I’m one of those people who just can’t thrive without a creative outlet of some kind. For many years that outlet was photography, but no more. I’ve given it up.

Well, maybe not for good. Sometimes I do go back and revive an old interest (as I’ve recently done with music). But as of now I have no more photo jobs and I’ve unloaded all my photography equipment. The only camera I now own is the one built into my iPhone.

It’s true that photography was a tremendously rewarding endeavor. It’s also true that I eventually developed it into a lucrative and thriving part-time business. But maybe that’s where the photography arc started to point groundward again. Eventually it started to feel too much like work, something I did just for money. Not that there’s anything wrong with doing things for money, but I do that all week long and have no desire to spend additional time doing it. More importantly, having become a job, photography had somehow ceased to scratch the hobby itch.

Maybe one day I’ll pick it up again. The only thing left to say now is thanks. Thanks to the clever people who made the wonderful equipment I enjoyed, thanks to the terrific photographers who encouraged and taught me, but most of all thanks to everyone who let me take their picture. I really mean that. In a real and meaningful way, you shared part of your lives with me and I’m very grateful for it.