Retirement is a big change. At least for me it was since my life revolved around the grandkids, husband and mom. My small parttime business, which I was closing, was my outlet. What would I do? Enter– photography.

Photography changed my life! It rescued me, gave me purpose and became a passion.

My business was something I did for me. It kept my brain active, and I enjoyed being a part of my client’s successes. I was truly afraid of giving that part of me up. But once I stepped on that photography path, I knew I had found the right outlet.

This new venture was a steep learning curve, especially since I didn’t want to take classes. (I didn’t want homework!). Photography became my brain gym. I joined photo meetup groups, and met other photographers, some of whom became friends. I found photographers are willing to share knowledge.

I soon became a photo addict, reading tutorials, and went out on as many outings as I could. I didn’t realize what the greater Sacramento Area had to offer as far as beauty. I did my best to go out to various places like the Foothills, the Sierras, the coast, the city and the countryside.

I was definitely on the photography path. Now 13 years later, I’m still traveling the photography road and loving it. I have Chronic Fatigue, but when my camera is in my hand, I’m never tired. I see opportunities like my camera would. Compositions just pop out to me saying, “Here I am! Take the shot!”

Now what to do with all the photos I’ve taken? I started a blog which led to the Lens-Artists Challenge. I’ve so enjoyed sharing photos with all of you and learning about where you live and travel. Photography has brought me all this. It has enriched and changed my life.

What has enriched and/or changed yours? That is your challenge this week. Share with us your joys and passion of a hobby or life experience that helped direct your life’s passion. It might even be a person who made a difference along the way. Express your thoughts in words and pictures.

Oh, use as many words as you need! I really enjoyed your posts in response to John’s Pick A Word challenge last week. What a variety! Next week Ritva will present the challenge, so look for her post.

In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

69 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #339: Life’s Changes”

  7. Photography was my saviour when I had to take early retirement and bought a small Canon point & shoot camera and enlarged my weekly walks. Then a DSLR came on the scene and I’ve never looked back.

    I agree with all you’ve said about photography, but next comes the question, after Photography what’s next? Hopefully I’ll get around to posting on my blog this week and explain.

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    1. Thanks Leanne! I don’t mind studying, I just don’t want to have to have something ready at a certain time. After raising three kids and having writing deadlines, I’m done with that stuff.

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  13. Pingback: Sketching beyond my comfort zone – Wandering Teresa

  15. I loved your theme choice this week, Anne! Photography is such a wonderful, creative and all-inclusive hobby that provides immediate pleasure. Your examples show us your passion and expertise. Going out on photo shoots alone or with a group is just wonderful. As you already read, photography goes along with my own leisure pastimes. Once I learned how to take close-ups pf flowers, well that was it! Sacramento and surrounding areas in NorCal are a photographer’s dream. Here’s mine today:

    https://secondwindleisure.com/2025/03/09/sunday-stills-looking-forward-to-my-favorite-spring-flowers/

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  29. Funny how life takes you down new paths. I think your photography is so lovely and it has been a pleasure seeing your growth over the years. Even better, your fan club is getting big!! That says a lot. Every one of your posts is one of the ones I always look forward to reading. 🙂

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  30. “…when my camera is in my hand, I’m never tired.” That is true fo me too. A wonderful theme – but difficult to find only one enriching or life changing thing to write about. You do it so well! I am still thinking…but have not decided yet. That is a new problem to me as I age…it’s harder to decide things than it used to be. Let’s see what I will settle for…

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  31. I am retired for 17 years now. I needed all these years to learn doing nothing and not following the puritan way that I have to learn something and getting better (I know it sounds paradox learning not to learn).
    It’s hard just being, at least for me. But now I feel the freedom.
    Klausbernd 🙂

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    1. Oh my Klausbernd, you are so right. It is hard to just be. I have to be at the computer or reading something. For me just being is watching the TV because it rests my mind. For me, freedom is having the choice. I hope you continue to enjoy just being and feeling that freedom that you’ve worked so hard for.

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  33. Great post Anne, and interesting to hear your story. Great to hear how photography has been a passion for you when I get my post together I shall be returning!

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