The Joy

  Creating pictures (I prefer the words “photo” or “image”, at this point in life) is a “feel good” adventure for ever so many folks. In this writing, I will share my thoughts and experiences on why I, personally, have returned to walking around in Nature with a camera after so many decades away and the benefits to my Inner Being.

My Photographic Journey

In the ’70s, I got into photography without too much knowledge-I was shooting snapshots of places, people and events. When I was “out” with a camera, it was to record what was around. I was looking for photo ops (without realizing it) rather than really ENJOYING the experience of being in the world-the viewfinder was what it was about. I put the cameras away.

  After paying tennis for 16 years (loving the people, bored with the game), I bought an inexpensive used camera (boy, did I get lucky with my choice), discovered YouTube and , following a life long habit, bought books and mags too. Great to have something wonderful to actually study at this stage of life-remember that I am an old guy. Living in a place (Boise, ID) with a 30+ mile Greenbelt along the river that flows right through the middle of town and hundreds of miles of trails (within a few miles of downtown) covering the foothills, I “dusted off” my hiking shoes and boots. WOW, am I ever where I should be!

  I pledged (to myself, nobody else would care) to ENJOY all that Nature put at my feet and if I got some good photos-GREAT.Having come together with Cheri, a few years earlier, we also do tent camping to get into Nature. In SW Idaho, we travel 60-150 miles to magnificent mountains and forests (she has no use for the high desert that is just south of town).

What is Photography?

  There are many fields of photography, a few are;

• Nature-Landscape and wildlife
• Portraiture
• Simple Snapshots
• Travel
• City Scapes
• Astro

and more!

  I have mentioned snapshots here, as I see a difference between letting the camera do the work (modern digital cameras and phones on “auto” take wonderful “pictures” or “snapshots”) to capture memories, and artful “photos” that, hopefully, will stir the senses (using a little more creativity). Each person should decide on the purpose of their own photographic engagement-please ENJOY whatever! In today’s world, it is so easy to share your “stuff” with family and friends or the entire planet (I have 200 followers from around the world following my instagram-@idahoterry).

Gear

  It is not necessary to spend giant amounts of $$ on gear or the sky is the limit-I, also, know many folks that are doing nice photography with their phone or tablet. In my usually obsessive manner, I have plenty of gear (when “out”, my pack actually weighs 20 pounds) but have invested less than $2500 by buying used or good value stuff-this is my JOY!

Finally, a Conclusion

  Do you “do” photography, as I do, or are you a photographer, as I will be? What is your passion? Why do you take “pics” or “photos”? Might you develop an interest in the future? What do you like to shoot (and why is it called such a violent word for such a passive activity)? Why are artistic pursuits called “work”?

PLEASE ENJOY!