I became interested in photography in my mid 50s. Prior to that I always handed a film camera to my wife on vacation and Christmas and told her to shoot. When I was 54 I changed jobs and as a small part of my new position I was handed a camera and told I was to take pictures, as requested, of parts, people, events etc. I had very little idea what I was doing with a small point and shoot Nikon. Over a period of time, and some terrible shots, I started seeking advice from people I knew who were into photography. When the Nikon failed I ordered a Canon point and shoot. I started practicing on my own and next budget round I requested a Canon Rebel 450D and a few lenses. Two years later I went with a Canon 7D at work and more lenses. Meanwhile at home I purchased my first DSLR (Rebel 450D) and in the 12 years since I have had a 60D, 6D, and recently purchased a 6D Mark ll. it has been a journey. I joke with people telling them this was my midlife crisis and is cheaper than sports cars and wild women ( only slightly though). I am an amateur with no aspirations to do this for a living. I enjoy it too much to add the stress of meeting somebody else's standards every time I shoot. I like to go out in the early morning to shoot. My favorite shots are the ones I took abroad in England, Ireland, Scotland, and France.

It is now November of 2021 and I am awaiting delivery of my Canon R6. I tossed this move around for 3 months before ordering. My 6D Mark ll is still in great condition, but I am ready to move on. I have recently started taking 3 shots at a time with one stop above and one below trying get better dynamic range. it is one of the 6D Mark ll weak points. I am turning 71 shortly and this may be my last camera. I may be employing "auto-rationalization" mode here, but I am looking forward to a new experience.

December 2023. My R6 Mark ii arrived yesterday. The goal is to make it my primary and keep the R6 as my backup. This move was precipitated by an invite from my son to go to the UK for three weeks this Spring. I cannot see dragging my DSLR as a backup with its three lenses. In 2014, my first time overseas, my 6D failed and I had to run out and purchase a cheap 1200D. That experience has made me a cautious man. i am not going overseas without a backup so this is a good time to make the leap.