Aged Out

I often listen to podcasts by younger photographers who dismiss older ones as stuck in the past. They joke about how we cling to the “good old days” of shooting film and suffering for our craft. Implying we’re irrelevant in the digital era.

Sure, it can get tiresome to hear old stories over and over. But dismissing or canceling older photographers overlooks their value. These stories come from a place of loneliness. Many older photographers have lost peers or simply lack someone who understands their journey. Sharing their experiences is an attempt to stay relevant and connected.

As an older photographer myself, I’ve learned not to dwell on the past or preach about film days. I’m still shooting, still learning, and still evolving as a lifelong student of photography. But I’ll admit, I miss the days when my name carried weight in the local photographic community. Losing relevance stings, even if you accept it gracefully.

There’s truth to the saying, “Keep up or get left behind.” I’ve embraced both analog and digital photography, enjoying the resurgence of film and the beauty it offers. My personal work balances both—street photography and portraits are digital, while my art leans analog.

Photography evolves, and so do we. For me, it’s not about clinging to the past but continuing to create, experiment, and grow. Stay curious, or risk getting left behind.