Somewhere during the past 5 years or so it suddenly dawned on me that there are people out there who have a singular passion. They focus a majority of their time, money and effort into that one thing, and in many cases either seem to be better off for it or happier than the rest of us, or sometimes both.
I've had things that interested me but they seemed to have come and gone. I've never been passionate about anything for a long period of time and have often felt like I was missing out.
And then I discovered digital photography.
Wow! It set me back on my heels!!
It is technical enough that it challenges my intellect. There's enough "stuff" that it fulfills my desire to "get more stuff." (well, partially fulfills, obviously) And, Oh Joy! Oh Rapture! there's always more new stuff! It's often immediately rewarding enough that I gain instant gratification. It opens doors that allows me to discuss common themes or argue incessantly, although civilly, with folks like you. And it allows me to get away with things that I never could without a camera. ("No officer. I'm not a terrorist.")
I also like the cross-over to the computer side since I am a long time geek and love to play with software. And I find that sitting and wasting hours “fixing” a picture using Photoshop is not only extremely rewarding, it also seems to be justified if the outcome is something truly pleasing, even if it's only pleasing to me.
Finally, whether I'm outside enjoying a fantastic view of Denali, or inside, taking pictures of my pugs' noses sticking out under the little gate between the kitchen and the hall, it's just downright enjoyable, often exhilaratingly so.
As I look forward to retirement and hours to fill, I think that perhaps I have at last found a passion. Something that I can do, not overly strenuous (mostly - although there was that one time the neighbor lady's husband caught me taking pictures through the blinds and he chased me for about 5 blocks!) and there's always more stuff to buy, more arguments to foment, always more Nikon users to convert to the light, and always another shot.
And it's fun.
So while I've been taking pictures for about 50 years now, I consider myself a noob, having recently discovered photography as a passion.
Now where’s my camera …