47 weeks to go

I think photography is going to be one of the big things I do in retirement. I did a shoot with a model Emma in Huddersfield last weekend. The beauty of photography is that there are so many different aspects to it: practise in operating the camera so that it becomes second nature, using apertures and shutter speed to get different results, learning about different lenses and when to use them (and saving up to buy a better one, as they are expensive but you need good glass at the front to get better images); there's the artistic side of composing the shot, balancing the picture, adjusting the image afterwards to produce a really good photograph - I love the balance of science and art in this activity. And then there's the people side; there's no way, when I retire, that I want to be in the youngest couple on a coachload of 85 year olds. At work, you meet people of all ages, which keeps you up with what;s going on, and - I'll miss the girls. You need youngerer girls in your life - well, I do. So, I've taken up hiring models, and I enjoy these sessions so much. They are very challenging, as I have to work the camera, manage the lights, meet a new person and work with them to get good shots; challenging, enjoyable, and just worth it. They add a lot to my life. I'll try and put up a shot or two from my recent shoot if I can.

Retire at 60? Nah...

I always thought I would retire at 60, which will be the day before my birthday on 12th August. It doesn't seem a very good time to give up work, as the days are getting shorter and winter is starting, and you just spend more time indoors. It feels a lot better to stop working in the Spring. So, I'm going to work full time until 1st October, take a day a week off until Christmas, and then work a three day week - with a reduction in pay - from 1st January until 31st March 2010. And then stop.

49 weeks.

49 weeks to go...

I retire in 49 weeks. I'm hoping to write this blog for the 49 weeks up to retirement and, if I can keep it going, for 49 weeks after that. It's such a big change; am I ready for it? I think I am, but things are always different to what you imagine. So, I intend to set out my plans over the coming weeks, and then see how it all turns out once I'm retired. And it might be interesting for those about to take the same step.

We'll see how we do.