A few years ago, when I was discussing my upcoming retirement with my oncologist, his primary concern was boredom. Having known me for over 16 years, he knew how active I like to be! I reassured him, saying, "No worries! I have so many things I want to try and so many adventures I want to embark on."
A Spirit of Adventure
I have never been one to back down from a dare or be wary of trying something new. My journey into competitive stair climbing began when I was 50, and I'm proud to say that I mastered it in just a few years. I even ranked as the 20th overall female in the world and secured a sponsorship with Amgen Pharmaceutical.
Now, as I enter my 60s, I'm embarking on another new chapter: renewing my love for photography. I'm diving deep into mastering this art form.
A Lifelong Passion
Photography has always been a passion of mine. A quick scroll through the 29,000-plus photos on my phone and another 19,000 on my laptop shows just how much I cherish capturing moments. If you dare to open the closet in my house affectionately dubbed "the black hole," you'll uncover endless photo albums and boxes of negatives. My love affair with photography dates back to my college days when my roommates affectionately nicknamed me "Kitty Kodak." I never went anywhere without my 35mm camera.
In my twenties, I wore my waterproof AE1 Aquasnappy like a cherished necklace, capturing memories wherever I went. In my thirties, I turned my passion into a profession as a photographer for Lorstan Studios and later as the owner of Glory Days Sports Photography.
My three children grew up with "cheese" smiles plastered on their faces, and now I find myself bribing my three grandchildren to pose for me.
A New Chapter of Creativity
Less than a year after retirement and just six months after joining a photography club, I decided to test my skills by entering two local contests. I was thrilled when one of my photographs took first place and another secured second place. Additionally, two of my images were selected for a juried show in a gallery.
This renewed interest in photography is not only challenging my mind but also fueling my competitive spirit. The years I've lived are proving to be beneficial in trying new things and channeling my life experiences into my art.
Join Me on My Photography Journey
I invite you to join me as I explore life through the lens of my camera. Let's capture moments together and embrace the beauty in every frame. Thank you for following along on this new journey!
To view more of my work you can visit https://www.sallykalksma.com/photo and follow me on Instagram @sallykalksma
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