The call to photography

Years ago I was gifted a camera, but I didn’t receive a call to be a photographer. That call didn’t come until later. A couple of years after getting my first camera I did start to become more and more interested in photography. I had acquired some more gear and even a simple black and white darkroom. Then the call faded. I had cameras but little interest in making photographs outside of vacation or special events. That call finally arrived in the spring of 2005. It isn’t that I didn’t have a “telephone” I didn’t have it turned on. In fact, I wasn’t even particularly interested in art or music. Oh, I had art on the walls of my house and I listened to music but it wasn’t a focus of my lifestyle. I’m not sure what prompted my interest in photography. I remember going to a camera store, Ritz Cameras. I found a camera I wanted to buy. I got a Nikon D50 with an 18-55mm “kit lens”.

I would take photographs of just about anything that crossed my path. I was operating in mostly a variety of automatic modes but it didn’t matter. Soon, I acquired more gear. The call had come in. I was 46 years old at the time. Many of the other photographic artist types I have met had a much earlier beginning, many when they were children.

My point is that no matter how old you are when the call arrives work it. Develop a passion for your art. You’re never too old and remember, always always be willing to move outside of your comfort zone and styles. Try new things.