JHS Loc: Carmichael, CA

Knowing that a goodly percentage of the UHH membership are over 60, I wanted to find out if any of you have encountered this problem, and if so, how you resolved it.

I have finally gotten to the age where I could afford some good photographic equipment, but the Universe has a sense of humor, and whilst it now gives me the equipment I always wanted, it took away the physical ability to fully use and enjoy it. Specifically I speak of the terrible feeling of vulnerability I have in going out alone to parks, nature areas, and reserves to photograph, the fear of being robbed, and the fear of falling and not being able to get back up.

Certainly I cannot be the only geezer who has felt these fears, so how do the rest of you handle them? I will be grateful for all thoughts and suggestions.

John

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Those are legitimate fears, John. And though I am not yet at the age where I have those fears I'm close enough to see your point. I would suggest finding a companion to enjoy your photography with you so that you aren't alone while enjoying yourself. It should be fun for you, not worrisome.

Murray Loc: New Westminster

Maybe join a photography club.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

At eighty two I can some what relate to your concerns. I do not do as much shooting wild life in the parks and woods as I did but do more macro and in the summer I have bird feeders and bird houses that lets me set just out side my back door and shoot. I also plant lots of different flowers to attract the birds and also shoot them. Driving through the country if you are able to do that can provide lot of opportunities also. Local architectural is another option. Sun sets and sunrises are always different. When you are going out any where look for subjects that you can go back to later when the light is more ideal. Still life subject are always available. Macro of flowers, insects, frost and other objects can be interesting subjects. Street photography is also good source. A walk around your neighbor hood can produce some surprises where you would least expect to find a subject. A piece of junk, especially some thing rusty or with patina that shows age. The world is full of beauty if we only look. We just have to adapt to our surroundings and limitations and look for opportunities when they arise. Children and pets are always interesting to shoot but a challenge as well. Good luck on your new hobby be thankful that you have blessing of being able to enjoy life. Keeping and active mind and exercise can improve our quality of live. Just keep on keeping on.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I'm your age, but I do not have any problems/thoughts of going anywhere, I'm sorry you feel that way!

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Carry a 1911 and a cell phone.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

I am with you...but now where i live, my 1911 is a .357.


Rich...

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I know the feeling, John. It’s unfortunate that I cannot travel to such places alone, and it’s more difficult to find one willing to go out and see what I want to see. Fortunately, my wife is pretty decent at it.

HardwareGuy

Seeing that he is in California, that is a difficult proposition. CCW permits are not easily had. How about a container of pepper spray, just in case.
Of course, I get your point that one should not have to worry about such things. A sorry commentary on today's society.

Vietnam Vet

I was bit by a dog a couple of years ago. There are worse and larger animals to be attacked by around here. So it was a sort of a wake up call. I carry a colt 45 now to protect myself form those critters. I also take my dog if I go walking into the woods here. If I plan to go on a photo shoot I usually plan it so my wife can go with, she hasn't retired yet. And the cell phone is always in my pocket. But it wouldnt do much good since, if the 911 operator asked where I was, I probably couldn't give her very good directions.

PeterBergh

Any old fart (such as myself) or fartess is likely to be a tempting target for a robber. The cure is to constantly be alert. People walking around with procto-cranial insertion are likely to be robbed, regardless of age.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

One of UHH users, rockdog, visits the northern Sacramento Valley wildlife refuges often. See a recent post:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-562595-1.html

Perhaps you can pm with him about drive-through opportunities?

Old Timer has made some great suggestions. Expanding on his mention of street photography and walks around the neighborhood, try some weather-related shooting: I've done several excursions, both in the countryside and in town, shooting through my car's windshield or side windows during rain (I did pull over and park ). It can be a fun challenge to figure out best focal length and aperture + best subjects on the other side of the wet glass.

If Sacramento fog is anything like I remember, you have a whole different view of "normal." See #4 below, a commercial orchard of young apple trees I shot from my car in winter.

As for keeping an eye open for the unexpected, #1 was the view through the window while I was inside a coffee shop and #2 is from the parking lot of my grocery store during the morning blue hour. #3 was at a Farmer's Market.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

But, depending on your county in California, they can be had. Rural counties are more agreeable to CCW permits.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I'm 66, and not as physically capable as I used to be, but still pretty spry. God, I thought I'd never be one of those old men who called himself spry. On fleek, maybe, but spry????

I have always photographed life as I saw it - including urban street photography, abandoned places, and as much wilderness as I can hike to without my knees and back kicking up too badly. I have never done so with fear and trepidation, and I'm not about to now. My wife often accompanies me, but I also go into areas that I've been advised not to. I can think of at least a dozen senior members here who are older than I, and still do the same things, just maybe a little bit more slowly now.

I've done a lot of stupidly adventurous things over the years, and I'm not yet ready to restrict myself to grandchildren and the family pets. I will not go gently into that good night, but rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Andy

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Pepper spray sounds like a good idea in a compact form and I don’t believe a state permit is required anywhere! Besides, as those Hogs who are NRA members would point out, just like their revered POTUS reiterated in commenting on that Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, "If an armed guard had been, this shooting could’ve been avoided."

Isn’t he wise? So there you go, JHS, just hire an armed bodyguard and you’re sure to be okay ... unless, of course, you and the guard are surprised by an armed criminal, and then you’ll just be dead anyway.

If permitted, how about carrying mace around with you, or maybe a Tazer? No, that’s probably insufficient. And a .357 peashooter? Why stop there? Bring an Uzi or a bazooka with you. That’s the ticket!

Seriously, JHS, I suggest you do what I do: keep a charged cellphone with you and don’t visit neighborhoods alone where thugs lurk, no ifs, ands, or buts. Sure beats packing heat!