Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Then go die.
I was responding to a silly attack on me and explaining something you libs can't comprehend. I should know better, you are right as libs have no comprehension capability and come up with the stupidest comments.

CaptainPhoto

I understand your concerns. You might try MACRO photography. So much of it, you can do in your own backyard or even at home in the house. Go to the grocery store or flower shop and buy some different flowers and try some MACRO photography. Check out the Mike Moates Macro facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/339994816429444/permalink/567557167006540/ Check out other MACRO information on YOUTUBE - tons of good ideas.

pokeyid Loc: Idaho

Police and judges get involved after the crime. Be aware and prepared.

picpete Loc: Northern Alberta Canada

This such a sad commentary.

Bob Locher Loc: Southwest Oregon

First - I think you are being realistic. The above suggestions are good.

Besides driving to scenic areas, I also own an ATV - a Polaris Ranger 900XP - and greatly enjoy that. I live in an area where I have a few miles I can traverse with it.


About personal safety. I own a Ruger and have the carry permit - but I rarely do. I usually do carry pepper spray. I have never used the pepper spray but came close a couple times with troublesome dogs. In terms of being robbed - well, you have to decide at the time what the best approach is. Often, I think I'd just hand over whatever they demand, as long as I think I'll survive the encounter. You could insure the gear against theft - but the likelyhood of armed theft is low and I self insure. And as you say, you can afford the gear. If I thought I could get away with it, I'd even ask to keep the memory card when they take the camera!

The important thing here -as you are obviously aware - is that you only have one life. Being a dead hero for the price of a camera is not a real productive approach.


Falling and unable to get up - there is one thing you can do - a bit spendy but if it gives you peace of mind maybe worth it - buy one of the personal satellite based emergency beacons. It should get help even though you are lying on the ground in the back of beyond. Back country hikers use them. Also, the alarm button on your car key can be your friend if you are within range. Carry a whistle.

You should have something of an emergency kit in your car - blankets, proper footware, a coat, food, water, a flashlight with checked batteries and a first aid kit.

I strongly believe in being careful and recognizing your limitations, but not living in constant fear. Be prudent - yes - but enjoy life and your photography.

One last comment - Linda's pictures never fail to make me jealous of her eye and talent.

Cheers - and keep on clicking!

Bob Locher

cessnalvr Loc: West virginia

Thats a good answer

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

I joined the Pacific Photographic Society. With about 4,000 members, and hundreds of events each year, there always is some place to go and people to go with. However, I still go out on my own. As my wise old grandmother told me in 1966, "When it's your time to go, it's your time to go."

lbrande

Always carry a knife. I prefer H*K at 64+

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

amen Andy...Agree totally...Almost 71

Chuck

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

Not to lecture and I don't know you or your limitations or history but, in general, it's a matter of mental attitude and keeping physically in as good a condition as possible. The fear of crime is overblown in most cases and can be further reduced by remaining aware of your surroundings as you venture out. I'm 71 and I travel internationally with my wife at least once a year and nationally several times and I ride my motorcycle alone from 5000 to 15,000 miles a year and while I've had some tense situations nothing bad has happened. It's fair to say I've lost more equipment to my absent mindedness than to crime. Equipment can be replaced but experiences not so much.

There have been really good answers here and my advice is to take the plunge and go for it. Just start easy and work your way up. I will improve your life immensely. (Don't forget to hit the gym as that will improve your life too.

jwest Loc: South Dakota

In 30 years I have never shot anyone. I have drawn my gun 3 times, in differing situations. Any one of those could have ended very differently had I not been armed. In each case the person(s) decided to leave the area and leave me (and in one case) my family alone.

tomcat

Amen to that, old timer. I took a summer vacation trip with my grown-up kids to Maine and I had to let them climb out onto the rocks. I am 70 and don't need a broken hip. My son captured some of the best images I've seen of the lighthouses. He paints in his spare time and he has a better eye than I do, so I was most eager to just drive them to the locations and let them shoot away. I took closeups of flower and boats in the harbor while they climbed over stuff. Was I sad that I could not do this any longer? Not really sad, just resigned to this fact, but I'm also happy to know that I did not fall--so was I sad, nah, just happy.

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

A year ago, at age 81, I had open heart surgery to replace a faulty aortic valve. One of the after effects was a terrible anxiety of going ANYWHERE. Obviously, photographing for me ceased. So I restarted by taking short excursions to nearby parks that were well populated. Every week I ventured a little further. In September we took an overseas trip, which I was dreading, but it turned out fine.

I still have bouts of anxiety when I'm in a strange place or in crowds, but it's manageable. Suggest you start out one step at a time. Good luck.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I am 75 and I realized years ago that I aged there was a segment of the population that had started to look at me as a potential victim, particularly with a $1000+ dollars of camera equipment hanging around my neck. Fortunately I live in a state, Arizona, where concealed carry is allowed and random acts of violence have decreased as a result of that.

Physically I cannot go to some of the places I used to. The trails have gotten steeper and longer over the years. With regard to the victim part I have become much more aware of my surroundings. I avoid places that are potentially dangerous. I don't do street photography. I try to do my nature photography in areas where other people are nearby. Yes I carry--always, everywhere. I never leave home without my cell phone because the day is coming when I am going to fall and not be able to get up.

Overall, I guess, I refuse to be daunted by daily risks. I have lived with risk all my life and still reached 75 and I'll be damned if I am going to change now.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ