I've decided to retire from photography...

ozmoose said:
In a way, this is a self-destructive thread - . . . Over the years, I've shot probably thousands of images of our long-deceased cats - after I've floated away to cloud land, nobody in the family will be even remotely interested in these photographs, and the lot will most likely go into a rubbish 'skip' and taken away to the local dump for disposal, likely as landfill. Or burnt. So best I do it beforehand.
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I think that feeling "self-destructive" and facing the inevitable question - "what has my life been about?" - is what you are coming to terms with. It certainly occurs to me: the feeling that all will be forgotten, that I will be forgotten and what I have produced will end in the trash heap. Photography brings us face to face with this because it is often conducted as an exercise in record-making: we express and create our life experience through pictures. But where does it go when we pass on? I think you are right to start assessing what you have done and to whom you might pass on selections of your work. I don't see why you should not, at the same time, continue to take photographs. Don't foreclose on the possibility that the magic feeling of wanting to capture some part of life might return. Perhaps changing format will help.
 
If you are lucky enough to be able to choose that which gives you joy, then do it! I worked for a newspaper in the 1990's and quitting that job was like a breath of fresh air for my picture taking. I enjoyed it again!

I think there is a big difference between wanting to take pictures and having to take pictures. Follow through with your plans, take a year or two to see how you feel. Me? I always come back to picture making, but that's just me. And it would be sad to think that having chosen photography thirty or forty years ago that I was condemned to only that pursuit. Luckily for me, the world is wide and interesting. And sometimes it deserves to be participated in rather than recorded. Good for you!

Report back on how the experiment/transition goes.

Ben
 
The only photography I have retired from is working with clients. It’s the self inflicted pressure exerted that I’m mostly rid of.

I’ll never retire from making photographs of family, friends and travel.

I’m having lots of fun now! Why quit?

I like the pano feature of my iPhone. My wife and I are spending a week hiking the Grand Canyon soon with a few folks. The pano feature will get used some.
 
I'm sorry to hear you've got done regrets from neglecting done things for the sake of photography. Someone's, it's too easy to obsess and miss the first four the trees. Maybe THIS is the part of the thread to which we should pay heed...

I'm not sure you'd be satisfied with any digital camera, after shooting film your while life.

But anyhow, it's worth a try, I guess. Invest in a good digital photo frame.
 
It would be difficult to 'give up' something that has been a very large part of your life for so long. On the other hand, moving your interest from capture to collation is a large and extremely worthwhile task in itself.
About seven years ago, I started writing my life journals. This meant going through my life, one year at a time, and recalling everything I could in chronological order, in the form of a diary. I've gone back to my old handwritten journals and diaries from years past, as well as continuing to write daily entries now. I finished the bulk of writing recollections a couple of years ago, but I still write the occasional experience as I recall them. It's remarkable what you remember when you begin a process like this, and organizing your negatives, slides and prints will stir the same kinds of memories in you. Things you thought long forgotten will drift up like dreams at the edge of waking. You might like to write or record your memories as you go. Enjoy all if it.
 
Will be 70 next month and photography excites me as much as when I was a young guy. Each to their own. Good luck.
 
I didn't notice this thread until yesterday and I took my time to read it from the beginning.

Very interesting, I understand some of the OP's thoughts, being myself since a few days 71!

I think I'll never give up photography but slowly I'm changing the way I live it. Taking less photos and working much more on the archive is now happening. I like printing (inkjet) and editing and organizing books (blurb or other) is among my activities for the next months. There is a great satisfacton in transforming files (or negatives) in something tangible. The small experience I made with my zine "small imperfect moments" confirmed it.

Partialy contradicting myself, at least what I just wrote I recently ordered three different kind of film from Lomo: why? Simple to desire to develop something with a different style, to see where this can bring me as photographer.

In my opinion when like ozmoose, myself and many others in the RFF community you are immersed in photography since so many decades it's difficult to
completely retire from it. Changing the kind of relationship yes, one camera one lens why no? Or the film camera for a long journey...yes ...:) great !
 
Not too old a thread. Wow, sure a lot of 70+ around here. I also am in the process of ‘reverse gas’ if you will. Almost sure to take a dirt nap before the wife I just don’t want to put more stress on her than necessary. So, in the next year the plan is to sell/give away & generally dump most of my cameras (which mostly just sit in cabinets anyway). Still have plans to build a sliding box 4X5 and continue to shoot photo paper as negatives, just for kicks you understand.
 
I have been more and more getting more satisfaction from working with graduate students on applied research than taking time out for photography. It is a matter of prioritizing activities each week, and I am still giving photography some time. I am "changing the kind of relationship" as Robert has said it above.
 
100,000 negatives is a large number. Along with the hard drives and prints this could be somewhat burdensome to whoever accepts them. Will it be a person or an institution? What are your expectations for your photographic life’s work?

Have others thought about this for themselves?
 
ozmoose said:
In a way, this is a self-destructive thread - I expect those who have already 'retired' from photography are no longer reading these threads or even this site, and so won't be commenting. Those still involved in photography may wish to comment, if so, please do!

At age (almost) 72, I have decided that I have had enough of a lifetime of photography - since the age of 13 when I acquired my first TLR (Yashica D) camera, then a Rolleiflex, Nikkormats, Leicas in 1980 onwards, various other shooters in the '90s, Hasselblads (an ill-thought out investment for which I still kick myself), and finally digital from 2009.

Now, after almost 60 years of nonstop shooting, I believe I've had enough. It's time to hang up the cameras - and in fact sell them all - and devote the time I have left in my life to other pursuits. Other aspects of photography now demand my attention - 100,000+ negatives and slides to be checked, archived, captioned and keyworded. Boxes of old prints not looked at for many years, sorted out and those I no longer want to keep destroyed. Ditto many negatives. Over the years, I've shot probably thousands of images of our long-deceased cats - after I've floated away to cloud land, nobody in the family will be even remotely interested in these photographs, and the lot will most likely go into a rubbish 'skip' and taken away to the local dump for disposal, likely as landfill. Or burnt. So best I do it beforehand.

Throughout my life, I now realise, I've been far too focused on my photography, at the expense of other aspects of life meant to be enjoyed, but sadly neglected. To a point. I've still found time to enjoy many things in life, but time is now passing (too) quickly, and needs must. I want what time will be given to me, to be fully utilised, and I now feel I've 'done my dash' in photography over my lifetime. Enough is enough.

Yet for all that, I do not intend to entirely give up photography - let's say only 95%. My Leica and Nikon/Nikkormat collections, also my beloved Rollei TLRs, will be sold but in the not too distant future I plan to acquire ONE digital camera. Maybeone of the newer 'portable' Leicas*with a fixed lens or, if my budget permits, a late model M with one one lens, 35mm or 28mm. That will be it. To snapshot when I go traveling overseas or on road jaunts across Australia with my partner and our one remaining cat, ageing (like its owner) but who still enjoys being on the road with us.

In this I have the full support of my*partner, who recently commented, "I did wonder when you would get to making that*decision."

Has anyone else thought about this? It is, after all, a step we will all have to take at some time in the future, whether sooner or later.

And if so, how did you or will you or would you go about it? I feel the need to seek some guidance from others who may have valuable thoughts to share on what is to me, a life-changing decision.

Your input will be most appreciated. I intend to remain a rangefinderforum member for some time yet, and will respond to those comments I deem worthy of following up.

Over to you, please!
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I'm a newcomer and am reading this thread a little late for the conversation, but my first thought as I read it was, there is nothing wrong with forsaking the pursuit of photography when the time is right, but please keep making snapshots! And then I read that you intend to do so. So I think you're on the right track.

Something I've noticed about myself is that I tend to go overboard on the things that really engage me, and photography is one of those things, has been for years. But when I think critically about what I and many others do, I have to acknowledge that, for the vast majority of us, the goals of perfect technical execution, masterful theme and subject matter, and whatever else we are striving for are not lasting concerns. Sure, the better I get at a craft, the more I think it teaches me patience, attention to detail, good character traits, but all the same, I am never going to be a famous photographer and I'm not sure I would want to be. I grow less and less concerned with impressing people online with my photographs.

What I do think is lasting is the contents of some of our snapshots, the photos we take not to please anyone else but for the sheer joy of photographing. Usually (not always) these are photographs of things and people we care about, too. But even when they're not, I think some of our unconscious predilections come out in our snapshots - colors we really enjoy seeing, environments that we naturally respond to, things that engage us. For myself, I have a few (very few) proper photographs I like, but lots of what could be called snapshots, and you know what, I am happy with that.

I'm actually writing something longform (not sure what to call it yet) about snapshots in an effort to bring in one of the other pursuits (writing) that I enjoy but have been slacking off doing. It has left me thinking a lot about these things.
 
In anything..
Its best to know when to jump in..
And when to get out..
And maybe..later..jump back in again..
Esp in business..
As well as art..
 
robert blu said:
I didn't notice this thread until yesterday and I took my time to read it from the beginning.

Very interesting, I understand some of the OP's thoughts, being myself since a few days 71!

I think I'll never give up photography but slowly I'm changing the way I live it. Taking less photos and working much more on the archive is now happening. I like printing (inkjet) and editing and organizing books (blurb or other) is among my activities for the next months. There is a great satisfacton in transforming files (or negatives) in something tangible. The small experience I made with my zine "small imperfect moments" confirmed it.

Partialy contradicting myself, at least what I just wrote I recently ordered three different kind of film from Lomo: why? Simple to desire to develop something with a different style, to see where this can bring me as photographer.

In my opinion when like ozmoose, myself and many others in the RFF community you are immersed in photography since so many decades it's difficult to
completely retire from it. Changing the kind of relationship yes, one camera one lens why no? Or the film camera for a long journey...yes ...:) great !
Click to expand...

I'm only 58, but perhaps you'll let me comment ;) (note- I am not a professional photographer, just a hobbyist).

I agree that the making of small zines or books is very satisfying, and I've long believed that photography should result in prints, so they are a low-cost and (fairly) easy way to satisfy my urge to print and to create. Much better than looking at pictures online.

I am also trying to worry less with my photography - I'm never going to be famous or influential, so I am trying to become more calm and zen-like in my attitudes about "getting the shot". So what if I don't? Who's going to know besides me, and why should I really anguish over it? Another shot will come along. The fact that I SEE a shot, captured or not, is becoming more important to me. I am really learning to relax and just shoot to please myself.

It's a type of freedom that I find very appealing.

So, keep shooting, if you want. Or not. The world will go on...
 
Bravo. It's such a personal choice isn't it? Everything comes to an end. Sometimes we get to choose when that happens. I'm sure you will continue to document and shoot those people and events that are of importance to you. That really is the only photography I do anyway and I will always do it. Now I do it mostly with my iPhone because the image quality has arrived, for me. I find digital cameras a bore and needlessly expensive, especially lenses. Let it all go. That's the secret to everything. We are here for such a short time. Enjoy it and embrace change.
 
Am turning 70 in 3 weeks. Have been a competitive runner since I was 15, but my knees have started to go this year and have had to quit what has been my daily release for the last 55 years, at least until I see what physical therapy or surgery can do to fix that.
Have been in uncontrolled atrial fibrillation for over a year which hasn’t helped, cardiologist is working on that. Given my heart condition, I have known for a while that maybe I will be here tomorrow, maybe I won’t, but we all should know that, I suppose.
I started with my own camera when I was around 7 or 8, and my dad’s probably a bit before that. Photography never as a job, so I have nothing to retire from. I have been a rock climber, mountain climber, motorcyclist, surfer, race car driver, son, father, husband, 100+ hour a week professional worker, golf, tennis, and general layabout. No matter what I did, I usually had a camera with me. So, the idea that I would quit photography to “move on” to something else is foreign to me, as it has never stopped me from doing anything I ever wanted to do, and as much of it as I wanted to do, and that includes family. All photography has ever done is to make all those things even more enjoyable, and, at my age, more memorable than they would have been without photography.
I just sold a beautiful motorcycle that I loved, and it hurt; just felt like it was time. Am feeling the desire to get smaller, as it just makes sense. Have way too many cameras, and need to get rid of some of those, and lenses. Just today bought a beautiful and expensive lens. No regrets. Am going to sell two other very nice lenses, and perhaps one nice body to cover the expense. Thinking is to consolidate multiple nice pieces into one or a very few really nice pieces so that I have something special to leave my daughter instead of 20 boxes of cameras she will never sort out. And, I can get simpler in the meanwhile.
I’m 70, am a bit unwell, but just got the brand new, just released, Troop and Anchell, “The Film Developing Cookbook”, Second Edition, in the mail today. It’s heavily revised, brought up to date, with about 30% new material. Thumbed through it an hour ago, and got so psyched. Sitting here in bed with it, can’t even go to sleep, wanting to read it, learn more, as if it were the new Tom Swift book and I was 11 again. There’s always something new to learn.
If I had had to do commercial photography for a living for 40 years, I can see being burned out, that’s a job, with all the connotations of that word, but for the rest of us, if it was fun at 15, not sure why it wouldn’t be as much or more fun at 70; that’d be like getting tired of eating ice cream. I guess it can happen, but I don’t see how, personally. First shutter click, or 100,000th, it never gets old.
Anyway, have fun while it lasts.
 
The way I see it; I have decided that many of my cameras must retire and I have spent the last decade or so finding homes for them...


Regards, David
 
Larry, I'm older than you but agree with your sentiments. Also never a pro photographer, and I'll observe that had you been a professional ice-cream taster, you might not choose to taste it after retirement! :) Anyway, hang in there.
 
First of all Larry, best wishes for a resolution of your heart condition, and all I can say on knees is that those of my family and friends who've traded them in for a new model have got their mobility back, albeit with some delay.

Second, I know exactly where you are coming from. Photography is not a recent hobby for me, but the return to film has absolutely revitalised my enjoyment of it, and I've discovered the joy of the developing (your book recommendation is now on my wishlist!) and hopefully printing. I've also re-discovered the joys of classical singing, and hope in my new location to do a lot more hiking. I am living with my father who always lived for his work, and in his old age has no hobbies, little company and little reason to enjoy life. Give up activities at your peril!

Intriguingly a friend who is a pro photographer has been enjoying my return to film so much he's started again. Not professionally but as he put it, he became a pro because he loved taking pictures and wanted to get that sense of re-discovery back.
 
All good things come to an end, nah !!
only Death is finite as in the existence we know

I really do not think One must totally retire...

Perhaps retire from the 'norm' You once lived
but the Eye , the Hand may find a different tool
a different way of seeing
and just be content with capturing a special moment

Best and Joy to You this Holiday Season !
 
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