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Long time photographer as a full time mom

AHL

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Oct 29, 2025
Messages
61
Location
Ontario Canada
Format
35mm
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!!
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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.
 
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!
 
Honest and open is never horrible.
 

Thanks for responding!! So very glad I joined. Which forum would be best to pose questions to other users such as “do you find it meaningful to show your work in public spaces”. I am not sure whether this subject has been posed before but I truly would be interested in other’s answers to questions such as this.
Thanks again for making me feel welcome to this group!
Anita
 
BrianShaw said:
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.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Looking forward to to interesting discussions!!!
 
BrianShaw said:
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.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I am pleased with my work just annoyed that I am not willing to share it with others especially in public spaces Wondering how many others are like me????
 
MattKing said:
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.
Click to expand...

Well if I head out to BC I will let you know! Right now trying to find some creative ideas that I’m comfortable with , you know unique to me. A photographer s dilemma! Thanks for the input I appreciate it the thoughts
Anita
 
Anita, we're happy to have you! Welcome again.
I think the question you formulate there is very interesting indeed; I'd encourage you to post it as a thread, perhaps say a few words about what triggers you to ask the question. And then see how the exchange unfolds. I would suggest either of these two forums:

Ethics and Philosophy

Discuss the ethics and philosophy of photography.
www.photrio.com

Presentation & Marketing

Presentation discussion such as mounting methods, materials, display, marketing, and sales..
www.photrio.com
 

Thank you for taking the time to respond. In this busy world I realize every one’s time is valuable especially when you are responding to someone you don’t know! I am hoping I can find the answers to my questions by listening to to other’s views here. Wondering if the time it take to show your work publicly is worth the effort. This has been something I’ve questioned for many years, many years.
Thanks again
Anita
 
loccdor said:
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.
Click to expand...

Yes I can relate to your reply. I have 2 close friends but they are not really into art or photography. So discussion s are usually about anything but art and photography! I find the people I do show my work are confused??? They don’t think I took the photos! I’m not sure what that means so I sort of don’t bother. Discussion on a deeper level just isn’t possible. It’s not really possible for me to go to a larger city frequently for many reasons although I have had positive feedback through gallery workshops. Oh well such is life. This is the reason I joined this group. Hoping to get some insight into burning issues that have plagued me for years lol!!!
Thanks for taking the time to respond I appreciate it
Anita
 

Thanks. I’m not really aware of the print/ postcard exchanges. I will look into that. Being on a device is my worst nightmare next to small talk at a party! But I will explore this site further. As it’s the only site I am or have ever been on everything is very new and a bit bewildering!
I am hoping feedback will help stir some motivation and creativity as I have only my own thoughts to do that
Thanks again for replying
Anita
 

Thank you for responding. You are completely correct that darkroom and photography suit those of us who are solitary for the most part. The introspection is what draws me to photography and allows me to find and express myself further than other creative pursuits. Either I have run out of introspection or I have figured out out who I am but I’m stuck.
I have realized interaction with others who share photography as a creative intellectual pursuit is perhaps what I need at this point. I am looking forward to input.
Thanks
Anita
 

Thanks for the input. You are so right in your response. It’s raining here so although I was hoping to go photograph some decorated homes for Halloween just to get me doing something that will have to wait! I have done a lot of most things in photography ie the usual stuff. I find I am lacking in challenging subjects. It has been awhile I am hoping communicating with others helps me find my way out of this.
Thanks again
Anita
 

Thanks for responding! Sorry for your health issues. I am fortunate to be physically able but mentally life has been at times a struggle. I realize we all have mental issues at times so I don’t want to use that as an excuse for not pursuing photography more actively or seriously. But with what I have left inside of me I focus on on photographing rather than publicly showing my work. At this point I find this has hindered my development as I have no input into my work which leaves me creatively stagnant. I appreciate your time and thoughts
Anita
 
Hassasin said:
Honest and open is never horrible.
Click to expand...

Thanks!! My insecurities reveal themselves!! Although I will be the first to admit I am difficult in all areas but most especially in my approach to photography!!
Thanks for the input
Anita
 
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