
I do evaluate places more carefully though.
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