ggenova64

Hi Craig
Start clicking away! This will make you a better photographer!

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

"Long ago...It must be...
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They're all that's left you"

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

I get it. Lived from 1978 to 1998 overseas. Lived in India England Belgium. Visited about fifty countries. Very few photos.

Making up for it now...

Jolly Roger Loc: Dorset. UK

There is nothing to gain from dwelling on yesterdays.

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called "the present."”

― Eleanor Roosevelt.

nikonboy Loc: Apple Valley, MN and Pine Island, Florida

Craig, we all regret not having our cameras with us at some time or another. We can't undo the past, but we can learn from it and do better in the future. You have had an amazing life. Speaking for myself, and I'm sure many others, I hope you write a book, either by yourself, or with the help of a friend or relative. I hate to think of your memories being lost to the world. Another option would be to make videos of you describing each of those experiences. They can then be posted on YouTube so we can all marvel at those adventures. If I can help you in any way with any of these ideas please let me know.

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

"I've been around the world in a place, settled revolutions in Spain." Please don't take this wrong as I see only liver linings here. It doesn't make sense that you should be upset with yourself. If it's pictures you lack, I can send you boxes of National Geographic issuess, some possibly covering the times and places you were busying actually living while the NG photographers were busy working for a living. Instead of spending time taking pictures, you immersed yourself in the places appearing in some of the pictures that tourists and journalists had to squeeze into their viewfnders. Oh, I am sure I will hear from world travelers, some professional photographers who lived a full life, had a thousand lovers, speak six languanges, and documented their every step with their very first Leica which they still use, but they were obviously into photography then and from the start. You didn't feel empty without a camera then, why now? You don't sound like the kind of person who has time for regrets. Don't take this wrong, but I don't believe you all that sick with yourself. I can imagine you would have liked to include your own photos in an autobiography that you need to write, one that others less fortunate travel-wise would truly enjoy. Writing is no less an art than the one your discovered only five years ago. "No photos". From the lines in your post, it sounds like you would enjoy that just as much as photography.

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

I admire the shortcut you took to where I am now, taking pictures just for something to do.
I spent the years photographing much of my life, starting in the mid forties. There are boxes upon boxes of prints and hard drives filled with photos in the storage bin down in the basement of this retirement facility that haven't been viewed in at least the last five years - what a waste of space.
Every day though, a new/old story from the past appears in my minds eye in what I'm sure is a much better version - photos remain static.
Wouldn't do my life again for billions of dollars but wouldn't take that or more for it.
Think about what was said above about wasting time and maybe missing something because of fiddling with a little box.
When you get old you'll understand. Have a long life, retired Navy Chief.

debbie wrazen Loc: Western New York

Regret is what keeps us most hopeful. It sounds a little bizarre but it's true. As long as you have life in you, keep hopeful and keep your finger on the shutter.

radiojohn

I would suggest writing down your stories. "Word pictures" are valuable as well. But it, like photography, it is hard work. You have to focus and try hard to retain details.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Well, Craig, you have a great opportunity to take photographs presently. Why not start now?
--Bob

Piltdown1952

Never too late to start!

craig.j.tucker

I'd love to see your photos. My uncle was an old Chief. WWII and Korea. He said Havana was the best of the rest.

craig.j.tucker

Oh, I do, Bob. Just came back from St. Louis with my Camera.

craig.j.tucker

You didn't feel empty without a camera then, why now? You don't sound like the kind of person who has time for regret



Good Point.

I'd really like to have a beer with you.

Thanks for. your words that I will read again

Nikon1201

I did film years ago but gave it up in 1989. Retired at 65 bought my first digital and my last one 2 years ago and have a 25000 shutter count . Join a few clubs and start , go out everyday , shoot wildlife , people sunsets etc . But start.