It's Been A While; almost five years

Being retired has been hard work; finding things to do that were healthy for body, mind, and spirit. Running a Photography business didn't seem to be enough. So, I decided to enter a college based Photography program at Daytona State College; The Southeast Center for Photographic Studies. I've completed my first year and I couldn't be more pleased with the challenges. I've been able to learn with a team of instructors and students who help make the experience very enjoyable. Had a photographed accepted into a Gallery and been selected as a member of the Portfolio Evaluation Committee of the Southeast Museum of Photography. I've managed to maintain a 4.0 academic average. What's even more fulfilling is having had access to some really good photography instructors who are no nonsense and great at what they do. Even more helpful was the introduction to graduates who've gone on to live the lives of working photographers. These folks shared their real time experiences and made it plain that patience, tenacity, and failure were integral to creating success in the field. Even more important was the advice to attach yourself to a photographer that is succeeding at the type of photography you want to do and take on the role of an apprentice. The point was made that real success as a photographer is based on one's relationship with other more advanced professionals who you convince to invest in guiding and referring you to more advanced levels and situations in the business of Photography. I'm looking forward to this coming semester.