Refocusing My Picture of the Day Project

Doing one of those picture-of-the-day-for-a-year challenges became more about getting any picture than about having a thoughtful photo session that tries to tell a story.

And that stressed me out.

I have realized that, as a newly retired person, I should not put unnecessary pressure on myself. Those days should be over, LOL. So, rather than posting a picture every day for a year, I am going to build a gallery of 365 pictures that help me, or have helped me, on my journey to becoming a more mindful photographer. “365 Photo Journey Gallery”

I am going to try to publish a few pictures a week over the next year or so and treat it like a project rather than a challenge. I may post more pictures that are not part of the project, just to keep publishing fun and interesting things that cross my path as I walk about.

Really, the only change is the goal. Before retirement, most of my photo shoots were family walks or trips, where it was more Shoot-and-Go. My “365 Photo Journey” project is helping me become more deliberate.

Refocusing The Newsletter

Each photo tells its own story. I want my newsletter to take a step back, highlight broader visual themes, and provide a bit of behind-the-scenes context. It should not be a repost of the 365 Project.

The main goal of the newsletter is to share what I learned, which I call my ‘Second Act’. My goal is to evolve from a casual, dedicated hobbyist to a serious amateur photographer one photo at a time.

I am always open to comments and suggestions on how I can make this journey better.

In this vein, the biggest news lately is …….

Big News - My $20 Thrift Find

Pentax film - My $20 Thrift Find- Nikon Z6 50 mm 1.8 1/320 sec at F3.5, ISO 1000 (Focus Stacked 5 Photos)

Spectacular thrift find. I frequent a local thrift chain, mainly for old magazines. I refuse to spend $10 to $12 on a magazine. I always check the electronics case. There, sitting on the bottom shelf, was this beautiful Pentax ME.

I have seen other cameras, but sometimes they price them way too high for a no-return, take-your-chances policy. I picked up a 6MP Canon EOS Rebel XT with three lenses for about $70, which I still have to play with.

The Pentax ME is from the mid-1970s. You select the ISO; the aperture and speed are automatic. This was a consumer camera with the Pentax MX was the more professional version. As you can see from the picture below, the lack of Shutter Speed selection, making it automatic, was geared toward the casual photographer, making for a simpler, albeit less controllable experience.

The camera wouldn't turn on and needed new batteries. The corrosion on the battery lid was stopping the connection. A little lemon juice on a Q-Tip on the lid cleaned it right up. Just a little love and it is working like a charm.

Now three rolls in, everything seems great. This has led to three effects on me that I did not anticipate.

First, I usually don’t fall in love with technology, but this little camera has won me over. I enjoy it in my hands; I enjoy the fact that I slow down and am more thoughtful. Having to make different decisions and be more deliberate changes my photo-taking experience.

I think the biggest change is that every click of the shutter costs money. LOL. A 36-shot roll of film is $15, development is $15, and JPG scanning is $10.

That being said, with my birthday coming up, I purchased an “Adjustable Slider Rail Film Digitizer w Arca-Swiss & Tripod Mount Film Holder”

Has really sparked my creativity.

Currently shooting Kodak Ultramax 400 Color 36 exp.

Photo Stories

Favourite Photos of the “Week”

I was able to grab my camera and just enjoy the day. I picked up my 105mm Macro and didn’t have to go far for a great scene. I had put this little acorn on our patio table, and the sunbeam hit it so perfectly.

Photo 72/365 - Back To Macro

Ok, so after a bit of work on my health, all good, I was able to grab my camera and just enjoy the day. I picked up my 105mm Macro and didn’t have to go far for a great scene. I had put this little acorn on our patio table, and the sunbeam hit it so perfectly.

Back To Macro - Nikon Z6 105mm Macro 1/1000 sec at F7.1, ISO 1000

Back To Macro - Nikon Z6 105mm Macro 1/1000 sec at F7.1, ISO 1000

Photo 73/365 - Pentax film - My $20 Thrift Find

Spectacular Thrift Find. A little love and it is working like a charm. A Pentax ME from the mid 1970s. Select the ISO, and the shutter speed was automated. Has really sparked my creativity. Currently shooting Kodak Ultramax 400 Color 36 exp.

Pentax film - My $20 Thrift Find- Nikon Z6 50 mm 1.8 1/320 sec at F3.5, ISO 1000 (Focus Stacked 5 Photos)

Pentax film - My $20 Thrift Find- Nikon Z6 50 mm 1.8 1/320 sec at F3.5, ISO 1000 (Focus Stacked 5 Photos)

Photo 74/365 - B&W Edit - Sun Breaks Through

I took a ho-hum photo during last winter's snowstorm, was doing an online lesson on black-and-white photo editing, and was amazed at the change in story. This was just after sunrise with the sun trying to break through the clouds.

I liked how the sun lights up the scene as it breaks through the trees. The details that come across in the scene, especially the covered flower pots on the left side, tell more of the story.

B&W Edit - Sun Breaks Through - Nikon Z6 24-70mm F4 1/1250 sec at F6.3, ISO 1000

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Steve

The Second Act Photographer

I'm Retired, Photography Should Be Less…