Pentax Man Photography

I have not done a blog for ages, basically because I have not felt the need to rant. Having retired 18 months ago I hoped I would fill my days with Photography and spending time with my family.  I consider myself lucky to have been in a a position where I was able to retire early and have adapted well to retired life. However I find myself reflecting on my photography more and where it has taken me plus where I want to go with it. I have made some good friends because of my photography and visited some interesting place too. However I must admit to being unsure what I want to achieve next. 

Without wishing to sound like I am bragging, I have enjoyed  a lot the things a lot of photographers  measure success by. My work has been published in both  buy to print and mainstream magazines, I have  exhibited in local exhibitions and even had one of my photos used on the cover of a DVD! Models use my work on their subscriptions sites plus I have sold my work on Bentbox. Whilst I have had a taste of these things it has never being on a regular basis. So I question is my work actually any good apart from 1 or 2 lucky photos which has given me a taste of what is possible.  I have a handful of models who I work with regularly, and I am  grateful for their support but I am finding it increasingly diffficult to find new models to work with unless I pay them a bucket lot of money.  Which I am reluctant to do, possibly that says more about me and than them!

I know everyone is having to pull their belts tigher due to the current finanicial situation. However I find my motivation for model photography is decreasing. This is not only due to my reduced disposable income but because I am lacking a direction or challenge. I am still a keen photographer but I am now photographing other subjects and not just models. I have no wish to stop photographing models but I guess I am looking for inspiration and a fresh challenges. I cannot help wondering if other people feel this way or if it is just me? My social media accounts get regular views and loves but I cannot shake the feeling that people have no interest in my work and just want to see some skin.

 I appreciate this blog sounds like I am feeling down and sorry for myself.  Maybe I am but I hope people will comment and even offer suggestions on what challenges I could try. I expect other people are facing the same issues. However  I hope that people read my blogs and are maybe interested plus if only one person understands that other people are experiencing the same issues as  them and they are not alone maybe i will have achieved something.