Ageism:

 “prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age” 

-Oxford Dictionary

The term was coined in 1969 by Robert Neil Butler and patterned on sexism and racism. -Wikipedia

Unfortunately, society does not always look upon seniors as valuable contributors to society. They want to put folk out to pasture and write them off as feeble and addle-brained. 

 At times I buy into self-imposed ageism. In the business of photography, you have to be able to move around and think on your feet. Photography is an ever-evolving craft and there is always something new to learn.  I’m making time to study and keep up with the new technology.

Yes, I am a senior citizen. No shame in stating my age, I’m 70. I’m in good health and I take care of a 4-year-old while his parents are at work. That’s a workout in itself! He keeps me busy. 

I find myself thinking if my clients will think I’m not fit for the job? Will they think I’ll be slow and have low energy?  Well, I can still bend and get down on my knees and shoot from many angles. I sit down on the floor when I photograph the four-year-old. My camera bag weighs several pounds and I can carry it with ease.

I have high-powered photo sessions with loud music where I dance around and engage my clients in a super fun experience! So I don’t know what I’m thinking or why I worry about what the outside world is thinking. I just know that I need to stop the negative talk to myself. 

Age ain’t nothing but a number. I’m going to stop asking myself why I’m starting so late in this endeavor? The answer is that I love photography, I’m blessed to have the activity of my limbs and I am of sound mind. And I believe I still have an eye for it! 

So here’s to me, the “Senior” photographer! 

Remember Grandma Moses started painting at 78!