Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter in life, filled with opportunities for exploration and self-discovery. Yet, for me, this transition also brought feelings of restlessness and uncertainty. After years of dedication to a career, the sudden abundance of free time left me searching for purpose and fulfillment. However, it's precisely during this period of adjustment that unexpected passions can emerge, leading to exciting new ventures.
Such was the case for me. After bidding farewell to the workforce and finding myself with ample time on my hands, I soon realized that idleness did not suit me well. While leisurely pursuits initially offered some enjoyment, I craved a deeper sense of purpose—a meaningful endeavor to channel my energy into.
It was during a casual ride around the streets of my hometown that inspiration struck. Photography had been an early interest of mine, relegated to the sidelines amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. I had always enjoyed framing shots of nature, but also had a deep fascination for nighttime shots with tricky lighting that pushed my skills as a rank amateur. It was time pick it back up and see where it leads me.
With the decision made, I embarked on a journey to hone my skills as an amateur photographer. Armed with little more than determination and a keen eye for composition, I delved into the world of photography with gusto. Every sunrise and sunset became an opportunity to capture the fleeting beauty of the world around me, while every outing presented a chance to refine my technique and expand my creative horizons. I have re-read the manual to my 16 year old DSLR and watched countless videos on photography in an attempt to re-learn a hobby that had been put to the wayside.
As my re-kindled love for photography grew, so too did the desire to share my newfound passion with others. Thus, the idea of starting a YouTube channel dedicated to amateur photography was born. It was a daunting prospect, to be sure—venturing into the realm of content creation as a retiree with little experience in the digital landscape. Yet, fueled by passion and a thirst for learning, I embrace the challenge wholeheartedly.
This is where things get a bit sketchy. I'm really not a very good photographer and even a less skilled video editor. I'm an old dog trying to learn new tricks and launching a YouTube channel as a content creator is a daunting task.
Planning my YouTube channel proved to be a transformative experience. Creating narrative, shooting new material, and editing video into something worthy of your time and attention is proving quite difficult. It is out of that difficulty that an idea was born. What if I create a a photography channel that does not teach? Perhaps viewers could critique my work and offer constructive criticism.
The channel is moving slowly and may not go public for some time, if at all. but what began as a response to restlessness has blossomed into a fulfilling passion—one that continues to inspire and enrich my life in ways I never could have imagined. And to think, it all started with a simple click of the shutter and a leap of faith into the world of amateur photography.
