Photograph © Katrin Eismann

"Maturity allows me the grace to listen, learn, and appreciate more deeply." - Katrin Eismann

www.katrineismann.com

www.facebook.com/PhotoshopDiva

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My friend Trey Ratcliff once referred to me as the "Godfather of Photography." Trey, in a complimentary manner, was referring to the fact that I have been making photographs and writing about photography for a long time - since 1978, when I was the editor of Studio Photography magazine.

At the magazine (1978-1980), I interviewed the most well-respected and best-known photographers of the day, including: Andres Feininger, Karsh, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Scavullo, Harry Benson (now over 80) and Arthur Rothstein. That's Arthur and yours truly below.

I still have, and treasure, these interviews.

I just turned 61, and I have been thinking about age and how it can affect photographers.

Back in 1978, the photographers whom I interviewed, most over 60, were as active and as creative and as enthusiastic as they were when they first started out. My guess is that the creative process of photographing kept them feeling young at heart. I also think that being an active photographer, lugging around gear, getting up early and staying out late to catch the light, and so on, kept these pros in good physical shape.

So I think photography can keep one young.

Speaking of young, I think surrounding yourself with young photographers and young creative people helps us "think young." So does challenging oneself. That is is one reason why I am working with creativeLive in October - doing a three day live class. More on the class to come, so stay tuned.

I, and many of my over-50 and even over-60 photographer friends, are actually more active than ever - teaching more workshops, giving more seminars, writing more books/apps and, of course, making more pictures.

Successful shooters have embraced social media. Those who have not . . . are hurting.

Some active photographers are even jumping out of airplanes.

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I think there are many advantages of having been around for a while, one is the reason given by my friend Katrin Eismann at the opening of this blog post.

Another is the "10,000 hours of practice" concept put forth by Malcom Gladwell in his best selling book, Outliers:

Outliers: The Story of Success

When young photographers ask me how and why I do so many things I say, "I can rest when I am dead." It's funny, but it's true.

Also, as Jeremy said in Yellow Submarine, "Hocken knockin, quid pro quo. So little time, so much to know."

Here is another concept: Learning is health. That is why we must keep on learning.

If you are over 50, I'd love to hear your thoughts (via a Comment on this blog - rather than on twitter or facebook) on how you feel about your photography – past and present. Share what you have learned, your photo philosophy. etc. Pros and amateurs are invited. If you share here, others can read and I can collect your words of wisdom.

Hey! If I get enough responses, maybe I can start iAARP - the International Association of Active and Rockin' Photographers. Yes, my friends, many of my photographer friends still rock!!

If you are not over 50, here is a good quote for you: "You are now where I once was, I am now where you someday will be."

Here's an FYI: Every photographer I know wants to keep shooting until he or she can "rest."

Explore the light - and I look forward to your comments,
Rick

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