After decades behind the lens, I finally hung up my professional camera and embraced retirement in 2023. The transition from photographer to full-time retiree felt surreal at first—no more early morning shoots, no more client deadlines, no more racing against the clock to capture that perfect moment. But what I discovered was that retirement wasn't an ending; it was simply a shift in perspective.
Now, instead of photographing life through a viewfinder, I'm documenting it through words. My blog has become my new creative outlet, a space where I share stories about the people, places, and moments that fill my days. Whether it's a conversation with a neighbor, a sunset from my porch, or a reflection on how much the world has changed since I stepped away from professional work, every post feels like a small gift to myself and anyone who stops by to read.
The beauty of this new chapter is the freedom it brings. I'm no longer constrained by what clients want or what trends dictate. Instead, I write about what genuinely moves me—the everyday magic that I might have overlooked when I was too busy chasing the "perfect shot." My blog has connected me with people from all walks of life, and through their comments and messages, I've found a community of kindred spirits who appreciate the simple art of storytelling.
Retirement and blogging have given me something photography never quite did: the luxury of time. Time to observe, to reflect, to write, and to truly appreciate the richness of the life happening all around me. It turns out that the best view isn't always through a camera lens—sometimes it's best experienced with a cup of coffee and a blank page waiting to be filled.