Stay active, don’t retire is the main rule of ikigai, Japanese lifestyle concept. It is also a mantra and inspiration for my lifestyle philosophy. Of course, activity refers to different aspects of life: physical, mental and spiritual.
I’ve been a scientist for over 35 years working with computer modeling in atmospheric science, mostly in academia, but also in private industry. 8 years ago I become full time photographer. The process of turning my career to photography took actually several years. I work predominantly with stock photography creating still images and to less extent video clips.
I’ve found many similarities between science and photography: constant learning, creativity and problem solving. And, less favorable, long hours in front of a computer and business aspects. Digital era! Learning new tools and techniques definitely keeps my mind active and stimulated.
I am involved in different fitness activities and outdoor adventures. Some activities are stimulated by my photography. Of course, I always travel with a camera or rather cameras.
I love being with nature. It may be a small scale nature of my garden or backyard or big open space of prairies or desert, tighter spaces of mountain valleys and canyons or just anything on water. I would describe myself as a spiritual atheist. The nature is my temple.
Why retire? I love what I do and don’t really have plans to retire. Well, changes are coming. Microstock industry is going downhill. I am starting to support photography income from my saving and investments. So far, the retirement for me would be less commercial work, more personal projects and fine art photography. Definitelly, more video.
A dream retirement idea: traveling, photographing and working (!) in a camper van with some off-road capabilities like Winnebago Revel or even better, Storyteller. It doesn’t look very realistic in the current economy. So, plan B: keep traveling and camping with my Toyota 4runner.
I have a feeling that I will keep writing this personal post forever and updating in future …
Concerning ikigai, you can find many western interpretations, adaptations and modifications of this concept. I like writings of Kyle Kowalski. I also own a wonderful book by Mari Fujimoto, Ikigai and Other Japanese Words to Live By with inspirational photographs of Michael Kenna, one of my favorite photographers.
Ikigai pictures are from my stock photography portfolio.