I have been interested in photography since I was a teenager. However, as so often happens to all of us, life gets in the way of our interests and passions sometimes. Jobs, mortgages, kids, and family responsibilities become our priority in what I have come to call the “First Act” of our lives. Having successfully raised two children into adulthood and recently retired from our jobs, my wife and I have now entered what I refer to as the “Second Act” of our lives.
I am in my fifties now, and in 2014 I retired from a career of being a police officer for 29 years. Being a police officer had also been one of my passions since I was a young man. During my 29 years of law enforcement, I always felt privileged and fulfilled to be doing the work, and I enjoyed every moment of it. However, at times it was tough, because as a police officer you can see some of the more sad and tragic sides of life.
Having completed that phase in my life, I turned my time to enjoying my family and grandchildren. I also turned to my photography with enthusiasm like I had never been able to do before. As those of you who are retired know, there often is a need to fill the void left from a successful career once that career has ended. Enjoying family and photography has become an important part of that fulfillment for me in this second phase. Through photography, I am now able to see more of the positive and beautiful sides of this world and life.
I enjoy all types of photography, but especially enjoy landscape photography. Since retirement, my wife and I have now been able to travel more often. In addition to seeing some amazing places here in the U.S., I am able to work on my landscape photography skills. However, you don’t have to travel to enjoy photography. There are often many things to photograph in your own life, community or backyard. The key is to always be working on your photography and to want to get better at it.
I am continually learning how to become a better photographer. I am also learning how to become better at editing my photographs. I have even taken my photography to the next level by starting to print my own work myself. The learning is endless and should keep you challenged every day.
If you are like me and photography was not your career, or the time wasn’t always there during the busy First Act of your life, know that it will be waiting for you. No matter whether you are retired yet or not, take time for your photography when you can, and keep your excitement for the Second Act. In many ways, this time of your life may be the exact opposite of the “previous life,” including the time you get to spend on photography.
Thank you to Photography Life reader Todd Ehrat for this essay and photographs, shared as part of our 2018 guest post contest! You can see more of Todd’s images on his 500px page.
I too am getting back into photography after a 35 year break to raise my kids and make a living . I am amazed at how much I don’t yet know but how eager I am to learn. I also love the fact that since I’ve been shooting again, I have a new appreciation for light, lines and contrast of color and shapes. Every time I see a scene worth shooting, I think how amazing it is that all of this has been out there this whole time and I forgot how to see it!
I’m in my forties and I didn’t retire, but I did give up a stressful job and we are empty-nesters now, so I related to being in a new stage of life. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your second act!
how did you get the image of Echo Lake – from the second floor of the lodge? nice!
Thanks for the wonderful essay. When I retired two years ago from a fulfilling career as a civil litigation attorney I returned to my early interest in photography and I couldn’t agree more that it is a perfect “second act.” In addition to providing a whole world of new things to learn, it provides a pathway to seeing and appreciating the world in a new and different way.
Love many second act interests and activities I’m trying on at age 69. some, i’ve done for a while, then let go. But photography is a lasting interest. It’s taking me a while to have the courage to leave the auto settings, but I’m learning. I do get much richer color if I happen to have the right triangle of manual settings (iso, SS and ap) but ti’s no where near second nature to me. fun is in the learning. thank goodness for digital and instant results of experiments! thanks for such a great essay and photos!
Your story sounds much like mine. I have a whole new set of “colleagues,” friends, goals and objectives. One more thing to add to your photo repertoire is to journal and write your story. So the next generations of your followers don’t have to wonder what got you going every day. When you take a photo, remember where you were, what you were thinking and how you felt about the image you captured. Then make a book. A high quality book on premium paper, one that you’d be proud to give to your mentor and guide. Don’t leave those images resting on a hard drive somewhere. Believe me, it’s worth the time and resources to tell your story.
I so agree with you, I retired as an RN, but wore many hats before I graduated from nursing school @ 48.. Photography is my new love. One can find so much happiness & beauty in the smallest to the largest of God’s creation! And with our wonderful cameras & lenses we are able to have these memories forever!! ( that is if I don’t mess up the ISO, the shutter speed & the exposure, but hen I can only speak for myself) .. old dogs Can learn new tricks, just takes a bit longer ;D
I’m a retired nurse too. I’m new to using manual settings instead of auto, so I mess up a lot. but love learning and taking classes, as well as reading these posts! good luck, fellow nurse!
Though not yet retired and about to turn 67, I too have taken the time to engage my photography passion. It also happens, that with the kids long grown and gone, I know have a few spare dollars to indulge myself. It is fun, it is relaxing, it keeps you moving and engaged and active. It is something you can share with others. As you say it is a fine “Second Act”. Nice shots and nice thoughts. Thank you for your time as a police officer and thank you for your rediscuvered passion and beautiful photos.
Excellent article, loved the pictures. The article hits home as I just got back into photography and I am close to retirement. I love photography as it keeps me learning new things and brings new challenges. My passion is also landscape photography, there is something special about being outdoors and taking pictures of nature and other things around you. Thank you for sharing and writing the article.
Quite deep and very relevant to many of us!