Hobbies?

clarionite · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 07:44 PM

Years ago I was a draftsman, and computers were my hobby. Then, as I progressed in my skills, Networking and eventually programming became my career. Making money from my hobby was an Ideal situation. But now I needed a new hobby. I tried my hand at golf as a hobby, but being 6'7" made custom clubs necessary. I bought a set of over priced clubs and started getting pretty decent at it. When my clubs were stolen, I gave up golf because I didn't want to pay to replace them. Now, Photography is my hobby.

I'm sure that a lot of you pros started out with Photography as your hobby. And making money from something you loved to do made it a great career decision. But now that you're rolling in dough because of your photo skills, what do you do as a hobby? Do you shoot different styles than what you make your money from? Do you fish, golf, sky dive? It's probably a useless question, but it's something I'm curious about.

Electricseashell · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 08:02 PM

Sounds like a good challenge topic..

Seriously challenge the really good guys to teach us first hand.. But this is more in the lines of being social and I would love to see thier photgraphic impressions of thier hobbies than read about it...

2 cents

clarionite · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 08:08 PM

I was just curious about what they did for a hobby. In my profession, a lot of the programmers take pictures. It seems like there's a high percentage of creative types in the circle I associate with. Lots of Photographers, Musicians, ETC...

I was curious what the Creative types did with their spare time.

But, you're right. It would make a cool challenge.

PhotosbyChuck · #4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 08:40 PM

I'm not one of the "really good ones" -- but the irony of my reply made me post...

I write computer programs as a hobby. No joke!

Well, ok...so my degree is in Computer Science, but hey. It's a hobby. My most successful program is currently used in nearly 100 alcohol treatment programs across the country. It tracks treatment progress, court orders, repeat offenders, etc.

For me though, photography is still my major hobby. I generally take 10 paying jobs a year, so I guess that makes me a "semi-pro". I shot weddings for a bit, but there's nothing like turning a hobby into a job to ruin it...so I quit that after my third one. Now I shoot what I like, not what pays the bills. I'm blessed with a good job, so I really couldn't forsee replacing my income with photography. However, when it comes time to retire, I'd like nothing more than to sit in a shop in Sedona, AZ and sell my scenic photos.

clarionite · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 09:13 PM

I like your photos. But I have a similar goal for retirement. But my goal is to open a camera shop. Selling hassy holographic equipment by then probably.

For years I wrote software for law enforcement, but now I'm going out into other fields.

A.C. Gellert · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 11:19 AM

LOL, I started with photography when I was just a "kid". Taking pictures of the sights and the views in and around the Los Angeles area where I grew up. (This was back in the 60's. Yes and most of the pictures I took were of women.. beach shots, etc... Hey.. it was fun and they were the best views in the area. A neighbor in our apartment complex was a show girl at a club in Hollywood, and yes, before you ask it was more of an "adult" type club. It was the "Pink *****cat" on Sunset. Her outfits/costumes were mostly feathers, boas, sequins, and straps. Most were like corsets with stockings. A wonderful thing for a young boy to take pictures of. MOM didnt know, and Dad was always asking to look. LOL. Then I started taking pictures of her friends, and then one of the gals offered to pay me for pictures of her in "racier" outfits and then nudes. I was like a kid in a candy store. Lots of beautiful women asking me to take pictures of them in lingerie and nude.. was a dream come true. And this was with stupid little cameras before I even knew what I was doing.

Dad bought me an enlarger as I was developing my B&W film in the bathroom, and then I started really getting into it even more..

I got into computers back with the TRS-80 by radio shack, and kept at it going into tech support and building PC's. Did both for many years. Had to give up the computer work after a problem from a major surgery, and have relied on SSDI and my camera ever since.

clarionite · #7 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 01:47 PM

A.C.

That's a cool story. Thanks for sharing.

A.C. Gellert · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarionite

A.C.

That's a cool story. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks.. but That was the short and abridged version.. LOL

clarionite · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 01:01 PM

Nobody else has any hobbies? Wow, it is a dedicated photography group here.

Electricseashell · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 02:45 PM

I have other hobbies.. I love to beach comb.. but I take my camera there too.. My grandkids are becoming a hobby now.. I'm always thinking of things I'd like to do with them. The camera goes there too..

I like canoe trips.. the camera goes.. So I guess the major hobby is in fact photography.