I was out shooting in Utah this past week and I've come to notice that there is never anyone near my age(30) out shooting. I got to a few spots about 30 minutes before sunrise and there was always a crowd, but most of them were quite a bit older. I'm just curious as to how many of you are younger, and why more young people aren't out enjoying the hobby.
i have the same experience as you. my guess is that serious shooting requires some serious money (travel, time, expenses, gear). i think most people will get to this stage financially later in life instead of in their 20's or 30's. just a guess.
I'm 27 and have just gotten into photography over the past year. I suppose there are numerous factors that may contribute to fewer 'serious/dedicated' photographers in our age group. I would guess that many in their 20's and 30's have other priorities or interests that aren't congruent with what is needed for serious landscape photography. Especially when it involves getting up well before dawn to get out and shoot. I would guess you'll see more out shooting during the middle of the day though
There's two ways to look at this. I'm 54 years old and have been into photography for over 30 years, I'm in good shape for my age and do quite a bit of hiking.
Yes I have more money & free time than I did when I was younger, however some of the places you guys can hike to, are difficult, or next to impossible for some of the older photographers.
I was out shooting in Utah this past week and I've come to notice that there is never anyone near my age(30) out shooting. I got to a few spots about 30 minutes before sunrise and there was always a crowd, but most of them were quite a bit older. I'm just curious as to how many of you are younger, and why more young people aren't out enjoying the hobby.
How do you know those people you're labeling as "quite a bit older" aren't really 30? I've been 30 for the past 25 years, before that I was 17.
I'm 20 and consider myself to be an amateur landscape photographer more than anything else. Yeah, I can't afford really nice gear, or travel very often and/or to amazing places, but I can still be opportunistic! That said, I still wish I used the time I have more efficiently so I could be more intentional about getting out and exploring.
I was in Michigan this summer taking some environmental studies classes, but I also snagged some good pics on weekends.
Weekend camp trips here in Oklahoma are nice to get some sunset and sunrise action. Because I took classes this summer I have been lucky to be able to have a lighter semester this fall, making it easier to have open weekends.
I'll be studying abroad next semester in Costa Rica again for enviro studies stuff... but you better believe I'll have a photographic agenda as well.
I say these things just to explain that people in other chapters of life can still "make due" in landscape photography if they're willing to take what they can get from whatever experiences those other "life chapters" bring ...Though it helps that my academic interests encourage travel and outdoors experience.
31 here .... And yes, I've noticed the same phenomenom around here too. I've had a 20D and a couple nice lenses for the past six years and had to save to get that when it first came out. Now for the past couple years I've had a much better paying job and finally just purchased a 5D Mark II and an 85 1.2L (arrives Thursday!!!) and some more flashes etc. Hoping to purchase a few more lenses to round out the kit in the New Year... get through Christmas first - lol.
Anyhow, probably money / interest .... I'm a dedicated birder as well and I hardly ever see anyone under 30 out birding at dawn... lol.
Yep, that's the way it usually goes.
When I got back from Vietnam at 20 I had a nice SLR, but cars & partying sort of swamped out photography. Then job, family & kids was another season of life.
Didn't have the money or time to pursue it.
Its only now that the girls are grown (just married one off last month) that I have the time to get more serious about it.
Now that I am 60, retirement looms on the horizon.
Then I will be another of those old photographers you young guys notice.
I just turned 30 (boo!), and I've noticed the same thing, I'm usually the youngest out shooting landscapes. The discrepancy is even greater when shooting wildlife, where there are NO young people shooting it seems.
Age is just a number my number is 48 I've seen both younger and older photographers in the field and many times when I go on shoots with FM ers there is really a mix of age across the board. For me personally seems my friends have also had a few years on me
25 here. Work and relationships are the main reason I don't get out much at all. I love to get out and do landscape photography even though I'm a newb at it. But there are other priorities that must come first. Seems to be the general trend that can answer your question
