cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Bob, A long time ago (just as digital was beginning, I had a 1.3Mpixel/3X zoom Fuji), I took a photo class in which the instructor took us outside the classroom and assigned each of us a limited physical area and told us: "... you have one hour, you are to take 15 pictures in your assigned area, none of them duplicates (no same object zooming in and out)." At first it was bewildering, "...15 pictures, of what?" After a few minutes you start REALLY SEEING what is around you (big and little) and your creative vibes kick in and you eventually find that 15 was possibly a low number. There are patterns to see, ordinary things that have detail things you look at don't usually "see". We returned to the classroom, and handed in our memory chips and had a two hour session of "show and tell" and criticism. It was a very worthwhile experience. I think everyone learned a lot about the difference between "looking" and "seeing". Try it.

kenpic Loc: Edmonds, WA

Craig Johnson is a watercolor artist that lives on Whidbey Island, WA. He started taking pictures of birds for subject matter to paint. He got really good at photography. He has a neurological condition that has confined him to a wheelchair. He now uses a cart in his yard and shoots video and stills with a point and shoot. It's amazing what he is doing. www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com.

Leo_B Loc: Houston suburb

Bob,

I confess to not reading all 8 pages so it may have been covered already. You're too far from Houston to hang out together but maybe there are UHH folks in north central Indiana who would be able to give you a ride and do some shooting with you. Keep getting better.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Not really rambling, and good luck to you, I know how frustrating your situation can be. I hope things will soon change for the better!
I too, am able to go out and shoot again, as I have just received my little portable oxygen generator, that is battery powered and that I can hang over my shoulder. I just received it this morning, so I first have to make myself familiar with it, but then I'll be good to go (it has been a while)!

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

You and me are in the same boat, Bob, but I can't even walk a mile, so you got me there and I can only dream of driving a car again.

maryo Loc: Santa fe

there are always flowers in the grocery store - you can photograph them all. The store won't mind or you can ask for permission. You can make a photo collage if you want to play with them.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Bob, I am going to do everything I can to keep you going. Everything in this universe has an expiration date. You, me, the milk, the earth, the sun - everything. And if that was the only thing, I would have killed myself a long, long time ago. We, as sentient human being, have been given the opportunity to go from point A, birth, to point B, expiration date, and make a difference in between them. All we have to do is to choose to do so. Just remember the very old, worn, over used cliche "when handed lemons, make lemonade." From time to time, I will find myself depressed too. And then I just keep on going toward that expiration date one day at a time, doing whatever I can to push it off as far into the future as I can.

The reason I enjoy photography so much is that I get to see many times what is truly extraordinary that many pass by every day as mundane and ordinary. And I understand your need and want for something more to see. See what groups of people are in your area that have similar interest. Recreational centers are a great source to start at. On line community boards are another great source. If you still work in some capacity, try to see if coworkers have similar interest or suggestions.

Just remember, you are the one that has to look for and see light at the end of the tunnel. No one can do that for you.

gasstro Loc: Indiana

Where in Indiana are you?
What do you like to photograph?

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Bob, as far as car shopping goes, buy into the future. Cars like the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius (there is a 4 wheel drive one), etc. will save you money. See if your state gives a tax credit. There are even some federal credits left for some vehicles. I own a Prius Prime plug-in and my total fuel cost for 17,000 miles will be under $700 for the year. I saved 25% on the cost of the car in tax credits. Save the green in your wallet first and then think about helping to save the world.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Ditto trying macro. A cheap set of extension tubes on a 50mm will get you started. A tripod is most helpful.
Speedy and full recovery to you.

Glenn Harve

There is your theme. Survival. Deny depression, its a buzz kill.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Try having someone put up feeders near a window. Best window would be one that faces North. thistle feeders bring in Finch, Sunflowers will bring in every thing, suet will bring in wood peckers. Photographing birds can be fun and all you need is a few feeders, a window, and YOU.

10MPlayer Loc: California

I haven't read thru all 9 pages of replies, actually only the original post so what I have to say has already been covered. How about giving macro or close-up photography a try. There are plenty of interesting things all around your house, yard and the park that are so small we tend to overlook them. Fine tuning your eye to notice the little things is a skill and it doesn't take a car or a long trip to do. I'm laid up with a herniated disk and I get how limiting it can be. Hang in there.

splatbass Loc: Honolulu

When you setup your bird feeder you might want to read Secrets to Backyard Bird Photography by J. Chris Hansen. It has a lot of great ideas for setting it up so you can get natural looking photos in your backyard that look like they are in the wild.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I can drive; I have mobility; I do not have the most photogenic places in my locale. I do look for photo opportunities; I have my camera with me most of the time.

My challenge to you is to take your camera with you to the park and take 3 new, different photos each time you are there. I don't have grand vistas waiting for me around every turn, but I do take photos of small things--a water drop on the end of a leaf, a dadelion (either yellow or getting ready to spread), the list is endless.

God's blessings as you continue to recover!