An awakening!!

[deerstalkr]

I'm sorry for your loss Ducky. I cannot imagine how it must really feel to lose a loved one as opposed to how I think it would feel. I'm in tears, I hope you pull through this.

I'd like to respectfully suggest that you avoid making major decisions whilst you are unstable and emotionally compromised. While I do not wish to question your logic and offend you, as a result of recent events you may no longer to make rational decisions.

Pick one or a few cameras and take them with you on your travels--try not to worry too much about what they look like, just enjoy it as you did in the past. If you enjoy photography and were well known for it as some may be, I'm sure that your wife and your loved ones would also mourn the death of your hobby and passion.

If you enjoyed the process of photography, please hang on to those cameras, lenses and other accessories.

Please take care of yourself Ducky.

 

[sig]

Sorry for your loss.

I think it is very common to look at your own photos and think they are crap. And if you want to sell your cameras after looking at your photos, just sell them.

They are just cameras, and can easily be replaced. On this forum photography is important, in the real world? Not sure

 

[semrich]

Ducky, so sorry to learn about you loss, as others have already said, give it some time it will all work out.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Take all the very good advice to wait a year before making any important decisions or significant life changes. While it is hard to believe now, things will look very different in a year.

 

[deerstalkr]

Sorry for your loss.

I think it is very common to look at your own photos and think they are crap. And if you want to sell your cameras after looking at your photos, just sell them.

They are just cameras, and can easily be replaced. On this forum photography is important, in the real world? Not sure

That is an interesting take on the question of whether to sell or not to sell. It is different to my suggestion, but it is just as valid! I can become very attached to people and objects, I even make a note of the serial number of my gear and remember them just as well as the names and faces of my friends.

I realise that not everybody is as crazy as I am.

 

[sig]

It seems like people here thinks that to sell your cameras is an important decision. It is not. If you change your mind you can buy new ones...... On the plus side, we even get exited when we get our hands on a new camera. So selling and getting new stuff is a win win...

 

[thegman]

I think sig is right that selling cameras is not important, but I do think it can be important to keep our minds occupied with hobbies and interests at times like this.

 

[taskoni]

My condolences to you and your family

 

[ddutchison]

I'm so sorry to hear this news.

About your photography, I've just taken a look at your gallery, and I recognized a picture that had caught my eye over a year ago (you'll see my silly avatar beside the comments I left). I also remember how much I enjoyed looking through all your other shots at that time.

Take a complete break from photography by all means, but don't "pack it in". I know it's not your priority at this time, but I think you have a great eye and a true talent, and as several others have already said, now is not the time for making any decisions. Take care.

 

[Red Robin]

Take time

Take time

Ducky, a major loss of this magnitude can make one want to take action. My suggestion is to wait on that action. Give your self at least a year (for some it takes longer) to bring your feelings into focus. Most grief councilors suggest suggest that, a focus group is another way to go as it can help hearing how others have dealt with life changing experience, like the one your going through. I have not lost my wife but I did lose a son to drowning and it hurts it still hurts, it always will. Hang in with the ones that care and give yourself time. Red

 

[oftheherd]

What can any of us say other than offering our condolences? We don't know you or the depth of your loss. I don't know the reason for you thinking of selling your photos. My first thought is like the majority who think you should wait. But only you can decide if it is right for you at this moment, or will be later.

My main wish for you is to heal as quickly as possible. Not to ignore the loss, but simply to be able to cope with it as all must in your circumstances.

Do talk to us when you feel like it, if it helps in any way. Nobody here is going to be unkind. And you should know that all of us wish you the best as you navigate this difficult time.

God Bless.

 

[skipjack]

Ducky, very sorry for your loss. Your reaction to sort through everything and sell/get rid of things that right now are not important to you is a very human emotion. I've had the same experience. I agree with the advice to take some time away from photography right now, if it gave you joy in the past, it has the ability to do the same in the future.

 

[zauhar]

Dear Ducky,

Like all the rest on the forum, I am really sorry for your loss. My sense is that most of the RFF community are people who are close to their families, and can especially empathize with the heartbreak you are going through.

Regarding your photography, it certainly is a falsehood when you say your photos are lousy - this is a great picture, and there are many others in your gallery.

Now here's the key point - if you had no ability you would not recognize faults in your work. Saying it is 'all crap' is depression talking. You are seeing only fault.

Cocteau said "The first step to create something good is to possess the capacity to recognize what's bad" - or something like that in French. Wait a month, and then take another look at your photos. Pick one that pisses you off and write down what you don't like about it. Ask the experienced folks on RFF for advice if there is something you don't know how to approach.

In short, you should take the opposite approach. Don't abandon what you've done, give yourself a break if you need to, and then commit yourself fully.

All the best,

Randy

 

[Ducky]

Many thanks, everybody, I appreciate the comments.
I have not seen or heard from anyone since the funeral, except family. Maybe they are the virtual friends and you guys are more real than they are. However, I will give them, like everything else, time.

 

[rickp]

Good advice here...

my vote for this one too!

my condolences from across the atlantic

rick

 

[Hatch]

Many thanks, everybody, I appreciate the comments.
I have not seen or heard from anyone since the funeral, except family. Maybe they are the virtual friends and you guys are more real than they are. However, I will give them, like everything else, time.

My sincere condolences as well.

Haven't posted too much yet, but do enjoy looking at all the wonderful photos.

As others have said, take your time to process your grief.

You really do have an eye for composition.
Lots of pics to like.

So perhaps they carry too much emotion?
It's good advice to put them aside for a while.

And only pick them up again when you really want to.

 

[dave lackey]

Many thanks, everybody, I appreciate the comments.
I have not seen or heard from anyone since the funeral, except family. Maybe they are the virtual friends and you guys are more real than they are. However, I will give them, like everything else, time.

Hey, sent you a PM last week, not sure if you got it. Lot of good advice here and you said it... you have real friends here. That is strange isn't it? Just one of those amazing things that the internet has given us. The ability to share and develop relationships with those you have not even met!

Tell you what, Dave Jenkins is right, don't make any major decisions for at least a year. I want to formally invite you to come to Atlanta in April to meet a gang of us RFF'ers and you will truly meet some nice people! The experience of actually meeting people you have only "talked" with online is amazing.🙂

It's not hard to get here...we had a couple of RFF'ers from Texas this year! Give Photony a shout, he's somewhere in that vast State where you are...

Hope to actually get to meet you soon!

 

[Benjamin Marks]

It is different for everyone, but for me it is fair to say that grief is non-linear -- more like tidal. It is too huge and too strange a shape to be immediately incorporated into ordinary life. The old saw is to wait a year before making any important decisions. Best wishes for a return to balance.

Ben

 

[Rezultz]

Ducky- Perhaps it may be a different perspective than what others have said, but I've always found that photography helped me in times of stress or emotional upheaval. In a way, it has kept me sane, allowing me to take my mind off things. There is something very therapeutic about photography (or any hobby that you enjoy for that matter). I say if you love taking pictures, hold onto the gear you enjoy. My sincere condolences on your loss.

 

[nighstar]

my sincerest condolences, Ducky.... i wish i had some advice to add to this thread, but all i can do is echo what everyone else has said. please don't sell your stuff yet. 🙁