Long time photographer as a full time mom

[AHL]

Sorry this self description will be a bit rambling as I am coming to terms as an aging photographer / mom and wife. I am fortunate to have a darkroom and equipment but am finding few creative ideas. I live in a small city with the usual photo groups which are not my style and as I am a loner or at least not a social person receive no input on my photos. Much of this is of my own making.
I’m tough to deal with as I don’t particularly want to show my work yet would definitely like feedback on it.
My brother who has a BFA in visual arts photography but has not photographed in over 40 years due to mental health problems as well as addiction is the only person who I respect enough to ask for input.
Well if you are reading this and haven’t given up on my strange anti social tendencies if you can spare some thoughts or just comments if you have faced the lack of creativity and social isolation. I’m not really looking for help as such just explaining my reason for joining this group at this point.
I shoot mainly 35 mm but also medium format. Analog ONLY. And Only black and white film
Thanks and thanks for listening. I’m not as horrible as I wrote, at least I don’t think so!!

 

[koraks]

Welcome aboard @AHL! I think many of us can relate at least to some aspects of your story. I hope one day you'll find the sense of freedom to share your work as you please, and the people around you who are receptive to it and can discuss it with you in a way that you experience constructive and inspiring.

 

[BrianShaw]

Welcome to the forum. The best goal in life is to please yourself whilst not doing anything to harm others. If you are pleased with your photography then you are on your way to happiness and satisfaction.

 

[MattKing]

It is too bad you are 5000 km too far East - otherwise you might find a comfortable niche in the Darkroom Group I'm a part of.
But failing that, take heart. There are lots of people who tend to the loner side who still find satisfaction.

 

[jeffreyg]

Welcome to Photrio. As an aged photographer although it has not been my profession it has been my passion for many years. Done in spare time but shared with those who wanted to. To me there has been more to photography than photographs. Through my relationship to photography I have met and enjoyed the company of several very famous photographers and others. Perhaps anonymous exposure of your work on the website will be stimulating and open new doors.

 

[loccdor]

Oh yeah, as someone who scores in the top few percentage points on introversion tests, I can certainly relate to being a loner! I have to regularly force myself to interact with people so that I live a well-rounded life. Welcome to Photrio.

 

[Don_ih]

You may be close to me - or far from me (Ontario is a big place). I'm pretty isolated from any physical photographic community also, but I take part in print/postcard exchanges on here. It at least gives me an excuse to produce something. Whether or not anyone else likes it is a different matter.

 

[cowanw]

Welcome from Hamilton

 

[Trask]

Welcome to Photrio. I'm sure we'll all be interested to have you with us, to discuss or interact with at whatever level you find suitable. I think the very nature of a darkroom and the usually solitary efforts therein are well suited to those of us who are comfortable being alone with themselves -- part of the time, at least.

 

[ezphotolessons]

Sorry this self description will be a bit rambling as I am coming to terms as an aging photographer / mom and wife. I am fortunate to have a darkroom and equipment but am finding few creative ideas. I live in a small city with the usual photo groups which are not my style and as I am a loner or at least not a social person receive no input on my photos. Much of this is of my own making.
I’m tough to deal with as I don’t particularly want to show my work yet would definitely like feedback on it.
My brother who has a BFA in visual arts photography but has not photographed in over 40 years due to mental health problems as well as addiction is the only person who I respect enough to ask for input.
Well if you are reading this and haven’t given up on my strange anti social tendencies if you can spare some thoughts or just comments if you have faced the lack of creativity and social isolation. I’m not really looking for help as such just explaining my reason for joining this group at this point.
I shoot mainly 35 mm but also medium format. Analog ONLY. And Only black and white film
Thanks and thanks for listening. I’m not as horrible as I wrote, at least I don’t think so!!

AHL. making the photographs is what matters sometimes, not being part of a social circle that will or will not be helpful in your advancement as an image-maker. Often times being part of a "photo group" does more harm than good, except for giving you a thick skin because they don't "get what you are doing". Best of luck as you search for the light. From personal experience, when the tank is low on "creative ideas" look around to what is close and have an open mind.

 

[Rick A]

Dear AHL
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our community. Please note, you are not alone in your feelings as many of us experience the same malaise, though in my instance it's a result of health issues. You say you're a 'loner' but I find having a friend or family member tagging along asking for a photo of something helps break the slump. Think of it as an assignment and do the work -- it helps.

cheers!

Sorry this self description will be a bit rambling as I am coming to terms as an aging photographer / mom and wife. I am fortunate to have a darkroom and equipment but am finding few creative ideas. I live in a small city with the usual photo groups which are not my style and as I am a loner or at least not a social person receive no input on my photos. Much of this is of my own making.
I’m tough to deal with as I don’t particularly want to show my work yet would definitely like feedback on it.
My brother who has a BFA in visual arts photography but has not photographed in over 40 years due to mental health problems as well as addiction is the only person who I respect enough to ask for input.
Well if you are reading this and haven’t given up on my strange anti social tendencies if you can spare some thoughts or just comments if you have faced the lack of creativity and social isolation. I’m not really looking for help as such just explaining my reason for joining this group at this point.
I shoot mainly 35 mm but also medium format. Analog ONLY. And Only black and white film
Thanks and thanks for listening. I’m not as horrible as I wrote, at least I don’t think so!!

 

[Hassasin]

Sorry this self description will be a bit rambling as I am coming to terms as an aging photographer / mom and wife. I am fortunate to have a darkroom and equipment but am finding few creative ideas. I live in a small city with the usual photo groups which are not my style and as I am a loner or at least not a social person receive no input on my photos. Much of this is of my own making.
I’m tough to deal with as I don’t particularly want to show my work yet would definitely like feedback on it.
My brother who has a BFA in visual arts photography but has not photographed in over 40 years due to mental health problems as well as addiction is the only person who I respect enough to ask for input.
Well if you are reading this and haven’t given up on my strange anti social tendencies if you can spare some thoughts or just comments if you have faced the lack of creativity and social isolation. I’m not really looking for help as such just explaining my reason for joining this group at this point.
I shoot mainly 35 mm but also medium format. Analog ONLY. And Only black and white film
Thanks and thanks for listening. I’m not as horrible as I wrote, at least I don’t think so!!

Honest and open is never horrible.