Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. This Picture-Of-The-Day project is pushing me to be a more deliberate and thoughtful photographer.

When the weather is good, I aim to capture one meaningful image each day. This project also lets me revisit my catalog for my favorite images. Sorting through nearly 75,000 photos has been a rewarding exercise in slowing down and being purposeful.

Each photo tells its own story. This weekly digest steps back to highlight broader visual themes from the past seven days and provides a bit of behind-the-scenes context.

Day 50/365 - Morning Sunrise

Yet another beautiful sunrise over the lake. This one is from Old Oakville. Was able to grab a coffee and enjoy the moment.

Morning Sun - iPhone 1/640 sec at F1.8, ISO 20

Day 51/365 - Drawn from the Well

A close-up study of early agricultural engineering at Spruce Lane Farm at Bronte Provincial Park. This heavy cast-iron mechanism is the top linkage of an antique hand water pump. I am really drawn to the deep, rich texture of the rusted metal against the soft, blurred background. The 50mm Nikon lens did a great job capturing the sharp detail. The curved iron guides and the central plunger rod create a fantastic, heavy geometry. A great example of the enduring utility of historical farm life.

Drawn from the Well- Nikon Z6 50mm 1/500 sec at F5.0, ISO 500

Day 52/365 - The Forest Recyclers

A beautiful, quiet example of the circle of life at work in Bronte Provincial Park. What looks like a decorative flourish on this fallen log is actually a dense colony of Turkey Tail fungus actively breaking down the wood. I love how these delicate, banded shelves act like natural shingles, creating an incredible, repeating pattern along the bark. It’s a wonderful reminder that in the forest, a fallen tree isn’t an end but the foundation for an entirely new phase of life.

The Forest Recyclers - iPhone 6 1/60 at F2.2, ISO 64

Day 53/365 - Focus and Feathers

A different kind of second act. This Bald Eagle is a resident at the Mountsberg Raptor Certre, a sanctuary for birds of prey that can no longer survive in the wild. While it may not be soaring over open water, it still carries a profound, dignified presence. The soft, circular bokeh in the background creates a wonderful, dreamy contrast to the sharp, rigid details of its feathers and that unyielding stare. A testament to resilience.

Focus and Feathers - Nikon D40 55-200mm 1/325 sec at F5.6, ISO 900

Day 54/365 - Follow Benches To Shore

This scene captured all of my favorite subjects in a single frame: empty benches, brilliant fall colors, and the lake. I went to one of my favorite local spots, Paletta Lakefront Park in Burlington. It is a fantastic place to shoot because the landscape offers so many distinctive scenes that completely transform as the year goes by.

This path leads right down to the shore, with the trees creating a vividly colored canopy as the season comes to a close. The scattered benches are a great touch—a constant invitation to take your time and truly enjoy the space you are in.

Drawn from the Well- Nikon Z6 24-70mm 1/200 sec at F10, ISO 320

Day 55/365 - The Tiger Longwing

Sometimes the best compositions happen completely by accident. During a quick walkthrough at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, this Tiger Longwing decided to use my arm as a resting spot. I love the striking, colorful architecture of its wings—those pale yellow spots on deep black, with a splash of bright orange. The soft, structural creases of the pale blue fabric made for the perfect backdrop, letting those tropical colors pop. A great exercise in capturing the unexpected.

The Tiger Longwing - iPhone 111 1/250 at F1.8 ISO 32

Day 56/365 - November’s Canvas

A familiar subject completely transformed by the season. This particular bench in Bronte Provincial Park is one of my favorites. However, the early November light and the explosive, golden leaf drop completely redefine the space. By placing the bench at the center of the frame, its rigid, human-made angles act as a deliberate focal point against the wild, organic lines of the forest. It stands as a quiet, structural invitation to sit down and study the shifting colors of the season in the woods.

November’s Canvas - Nikon Z6 24-70mm 1/250 sec at F6.3, ISO 800

Thanks for subscribing and following my photography. Feel free to leave a comment or a link to your work.

Steve

Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. This Picture-Of-The-Day project is pushing me to be a more deliberate and thoughtful photographer.

When the weather is good, I aim to capture one meaningful image each day. This project also lets me revisit my catalog for my favorite images. Sorting through nearly 75,000 photos has been a rewarding exercise in slowing down and being purposeful.

Each photo tells its own story. This weekly digest steps back to highlight broader visual themes from the past seven days and provides a bit of behind-the-scenes context.

Day 43/365 - Engineered Nature

A beautiful example of functional design imitating nature. This winding dry creek bed isn’t just a scenic landscaping choice; it’s a deliberately engineered water-management feature. I love how the heavy, textured river rock creates a strong leading line, drawing the eye past the autumn foliage and deep into the campus.

It’s a perfect show of how necessary infrastructure can blend with the natural environment, hiding utility inside a striking, organic composition. This is leading to one of the Microsoft buildings on Campus. I always loved the natural feel of the area.

Campus Path - Nikon D40 18-55 mm 1/500 sec at F5.6, ISO 500

Day 44/365 - Shoreline Silhouette

On the shoreline, waiting for spring. Stripped of its foliage, this solitary tree reveals its true, twisting architecture. I love how the stark, chaotic lines of the bare branches stand in sharp contrast against the deep, endless blue of the lake and sky. Grounded by heavy, textured limestone blocks, it’s a beautiful study in resilience—a structural silhouette quietly holding its ground until the warmer weather returns.

Shoreline Silhouette - iPhone11 - 1/1100 sec at F1.8, ISO 32

Day 45/365 - The Old Guard

A piece of history holding its ground against the modern skyline as condominiums start to close in.

The Town of Oakville is developing a Bronte Waterfront Strategy that includes determining future uses for the Metro Marine Building, pictured below (2015). The goal is to revitalize the harbor area into an energetic, year-round destination.

The Metro Marine Building is a warehouse-style building that has served as the hub of the local marine industry, housing boat repairs, winter storage, and general marina services. It’s a remnant of Bronte’s historical background as a working fishing and boating port.

The Old Guard - Nikon D5100 18-105 mm 1/125 sec at F20, ISO 320

Day 46/365 - Red Sun In The Morning

There is a specific magic I find in sunrises over the water. Before the sun clears the horizon, its low-angled light has to travel through the thick morning atmosphere, stripping away the blues and casting pure, fiery red against the bottom of the lake clouds. (ScienceDaily - Jan 19, 2023 I had to look up why. )

I love how the massive, sprawling silhouette of the oak acts as a heavy, structural anchor in the foreground, framing the glowing sky. A perfect, quiet moment before the neighborhood wakes up.

Red Sun In The Morning. - Nikon Z6 50 mm 1/160 sec at F20, ISO 500

Day 47/365 - Outlasting the Heartwood

There is a fallen tree I keep returning to in Bronte Provincial Park. Birch bark has been treasured in Canada for generations, and standing here, it is easy to understand why. As the heart of the tree crumbles away, its bark remains, layer upon layer, outlasting the wood it once protected.

My other name for the photo was “Forever Birch”.

As the main purpose of this series is for me to go through my library and also, when the weather is good, take new pictures that allow me to discover my style. Even at only day 47, I have learned that I tend to take pictures and like the Earth tones, browns, greens, and fall colors.

Outlasting the Heartwood - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/26 sec at F13, ISO 500

Day 48/365 - Spring Pushing Through !!

Finally!! Spring has sprung. It feels like this tight cluster of crocuses broke ground overnight, pushing straight through the heavy, monochromatic blanket of last year’s decaying leaves. I love the striking visual contrast here—the delicate, translucent purple petals and bright yellow centers standing in the muted winter debris.

Spring Pushing Through - iPhone11 - 1/120 sec at F1.8, ISO 32

Day 49/365 - CN Tower From Union Station

For years, the CN Tower soaring above Union Station was just a blur on the daily commute—a familiar backdrop to the constant rush. Now, I’m retired, it’s a deliberate pause. Taking the time to finally stop, look up, and appreciate the city’s scale and structure completely changes the view. There is a profound shift in seeing a sight like this not with urgency, but with intention.

CN Tower From Union Station - Lumia 920 - 1/2000 sec at F2.0, ISO 100

Thanks for subscribing and following my photography. Feel free to leave a comment or a link to your work.

Steve

Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. This Picture-Of-The-Day project is pushing me to be a more deliberate and thoughtful photographer.

When the weather is good, I aim to capture one meaningful image each day. This project also lets me revisit my catalog for my favorite images. Sorting through nearly 75,000 photos has been a rewarding exercise in slowing down and being purposeful.

Each photo tells its own story. This weekly digest steps back to highlight broader visual themes from the past seven days and provides a bit of behind-the-scenes context.

Day 36/365 - After Rain Chaos

Nature’s color wheel in a single, damp frame. A recent rain really saturated the brilliant reds and oranges of these fallen maples, making them pop perfectly against the lingering green grass. I love how the tiny water droplets add a beaded texture to the scene.

This was what you’d call a ‘Clearing Storm.’ It’s that rare, violent burst of weather that sweeps through Oakville every few years, acting as a necessary pruning shear for the landscape. Because it had been so long since the last one, the aftermath was a spectacular, tangled mess—a vibrant, chaotic sprawl of broken branches and scattered leaves that claimed the sidewalks.

After Rain Chaos - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/100 sec at F5, ISO 800

Day 37/365 - Coronation Fall Sunrise Wild HDR

This is a 4-shot HDR I tried out, and it just looked interesting.

One of the features, varying cloud banks over the lake, allows for amazing sunrises. On my sunrise photo walk around the park, I happened upon this amazing scene of trees in various stages of their fall display. With the clouds filtering the sun, backlighting the colors, and the sky just starting the deep blue of the morning.

One of my favorite parks is Coronation Park, a local park in Oakville on the shore of Lake Ontario. It is your typical well-maintained urban park, featuring large, designated picnic areas with covered shelters, each equipped with ample picnic tables, as well as main trails.

Coronation Fall Sunrise Wild HDR - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/100 sec at F9, ISO 200 (4 Shot HDR)

Day 38/365 - Spruce Lane Farm Old Growth Stump

Standing as a natural monument at Spruce Lane Farm, this massive, weathered stump showcases nature’s enduring architecture. Stripped of its bark, the sun-bleached, silver-grey timber and thick, reaching limbs stand in sharp, structural contrast against the soft, vibrant canopy of the tree-lined walking trail.

I like the texture of the deep, shadowy hollow at its core, and the deep, winding grooves in the wood tell a visual story of resilience and time, anchoring the landscape beside the rustic split-rail fence.

What stories can this stump tell about the farm and its history as it stands, serving as a reminder to all who use this trail?

Spruce Lane Farm Old Growth Stump - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/100 sec at F7.1, ISO 400

Day 39/365 - Summer Garden Geranium

A vibrant study in magenta and green. This Cranesbill geranium practically glows when you get the lens right down to its level. By pushing the background into a smooth, out-of-focus blur, the delicate, paper-like texture of the petals and their dark, anchoring lifelines take center stage. Just another daily frame proving that compelling compositions are often waiting just outside the back door.

Summer Garden Geranium - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/125 sec at F6.3 ISO 250

Day 40/365 - Just Look Down - Mueller Grate

I have an ongoing project entitled “Just Look Down.” A daily reminder that compelling compositions are often right beneath our feet.

This top-down view of a weathered Mueller utility cover contrasts the heavy, radiating lines of cast iron against the stark, minimalist canvas of the adjacent concrete. I love how the deep, grit-filled grooves create a pattern, interrupted only by the organic, fleeting pops of yellow from a few trapped leaves. It’s a wonderful exercise in isolating urban textures and finding beauty in the details we usually walk right over.

Sometimes when you go to the same places in the town over and over, your eye looks for newer challenges.

Just Look Down - Mueller Grate - iPhone 11 1/90 sec at 1.8, ISO 25

Day 41/365 - Nature’s Address

Nature always finds a way to soften our hardscape. Because this house marker sits in persistent shade, the stone has been naturally painted by a velvety layer of “Pleurococcus algae”, turning a simple address sign into a living element of the garden. The deep, weathered crevices of the rock create a fantastic, heavy texture that grounds the frame. It’s a beautiful example of how time and the elements interact with our built environment, punctuated perfectly by the small, brightly painted rock resting at the bottom.

Nature’s Address - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/8 sec at F9 ISO 640

Day 42/365 - The Tannery Before Sunrise

I found some fantastic compositional structure hidden in the pre-dawn light at The Tannery. The overnight lights create a complex pattern of leading lines and stark, contrasting shadows across the waterfront paths. It's wonderful to isolate these temporary patterns and turn everyday urban design into a compelling study in geometry and light. A great reminder that powerful designs are always around us, even in the artificial glare.

The Tannery Before Sunrise - Nikon Z6 105mm F2.8 - 1/40 sec at F2.8 ISO 2500

Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. This Picture-Of-The-Day project is pushing me to be a more deliberate and thoughtful photographer.

When the weather is good, I aim to capture one meaningful image each day. This project also lets me revisit my catalog for my favorite images. Sorting through nearly 75,000 photos has been a rewarding exercise in slowing down and being purposeful.

Each photo tells its own story. This weekly digest steps back to highlight broader visual themes from the past seven days and provides a bit of behind-the-scenes context.

Day 29/365 - Morning Sun Forest Path

You may notice I post a number of pictures from Bronte Provincial Park. It is such a jewel on the border of Oakville and Burlington. The Trillium Trail is a 1km trail and one of the best places to see spring wild flowers and get a top-down view of the valley floor. The trail is not very dense, which allows the morning sun to shine through and light up the fall trees.

This is one of my favorite places to walk at any point of the year. In the fall, different tree species change color at different times, so the variety of colors is always fun to see.

Morning Sun Forest Path - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/80 sec at F8, ISO 400

Day 30/365 - Lake Ontario Cloud Sunrise

An amazing sunrise. Here, around Lake Ontario, our fog days are very limited. However, with the lake, we do get some amazing sunrises and sunsets. The clouds over the lake allow the sun to rise beneath them, bathing them in pinks and reds. Some days are like the picture here. Just a band over the lake making the sunrise seem to last even longer.

This morning, the glow and rays shone above, below, and through the clouds. Making for an amazing morning. Always worth getting up early for.

Lake Ontario Cloud Sunrise - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/6400 sec at F9, ISO 400

Day 31/365 - Clear Day In Banff

This image captures a bright red Coca-Cola delivery truck driving down a street in Banff, Alberta, with the majestic Rocky Mountains in the background.

A Holiday from years ago. One day was very clear, and the views were endless. I was taken by this simple view of the street and the mountain. The green, red, and grey colors seemed to pop a little extra with the perfect blue sky.

Banff Trip - 6 Megapixel - Nikon D40 DX- 10-55 mm 1/250 sec at F8, ISO 200

Day 32/365 - Table for Three

I have a great spot on our patio for our bird feeder. Caught this female House Sparrow holding a morning summit with the metal locals. LOL A fun little study in life imitating art—or maybe just a bird looking for a snack.

Table for Three - Nikon D5100 55-200 mm 1/200 sec at F5.6, ISO 500

Day 33/365 - Snow Feeder

With spring today, I am filling our bird feeder, and I also came across this photo from a couple of weeks ago. Brings me so much joy to see this filled with seed rather than snow. I love the spring colors of the fence and the branches from the Rose of Sharon framing the feeder, all with different hues of brown

Snow Feeder- Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/600 sec at F9, ISO 1600

Day 34/365 - I Walk The Line

With spring temperatures, the street is often too warm for snow to accumulate, creating an almost black-and-white scene. With my goal this year to learn B&W photography, I thought this would be a perfect subject. However, I kept this as a color picture as I loved the yellow lane divider being the subject of the scene. Always learning something new.

I Walk The Line - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm 1/500 sec at F9, ISO 1000

Day 35/365 - Bronte Beach - Nikon D40

This picture is from my old Nikon D40, which has a 6 MP sensor. From May 2009 photowalk on Bronte Beach. The old CCD sensor really captured the colors and brought back so many memories. Seeing the fisherman on the wharf, with the entrance lighthouses in the background, really gives a sense of history. How many fish have been caught on a sunny Sunday in May?

Bronte Beach - Nikon D40 DX - 10-55 mm 1/400 sec at F9, ISO 400

Thanks for subscribing and following my photography. Feel free to leave a comment or a link to your work.

Steve

Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. This Picture-Of-The-Day project is pushing me to be a more deliberate and thoughtful photographer.

When the weather is good, I aim to capture one meaningful image each day. This project also lets me revisit my catalog for my favorite images. Sorting through nearly 75,000 photos has been a rewarding exercise in slowing down and being purposeful.

Each photo tells its own story. This weekly digest steps back to highlight broader visual themes from the past seven days and provides a bit of behind-the-scenes context.

Day 22/365 - Banff Trip 6 Megapixel DX

Banff in Alberta, Canada, is one of my favorite places. Like Bilbo said, “I want to see mountains again.) :) When I took this trip in 2012, I was using my Nikon D40, a 6.1-megapixel DX-format DSLR and kit lens released in 2006. As I go through my catalog and now learn to use Lightroom more advanced, I can save photos I did not think were worth saving at the time.

This picture is a good example. The sun was on the mountains in the background, and the foreground mountains were way too dark. Using Lightroom, I was able to save the shadows and highlights, making this a fairly nice picture.

Banff Trip 6 Megapixel - Nikon D40 DX- 10-55 mm 1/250 sec at F8, ISO 140

Day 23/365 - Tractor In Fall

This fall, the October photograph captures a beautifully preserved piece of early 1900s Ontario agricultural history at the Spruce Lane Farmhouse, located within Bronte Creek Provincial Park. The setup looks just like it may have been driven here on its last day of work

In 1972, the Ontario government purchased the house and 100 acres of land to help establish Bronte Creek Provincial Park, which officially opened to the public in 1975. The park has so many trees that all seem to turn at the same time. Really nice to have a place in the city that is so well kept.

Tractor In Fall - Nikon Z6- 24-70 mm 1/320 sec at F7.1, ISO 800

Day 24/365 - Peggy’s Cove Harbor

This photograph beautifully captures the quintessential maritime charm of a working harbor in Peggy's Cove. The vibrant red and white fishing boat, the Harbour Mist, moored peacefully against a rugged wooden pier. The stillness of the water creates a striking mirror effect, reflecting the boat's bold hull and the surrounding structures.

I love the classic Atlantic architecture, with a soft seafoam-green home and a striking crimson shed. The weathered, cedar-shingled building, sometimes called a shed if I remember correctly. The rocky, seaweed-strewn shoreline hints at the rugged environment.

My family is from the Maritimes. When people talk about the "East Coast of Canada" as a whole, the officially recognized term is Atlantic Canada.

Peggy’s Cove Harbor - Nikon D40 DX 55-200mm - 1/500 sec at F5.6, ISO 200

Day 25/365 - The Iron Rosette

I was doing a photo walk around East Oakville, and the number of gates on the houses was amazing. Some of these gates, however, had really nice artwork. This photograph highlights a beautiful piece of ornamental ironwork, centered on a symmetrical, circular medallion set within one of these sturdy black gates.

I had a couple of pictures, but I liked the tree in the bokeh on the left. Rather than just a green background of the grass, this one gives more of the story of the yard the gate is trying to protect. Beautiful yardwork and older trees made this one of the nicest yards on the walk.

The Iron Rosette: - Nikon D40 DX- 50 mm 1.8 - 1/250 sec at F1.8 ISO 200

The Iron Rosette: - Nikon D40 DX- 50 mm 1.8 - 1/250 sec at F1.8 ISO 200

Day 26/365 - Spring Snow Fall Bench

That weather whiplash is too real—only in March can you get a sunburn and a snowstorm in the same 24 hours!

Just to think it was 20C (68F) just yesterday. Wild spring snowfall, but it is March, so this should be gone tonight in the rain. I did get a chance to sit and listen to a podcast yesterday, and really enjoyed the day. I needed to cover my bald head so I wouldn’t get sunburned, LoL.

Spring Snow Fall Bench - Nikon Z6 - 24-70 mm - 1/80 sec at F9 ISO 100

Day 27/365 - Life of a secret introvert

I spent my entire career being “ON”. Now that I have started retired life, I love sitting on my backyard bench in the morning with a coffee. Enjoying the “ME” time i was never able to get enough of. Life of a secret introvert.

Life of a secret introvert: - Quick iPhone Snap

Day 28/365 - SnowCone

I keep saying this is the last of the snow, but that is more hope than reality. On my way to the car, I saw this Lone flower hidden by the snow. I had my Nikon with me as I was going to go on a quick scope walk. This was no more than 10 feet from my front door.

Lesson Learned: Your subjects can always be found wherever you look. Even just outside your front door.

Thanks for subscribing and following my photography. Feel free to leave a comment or a link to your work.

Steve

Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. This Picture-Of-The-Day project is pushing me to be a more deliberate and thoughtful photographer.

When the weather is good, I aim to capture one meaningful image each day. This project also lets me revisit my catalog for my favorite images. Sorting through nearly 75,000 photos has been a rewarding exercise in slowing down and being purposeful.

Each photo tells its own story. This weekly digest steps back to highlight broader visual themes from the past seven days and provides a bit of behind-the-scenes context.

Day 15/365 - Hang On For Spring

Now that we are in March, it is interesting to see how many leaves have refused to fall and are hanging on for spring. This seems to be the same way as I feel these days. The weather here in Southern Ontario keeps teasing spring. Very cold until a week ago. Now we have above-freezing temperatures, watching the snow melt.

March is a doorway to spring, but winter usually will fight back. As they leave, we just have to hold on til spring. Just have a few more weeks.

Hang On For Spring - Nikon Z6- 1/2500 sec at F4, ISO 500

Day 16/365 - Toronto In Sunrise

On really clear days, the view across the lake from Oakville to Toronto can be spectacular. This was a cool September day with a very quiet atmosphere. The picture came out quite well.

Toronto in Sunrise - Nikon Z6 24-70mm- 1/25 sec at F4, ISO 2000

Day 17/365 - B&W for the Win

I think this is a great example of minimalism and isolating a simple piece of waterfront infrastructure and turning it into a compelling, graphic photograph. I now have a better understanding of what they say about the difference between taking a photo and making a photo.

The most striking property I found in the subject was the vibrancy of its texture. The weathered grain was so visible in the light, and the rough texture of the boat cleat I felt was the subject of what I was looking at. The wood and iron, even as objects, were a contrast of materials. The dark, soft blur of the water in the background ensures there are no distractions from the main subject.

I did not think of this photo as black and white. I have been studying other photographers' lessons on black-and-white photography and thought I would try my hand at these Lightroom adjustments.

I have a much greater appreciation for the ability of black-and-white photos to tell different stories and evoke different feelings about a scene.

B&W For The Win - Nikon D40 10-55 mm- 1/320 sec at F9.0, ISO 200

Day 18/365 - Hydrangea Ready For Fall

That is a Hydrangea from our garden back in November. This is the first year these normally white flowers have turned a deep pinkish-red hue. They were so stunning in their late-summer-to-autumn phase, before they turned brown as winter set in. They do keep their cone-shaped flower heads until spring, so it’s always nice to have some plants that last through the winter.

Hydrangea Ready For Fall - Nikon Z6 24-70 mm- 1/400 sec at F6.3, ISO 800

Day 19/365 - Cardinal At Home

This male Northern Cardinal makes a fantastic photographic subject, especially since that vibrant red pops so beautifully against the green of evergreens or the white of winter snow! We have many large evergreens in the backyard, and with the room inside, we have many different species of birds.

Some of the cardinals are around all year and eat the seeds I leave out in the winter. Now that I am retired, I may have become the neighborhood’s bird man. LOL

Cardinal At Home - Nikon Z6 70-210mm- 1/1000 sec at F4.0 ISO 1000

Day 20/365 - The Thaw’s Reflection

Finally, the ice and snow on the sidewalks have melted enough that I feel comfortable going for a walk. This initial period shows winter damage caused by the sidewalk plows. The torn earth and swirling mud along the curb stand in stark contrast to the smooth, flooded path, which reflects the trees farther down.

This winter-to-spring transitional phase of the year, caught between the melting snow and the promise of spring, is almost here. Most see this time frame as ugly, but I always find scenes of hope and beauty as the old transforms to spring.

The Thaw’s Reflection - iPhone 11 - 1/800 sec at F1.8 ISO 32

Day 21/365 - Bookending The Hydrangea

To match the day 18 picture of the pink fall Hydrangea from our garden in November, here is one from today in March. These plants are a bit older, so they stay strong and upright all winter. They turn a light brown and make the winter garden feel alive, while we wait for spring.

Bookending The Hydrangea - iPhone 11 - 1/320 sec at F1.8 ISO 32

Thanks for subscribing and following my photography. Feel free to leave a comment or a link to your work.

Steve

Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. This Picture-Of-The-Day project is pushing me to be a more deliberate and thoughtful photographer.

When the weather is good, I aim to capture one meaningful image each day. This project also lets me revisit my catalog for my favorite images. Sorting through nearly 75,000 photos has been a rewarding exercise in slowing down and being purposeful.

Each photo tells its own story. This weekly digest steps back to highlight broader visual themes from the past seven days and provides a bit of behind-the-scenes context.

Picture of the Day: Week 2 in Review

This week, winter made a valiant effort to keep me inside. My focus was drawn mostly to the messy, transitional season right outside my backyard. With a foot of snow, most of the pictures this week are from my continued review and working on finding the gems in my back catalog. It was a great exercise in finding beauty in the warmer spring and summer months, and the collection below feels like a true documentation of the changing season.

Day 8/365 - Daytime Full Moon

While walking, I noticed this nice framing of the moon between the branches of a tree. I tried several settings and positions, and this one was the best. I have always been a fan of astrophotography and really need to try more. Being in a highly populated urban area, it is hard to do much at night. However, I did manage to get some great snaps while heading to the car at 5:30, on my way to work.

Nikon Z6 - 1/800 at F16, ISO 640

Day 9/365 - After the Storm

More snow this week. I was at least able to get out and take a picture of our backyard bench. Definitely a picture I will add to my “Mindful Bench” series and zine. I cannot believe that in the last days of February, the sun is now setting after 6 pm and is just 2 days away from rising before 7 am. Spring is on its way. :)

Day 10/365 - Centennial 1967

I have an open photography project titled “Just Look Down.” The series examines the details that are usually overlooked. People take the effort to design on covers, sidewalks, and other surfaces, and I am trying to document some of these objects. Finding the art in everyday objects that often get missed.

I may have been 4, but in 1967, during Canada’s Centennial, the Canadian government launched a large effort to leave a “concrete legacy”. Through a series of federally and provincially funded initiatives, the government encouraged municipalities to invest in long-term infrastructure, including libraries, community centers, and local parks.

One of the most enduring physical remnants of this era is the Centennial symbol, which was frequently stamped directly into wet cement during the construction of these projects. While these stamps are found nationwide, they are particularly prevalent in Toronto and throughout Ontario.

Centennial 1967 - iPhone 11 - 1/200 Sec at F1.8, ISO 32

Day 11/365 - Stoneboats and “Stone Hooking”

One of my favorite waterfront buildings is located in Bronte Harbour. This picture is from 2008, when the building was home to Stoneboats. This is an authentic 1840s “stonehookery” building. The building’s signature thick stone façade was constructed from Dundas shale, dragged from the lake by the schooners and horse-drawn stone boats of the era.

In the 1800s, before inland quarries were established and modern concrete was invented, there was a massive demand for building materials in developing cities across Ontario. To meet this need, a booming industry known as “stone hooking” emerged along the lake’s shoreline, particularly around Bronte, Oakville, and Port Credit. (More Info Link)

Stoneboats (2008)- Nikon D40 - 1/320 Sec at F20, ISO 400

Day 12/365 - Amazing Coronation Park Sunrise

Getting out before the sun rises is far easier in the fall and winter. Here in Oakville, we have the shores of Lake Ontario and the sunrise portion of the lake shore. I searched my catalog for sunrises and have an amazing number to choose from.

This sunrise is right where this small creek flows out to the lake. The stones light up with the early-morning sun’s shine.

Day 13/365 - Standpipes On Campus

Fighting self-doubt about my photography, these pictures go back to my first few months at Microsoft, back in 2007. As a new hire, I went to the Redmond campus for two weeks of consultant training and onboarding. I had heard so much about the DotCom companies and the campuses. I brought my camera, my 6-megapixel Nikon D40 DX.

The Nikon D40 is a classic 6.1-megapixel DX-format (APS-C) DSLR introduced in late 2006. It has been on many a trip over the years, and was one of my first ‘real” digital cameras. Looking up the stats, the pictures are amazing, given that it had a straightforward 3-point autofocus system and a base ISO range of 200 to 1600.

That being said, I liked drawing attention to the bright curb that anchors the bottom of the frame and the heavy metal standpipes hidden among the soft, feathery flowers. New enough development not to be too hidden.

Standpipes On Campus - Nikon D40 DX- 1/500 sec at F5.3, ISO 640

Day 14/365 - Starfish Beach House PEI

This blast from the past is from 2018 and the Google Pixel 3A. This family trip to Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, in the summer of 2018, was one of the best trips my wife and I have taken. Being from a Maritime family, I always feel at home.

The Starfish Beach House is in the coastal village of Victoria, often called Victoria-by-the-Sea. This weathered fishing boat has found its second act, resting in the coastal grass outside the house. It’s a great symbol of the quiet beauty in transition and finding new purpose in the landscape.

Starfish Beach House PEI - Google Pixel 3A- 1/2500 sec at F1.8, ISO 54

Welcome to another weekly roundup of my Picture of the Day project.

Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. This Picture-Of-The-Day project is pushing me to be a more deliberate and thoughtful photographer, whether I’m exploring the neighborhood or just observing the changing light in my own backyard.

When the weather is good, I aim to capture one meaningful image each day. This project also lets me revisit my catalog for my favorite images. Sorting through nearly 75,000 photos has been a rewarding exercise in slowing down and being purposeful.

Each photo tells its own story. This weekly digest steps back to highlight broader visual themes from the past seven days and provides a bit of behind-the-scenes context.

Day 1/365 - Old Oakville Sunrise

One of the good things about winter is having the time to go through my backlog. This was an amazing sunrise in downtown Oakville back in the fall. We do have great sunrises over Lake Ontario.

Before retiring in 2023, I worked from home for a couple of years. I had to get out of the house!!! Being home every day definitely had a negative impact on my well-being. SO, I would go for a local photo walk from 6 am to 8 am in one of the local parks or lakeshores. I became better at capturing sunrises and at appreciating seeing the same location at different times of the year and under different conditions.

I need to work on my inspiration and remember the challenge to post one photo to Instagram every day for 365 days. This was back in 2017, I think?

I enjoyed how it forced me to not just wander the city I was in while living my consulting life, but to SEE where I was. The challenge really did force me to change and get better to seeing compositions.

I will try to take a photo a day, but I have so many I want to share and haven’t, so I may use those days to look over my catalog and dig up some of my favorites from my almost 90K.

Day 2/365 - Lane Farmhouse

Most of my photo walks are in the urban areas. Oakville residents have sought a balance between urban and natural areas. I feel lucky to have access to such a great nature preserve as Bronte Creek Provincial Park.

I was taking a fall walk just as the leaves were beginning to fall. This is the main path leading into the old farmhouse and barns. You can imagine the history of the Spruce Lane Farmhouse in Bronte Creek Provincial Park since 1899, when Henry and Margaret Breckon built it; it is a restored, haunted Victorian-era home representing turn-of-the-century rural life.

Built in 1899 by Henry and Margaret Breckon, the Spruce Lane Farmhouse in Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a restored, haunted Victorian-era home representing turn-of-the-century rural life. Situated in Oakville, Ontario, it features period-accurate rooms, hosts popular August ghost tours, and is rumored to be haunted by the family.

Source - Do ghostly figures still occupy an old Oakville farmhouse?

Day 3/365 - Halton Inn

There are so many great photo subjects in downtown Oakville. I remember this sign from various drives down Lakeshore as I grew up.

The historic Oakville Inn Hotel at 162 Lakeshore Road East has been a downtown fixture since opening as the Halton Hotel in the 1930s. Formerly known as the Hotel Decker, Gibson House, and Halton Inn, it had remained a central accommodation choice for decades.

This was a breakfast spot until it was recently taken over by other retailers. The sign is still visible, although it is deteriorating.

Day 4/365 - New Growth

Looking closer at the backyard trees, you never know what you will find. This new growth out of a missing branch in this old growth tree. Nature finds a way.

Nikon Z6 - 1/320 at F6.3, ISO 1250

Day 5/365 - Claude Monet’s Home in Giverny, France

In keeping with the adage, your best camera is the one you have with you, I use my iPhone 11 on longer trips. I don’t really want to take my bigger gear, mainly because of the threat of theft, but also because I'm trying to be in the moment.

This is a picture from Claude Monet’s studio and home in Giverny, France. He lived here for over 43 years and is a well-preserved site in Normandy. Back in 2023, my wife and I toured France. Both of us are Monet fans, and this stop was a highlight.

This was my favorite picture of the day. I could imagine Monet sitting in this room, looking at the gardens, being inspired as he worked on various paintings.

Caption Source: Giverny.org - Monethome

Day 6/365 -Garden Flower - Devil’s Trumpet

Spring is on its way as we head to the end of February. We have this patch of the garden that has these great Datura. The white, delicate flowers stand out so well against the green foliage.

I do enjoy each season here in Canada, but I must say that the older I get, the more I appreciate not being out in the cold. I do get out, but my photography is mainly still life and product rather than outdoor.

Winters are more about going through the year's photos, picking out the best, and editing. Working on the spring and summer images makes the winter go by a little quicker.

Day 7/365 - Coronation Park - My Bench

Coronation Park is one of Oakville’s most popular waterfront parks, and I am lucky to be able to frequently start my morning photo destinations here. It is a great local municipal park which offers a blend of recreational space and great photogenic views of Lake Ontario.

While working from home, I would often go for walks or catch one of the beautiful morning sunrises, still able to get home in time for the morning work routine. Great mindful spot. Which includes a great bench that I lovingly call “My Bench” as I would spend many a morning doing my meditation moment.

Oakville operates the Memorial Bench Sponsorship Program. It is a meaningful way to celebrate a milestone or remember a loved one. I always give thanks to those who help maintain these great spots with their donation.

I find that I am getting back to physical things. A magazine has a specific physical nature. In a world of digital links, I now have the 1998 paper copy. This is a good reminder of my new focus on physical prints, like the Canon Selphy, which lets me print 4x6 photos.

I had this magazine back then, but through moves and time, most of what I had back then is gone. When I retired, I had a problem. I seemed only to remember the difficult times. I have been on a bit of a binge, picking up key moments from my life. Items that remind me of the good times I had. Mostly old computer magazines.

How this magazine changed my life

With mass layoffs and distrust of corporations as a safe career path, people are looking to manage their own careers. In 1998, this movement was a big part of Fast Company Magazine’s coverage, called “Company of One” or “Free Agent Nation.”

This magazine had a big effect on reinforcing my belief in directing my own career. I was an employee, but in each company and role, I was a “Consultant of One.” I was the Project Manager, Solution Architect, Developer, Implementer, and Trainer for a specific project.

The “Consultant of One” Mentality

The “Free Agent Nation” article changed how I viewed my consulting roles. The job-for-life model was dying at that point, but it was officially over if you wanted to succeed. The key lesson was that I wasn’t just an employee but was a service provider. Not just for the current company, but what I learned I could use to advance my career elsewhere.

I was a constant learner; every task, every engagement, every project added to my “basket of skills” that I could pull from for the next opportunity. Being on the road, traveling from province to province or state to state, gave me time to read and learn. I still have most of those books (Note: the picture of the 2 piles on my bookshelf).

Through suggestions from Fast Company and its authors, I built quite a sizable collection of business books. Again, the constant travel really allowed me to learn. Being a developer, I really could not work on the planes.

Lessons for today

If you are currently in the workforce, these lessons from 1998 are still relevant today. Treat every experience as a learning experience. Always have a plan B. It may be difficult, but when I went through the tech layoffs of 2023, I was just a few months shy of 60. I was in a different space and looking at retirement. Of the almost 20 other people on my call, most were at the midpoint of their careers. Some had just purchased a car or a house, or had young children.

You never know what will happen from day to day, especially now, when we are just a number on the income statement. You need to gain back control of your career.

Wrap Up

Let’s wrap up by reinforcing that “The Second Act” is just the latest version of being a “Free Agent”.

When you look back at your career transitions, what was the one ‘artifact’ or piece of advice that gave you the confidence to manage your own path?

Have you had something that has changed your career?

I would love to hear from you.

The Technical Appendix (The “Data Sheet”)

Project: Magazine Cover photo.

Equipment

• GODOX 60x60cm / 24x24inch Foldable Grid Softbox + S-Type Bracket Bowens Mount Holder for Studio Photography (SFGV6060)

• Godox TT350N Mini Thinklite TTL on-camera flash

• Godox XPro-N TTL Wireless Flash Trigger

• Nikon Z 6 with Nikkor Z 24-70mm F/4 S

Picture 1

• Photo Title: Magazine, Fast Company, December: January 1998

• Camera & Lens: Nikon Z 6 with Nikkor Z 24-70mm F/4 S

• Exposure and ISO : 1/200 SEC at F5.0, ISO 1600

Picture 2

• Photo Title: Favorite Business Books

• Camera & Lens: Nikon Z 6 with Nikkor Z 24-70mm F/4 S

• Exposure and ISO: 1/125 SEC at F5.0, ISO 1600

If you had asked me a month ago how to photograph a vintage computer, I would have said, “Put it on a table and point the camera at it.”

Boy, I was wrong.

I recently decided to shoot my vintage Macintosh Classic. It seemed like a straightforward project. I had one subject, so I used static lighting by the window with no movement.

But halfway through the shoot, my basement looked like a Best Buy had exploded. I had cables snaking across the floor, mixed lighting casting weird orange hues on the beige plastic case, and a precarious temporary table almost bowing under the weight of the 16-pound machine.

Worse, I was “freestyling.” I was trying to be “lazy” by just letting the moment flow. The result? A disorganized mess, frustration, and a bunchof unusable test shots.

Budget, Basement, and Family Approval

As a retiree, I don’t have an unlimited hobby budget. I’ve set a strict hard cap of $1,500 a year for my photography. That has to cover everything: gear, my Adobe Photography plan, HeliconFocus, domain names, and even the subscription for the Grammarly editor I’m using to write this. However, this has helped me build a very modest kit over the years.

I also don’t have a dedicated studio. I have a corner of the basement—a shared space. My “studio” has a strict requirement: It must disappear. If we have guests over, the gear needs to be broken down and hidden away. The space cannot look like a permanent construction zone.

My first attempt with the Mac Classic failed because I ignored these constraints. I spent too much time fiddling with the light and not enough time planning how I would accomplish the task.

Returning To My Data Analysis Roots

I realized that my problem wasn’t a lack of artistic talent; it was a lack of process.

For decades in my consulting career, I lived and died by the Scope of Work (SOW). A list of deliverables and requirements, along with a detailed work plan, was the only thing standing between a successful project and chaos. Why did I think my photography would be any different?

I realized that nothing generates a learning experience better than doing something with a deadline (even a self-imposed one). I stopped trying to be an “artist” and went back to thinking of the problem as an analyst.

Main Lesson - A Flexible Studio Setup

If I learned anything during my working career, it is that the worst thing you can do is re-invent the wheel with every project. I decided to treat the next shoot as a systems implementation.

I had four changes that had the biggest impact.

First, I needed a sturdy yet foldable table for multiple exposures. Unlike photographing a watch or a coin, photographing a Macintosh Classic is like photographing a dense aesthetic brick. A flimsy card table will wobble during long exposures, creating a much longer post-processing headache.

I also needed a better way to hold a background. One that also allowed me to have a larger set when required. I purchased the following:

• NEEWER Photo Studio Backdrop Support System, 10ft/3m Wide 7ft/2.1m High Adjustable Background Stand with 4 Crossbars, 6 Backdrop Clamps, 2 Sandbags, and Carrying Bag for Portrait & Studio Photography - $60 Canadian

• 5x7FT Chromakey Green Screen Backdrop Background, 5x7FT White Backdrop Portrait Background, 5x7FT Solid Black Backdrop - $30 Canadian

• ENAVANT Aluminum Portable Folding Camping Table with Carrying Bag Included, Ideal for Camping, Fishing, Picnics (X-Large) - $60 Canadian. I can also use it as an extra picnic or backyard party table. Very sturdy

Second, the most important variable is lighting. I had a Godox TT350N Mini Thinklite TTL on-camera flash for my Nikon Z6. I also had picked up a Godox XPro-N TTL Wireless Flash Trigger Transmitter. I had these for a few years, and they worked well. I did not think I needed a larger light, so I also picked up a softbox and a mount that would let me use the TT350 with it.

To add to my flash and Soft Box, I picked up a budget-friendly Godox SK400 II-V during Amazon Prime Day. At under $300, it delivers 400 W of power, which is powerful enough for me, and has a fast enough recycling time to keep up with my workflow. Most importantly, this model includes an updated COB LED modeling lamp that helps keep the heat down during long sessions.

• GODOX 60x60cm / 24x24inch Foldable Grid Softbox + S-Type Bracket Bowens Mount Holder for Studio Photography (SFGV6060)

Third, I needed a small “Tethering Radius”. Very early on, I found an easy way to tether. I could take my Nikon Z6 with Adobe Lightroom Classic or Nikon’s tethering app to my Apple MacBook Pro. I can then establish a way to see my resulting photo immediately. Since everything was close together, I consolidated it into a single power strip to avoid the resulting “cable jungle”.

• I had a TV table and a USBC Data cable to use as a tether.

• I picked up a Video tripod at a Value Village re-use store for $7 and found it quite sturdy. A big feature turned out to be an easy positioning, highly adjustable head, making minor on-the-fly adjustments easier.

• I also picked up a nicely textured wooden box at Value Village to use as a photo base - $15 Canadian.

• From Home Depot, a Natural Elements Laminated Wood Project Panels 3/4-inch x 16-inch x 36-inch - $25 Canadian

The final studio setup meets all my requirements. Now to solve my process.

The Runbook - The Process Checklist

Based on my experience so far, I’ve realized that a written plan, or Reusable Step-by-Step Guide, is becoming the backbone of a smooth home-studio photoshoot. It helps me clarify my ideas, ensure every piece of equipment is ready, capture key lessons from each session, and write down exactly what I want to achieve. These new habits not only streamlined my workflow but also strengthened my creative skills.

Runbook: Before I even touched the camera, I wrote down exactly what I wanted to achieve.

It sounds rigid, I know. But the structure created freedom. Because I wasn’t worrying about the table collapsing or tripping over a cable, I was free to actually look at the light and shadows on the vintage plastic.

The next newsletter issue will go into the task list in more detail.

Product Photography Process Checklist

Stage 1: Define the Concept & Purpose

Before I pick up a camera, I must determine the image’s story to avoid shooting aimlessly. Find the photo’s specific goal, select a visual theme, and, if needed, gather a mood board to ensure our creative direction aligns with the intended outcome.

By working out the high-level details, mapping decisions to the overall story becomes easier. This allows me to make decisions along the way while keeping the end goals in mind.

For example, if my goal is a dark, moody vibe and we bring in a brightly colored prop, it won’t fit the project’s overall vision. The goal is to make far fewer “Fix-it-in-Post” issues after the shoot.

Stage 2: Plan the Logistics

Here, we determine the physical constraints and the shoot stage. Deciding on the location (studio vs. natural light), select the appropriate background materials, and schedule the session to maximize favorable conditions. Proper planning here eliminates variables that cause friction during the actual shoot.

Stage 3: Assemble Your Equipment & Props

After spending all that money on my kit, let’s select and organize what we need. We need to identify the necessary tools, such as cameras, lenses, lighting modifiers, and styling props, are set up and ready for deployment.

It is about fitting the technical capabilities of your gear (macro lenses for detail, softboxes for diffusion) to the requirements defined in Stage 1.

Stage 4: Setting Up the Shoot

The “build” phase, where we construct the physical set. We arrange the product and its positioning, and configure the lighting to shape the subject effectively.

Most importantly, we are setting up the “tether” to the computer, ensuring I can validate the images in real time on a large screen rather than relying on the small camera LCD.

Stage 5: Shooting Techniques

Now is when the planning pays off. Instead of just “spraying and praying,” use the shot list and evaluate how the work in real life.

The big advantage of using a human creator rather than AI is that we can draw on our experience, judgment, and “artistic flair” to bring our scene to life and capture it.

Don’t just take one shot and move on; capture a variety of angles and slight lighting tweaks. I cannot stress this point enough.

You will be able to choose from multiple options later, rather than realizing you missed the best angle after you’ve already packed up. Don’t assume that you make all your decisions in preparation.

Stage 6: Post-Production & Editing

Once all the pictures are complete, continue with your normal editing workflow. Take the raw captures into the digital darkroom (Lightroom or Photoshop) to correct imperfections, balance exposure, and refine the color grading.

We want to refine the look to ensure the final result stays true to the idea we started with.

Stage 7: Sharing & Delivering the Final Photos

Here we format the deliverables. This stage involves exporting the processed images to the appropriate file formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF) for their end use. Whether organizing files for cloud storage or resizing them for social media platforms, ensure the work is presented at the highest quality possible.

You may find you want vertical, horizontal, and other sizing ratios. One version no longer cuts it, as different social media sites may require different sizing.

Stage 8: SEO Optimization

If these photos are for online sharing, you need to ensure they are discoverable. Just as a photo library needs indexing, our images need metadata to be found. This stage involves crafting search-engine-friendly titles, descriptions, and keywords to ensure the content reaches the intended audience and performs well in search rankings.

Note: I want to develop my workflow, and since this is my first cut, I have already added more detail. I will definitely post more details in the future.

What do you think?

I’m curious about the other techniques out there. When you set up for a shoot, do you have a pre-flight checklist, or do you prefer to wing it in the name of creativity?

Let me know in the comments below.

FYI

Think of the Macintosh Classic as a modernized, budget-conscious reboot of the Macintosh Plus. It packed an 8 MHz processor and a humble 1 to 2 MB of RAM into that iconic, compact case with the 9-inch monochrome screen. While it wasn’t winning any speed races even back then, it holds a special place in history as the first Mac to launch under the $1,000 mark.”

References:

EveryMac.com provides comprehensive Mac specs, in-depth answers to hundreds of Mac questions,

Will we lose the creativity of those Apple engineers, or will we keep our ability to be inspired by our own spark of creativity?

So, a while back, I picked up my “new” Apple Macintosh Classic. The line I gave my family was: “Late nights, balancing databases, and eBay don’t mix.” But as it sits here, I find a fantastic flood of emotion and inspiration missing of late. Let me explain.

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Passion can diminish over time.

My inspiration and passion ebb and flow as I move from engagement to engagement. After 25 years as a data analytics consultant, I wanted to reignite my passion as the industry transitions to AI.

Where do we find inspiration? Where does our passion come from? I am a developer, and I love creating things. Getting that thrill of going from the depths of frustration, watching a failed build, to the WOW moment when “Build Successful” finally appears.

Late nights and eBay are dangerous.

After a late night of intense database auditing and balancing, I found myself searching eBay for the first time in a couple of years. I stumbled across an original Macintosh that was worth thousands of dollars back in the day. This brought back memories of wanting one but not being able to afford it when I was just out of university. I continued looking and found a Macintosh Classic being sold for parts for $60, with a “Buy It Now” option. What was I to do? Right? 🙂

Feeding off the creative energy of others.

I know I worked for Microsoft, and this is Apple, but my developer’s heart seems to connect to this product and feed off the creative energy as I thought of all the engineers and developers who created these game-changing devices.

I remember seeing the reveal of the original Macintosh and saying, “WOW, I want one.” Now I am 62, and seeing all the advances we have made, we are still just building on what came before us. We have the same passion and drive to create as those original engineers did in the 1980s.

But this simple $60 purchase, which made taking a break from working late at night on a project a success, has reignited my passion for what I do, what I want to do, and what is possible.

The real lesson I found was that you should never underestimate the power of nostalgia and its ability to inspire you today.

Can we use these new tools without losing our souls?

I am being pulled between these two worlds, physical and AI, when I use my creativity with these tools to develop new solutions. Perhaps I feel more than just a longing for that ‘click-clack’ of cherry keyboards, and I worry about society being asked to possibly hand over all our thinking to an AI.

As we move into a world where machines can generate answers in seconds, will we lose the hard-won creativity of those original Apple engineers?

I don’t believe we will.

While AI can simulate creative output, it cannot replicate human curiosity and the search for that ‘WOW’ moment.

It is up to us and the decisions we make now.

It is up to us to ensure we don’t outsource our inspiration to algorithms. We must use these new tools to amplify, not replace, the creative spark that made a 1980s computer feel like a miracle. We aren’t just building on their technology; we are continuing their passion for creativity.

Some other quick snaps.

Macintosh Classic, Model M0420 MFG Feb 1991

Macintosh Keyboard, Model M0110A - 1986

Apple Mouse, Model M0100

Hello, and welcome! My name is Steve Young, and if this post has found you, chances are you share my interest in capturing the stories of the world around us.

Photography has been a quiet constant in my life, a hobby I really enjoyed but rarely had the chance to truly explore. My passion for taking pictures first sparked when I was growing up in the 80s, and over the years, I’ve always kept a camera nearby.

However, most of my photography was hurried, snapping quick memories while out with my family or out on a business trip. The process often involved minimal setup, a quick stop-and-click, then a rush to catch up with the group.

The funny thing is that i have so many pictures of my wife and son walking ahead of me on various trails and outings.

Don’t get me wrong, these snapshots tell me the story of that moment in time, but I look at them now, with what I have learned, and realize my rushed life never allowed me to fully engage with the art of taking the image.

This focus on visual storytelling has been a constant theme for me. In my professional life, I have had a long career in data analytics and visualization. This background sowed in me the understanding that telling stories visually is one of the most potent forms of communication.

How did I get here?

My unexpected entry into full-time photography happened just as I turned 60, following the mass tech layoffs of 2023.

However, I found the transition from a full-time tech career to instant retirement more challenging. With the curtain closing on my professional career, I’ve found myself with a new and wonderful gift: time.

This newfound freedom has completely reignited my old passion. My camera is no longer just a memory-making tool; it has become a new creative outlet.

My goal with Substack - Finding Community

I found it harder to transition from my full-time tech career. Going from hyper busy and stressed to a moment later getting on a muted Teams meeting and becoming instantly retired at almost 60.

My goal with this Substack is simple. I want to share my journey of moving from a casual picture-taker to a more thoughtful, artistic photographer.

What you may find different here is that my perspective is not that of a professional photographer travelling the world, but a hobby photographer learning to take their skills to the next level.

Cost-Conscious Photography

Almost every piece of kit I own is second-hand. I’ve always been a saver by nature, but now that the regular paychecks have stopped, being smart with my budget is more critical than ever. I have found that keeping Amazon sale days has had its benefits.

In this newsletter, we aren’t going to talk about being a globetrotting pro. We are going to talk about:

• Sharing photo stories

• Getting the most out of the equipment we already have

• Finding a community of friends to learn with

• Answering the why and how

I am glad you’re here to join me on this journey in the community.

Thanks again.

I am thrilled to embark on this second act of learning, and I hope you’ll join me as I trade the quick snap for the slow, deliberate pursuit of the perfect shot.