lakeforklady

I began my photo life at the age of 14. Ten years later, I had my first job and a 35mm camera. It quickly became my passion. Since retirement (13 yrs ago) I have had spurts of Photo fun intermixed with external extractions. My backyard is filled with wildlife and flora and a beautiful view of Lake Fork. I got tired of golf 3 yrs ago and switched my funds to new photo equipment. I feel like I make a "hole in 1" @ photo shots lots more than @ golf (never!).

Better camera (7DII), better tripod (used gitzo) and ballhead (RRS BH-55), longer lens (100-400 L series). Looking forward to a 5DIII when funds become available.

But the real change was in post processing. I have always enjoyed printing (had a darkroom before retirement). Now I have transitioned to a nice digital darkroom. It began with an upgraded printer (Epson R2000) and newer version of PS Elements (14). Then added NIK, ON1 (free version), and a select few Topaz plugins. Then came the newer version film scanner (Canon Canoscan 9000F) which allowed me to digitize 35 years of 35mm negatives for reprinting or re-purposing. Shots I made 25 years ago have now come back to life, better than ever.

One of the biggest upgrades has been UlgyHedghog.com forum. I look forward to every Monday morning. There is a tidbit or 2 in almost every week's edition that helps me in my passion. And, most of these tidbits don't cost me a dime.

As to what I do with my photos, I hang them on the wall of my utility room (gallery I) and have recently expanded to my bathroom (gallery II). As you can imagine, these are for my own pleasure. If a friend wants a copy, I just print it and give it to them. No monetary exchange. That spoils the pleasure for me.

How you pursue your passion in retirement is entirely up to you. Sitting on the back porch or traveling the world. I have done both. But, have fun with it and never let it become a "job".