Here and at the link!

How wonderful to see you posting! You have been missed, and no question about that...

I'm sorry you're having life issues...

I would certainly encourage you to go professional. You do excellent work. And yes, it would be challenging, but I believe you would be up for that.

The pictures are wonderful.

Thank you!

The amount of discouragement you read on-line directed at those thinking of going pro is rather discouraging though. Some of the advise I've read practically screams at prospective newbs not to get into it. It's not the industry it used to be. The market is over-saturated with millions of photos. It's difficult to get yourself noticed by anyone and companies don't much care how good your work may look so much as how well it will sell other products.

The type of work I love the most is the most difficult to get into. That being the nature, abstract, landscape, and or architectural photographer. The type of publishes his work for magazines, books etc. There is some limited money to be made as a stock photographer here, though it's usually very meagre. Usually the only people who make a living at this type of work are the cream of the crop, the very lucky, or those who got their foot in the door very early.

I've been thinking of trying to email a few of the established names in the business to ask for advise. Though with the amount of "fan mail" they get I'm not sure that would be wise.

I've been debating whether to come back and continue posting or not. I guess shame over my current situation in life has prevented me from posting.

enjoy your trip to Hawaii because you felt you didn't deserve it. This year you jumped right in, became one with nature through your camera. That is growth my friend. Nothing to be ashamed of. Plus you obviously have a passion for it. And whether or not you can make a career of it you will always enjoy it. Being happy as we age is having the ability to lose yourself in your passions. You are definitely on your way.

Indeed I do sometimes feel I've made some advances. It's difficult to tell at times cause if anything it's 10 steps forward 9 back most of the time. But 1 forward is indeed still progress. Thanks for the kind words, they mean a lot!

The composition is very pleasing.

That's especially nice coming from you, I really like your work!

lovely photos

The spider!!

The compositions are compelling. Great job!

It has an industrial look to it, but it is obviously nature. Please do post more......hell, we are all damaged, and everyone has ups and downs in life. It helps to stick around with friends, and I believe that I have found some here. I am positive that you have too. Don't isolate yourself.

Good luck however you use your photography. It is true that making a profession of photography is difficult....so is a lot of other things.

It means a lot!! Indeed I have a bad habit of self isolation, largely stemming from a deep well of shame and self hatred over my position in life that I have to work through.

Indeed I tend to go for compositions that either juxtapose mane made with nature or perhaps mix the two in some way like this.