Introducing Elaine: The Lens Lady.
Hello, fellow wanderers, shutterbugs, and lovers of retirement travel adventures!
I’m Elaine, affectionately dubbed the Lens Lady in these parts. But don’t let that nickname fool you; the Lens Lady Diaries is more than just a journey through the lens—it’s a chronicle of a vibrant retirement, teeming with diverse hobbies, retirement travel adventures, and life lessons. Join me, Elaine, on a journey of retirement travel, where we explore the world through the lens and beyond.
As we embark on this journey of photography, travel, and vibrant retirement, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does retirement adventure mean to you? Share in the comments below.
Now, as we step into the world of the Lens Lady Diaries, let’s pause for a moment to consider the guiding philosophy that lights our path.
Philosophy Behind the Lens: Lighting Candles of Knowledge.
As I embark on this exciting journey with you through the Lens Lady Diaries, I’m reminded of a quote I stumbled upon by Margaret Fuller that resonated deeply with me:
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”
This quote struck a chord, echoing one of the main reasons I created this website. While I may not consider myself an expert in retirement travel adventures, the experiences and knowledge I’ve gathered through my adventures in photography, travel, and life itself, might just be the spark someone else needs.
Reflecting on the philosophy of sharing knowledge and experiences, I’m reminded of a profoundly personal journey that led to my book ‘A Geordie Up The Ganges‘. Just five days before embarking on a long-awaited adventure trip in India, life threw a curveball at me – a kidney cancer diagnosis. Yet, I chose to rise above the fear and uncertainty, embracing the adventure ahead. This experience, full of resilience and discovery, inspired my semi-autobiographical book.
The purpose of my writing was to send a message of hope and strength to those facing similar challenges. And sometimes, the impact of sharing our stories goes beyond what we imagine. I remember receiving an email from a woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She had come across my story in the Newcastle Journal newspaper (check out page 1 of the article here, and page 2 here) My journey, and particularly how I confronted the diagnosis and still pursued my dream trip, gave her courage in her own battle against cancer. She found inspiration in my story, something that fueled her fight and spirit.
This is why I write, why I photograph, and why I travel – to connect, to inspire, and to remind ourselves and others that even in our most challenging moments, there’s an opportunity for growth, adventure, and unexpected inspiration.
Fueled by these personal experiences and driven by a spirit of resilience, let’s explore the core principles that form the heartbeat of the Lens Lady Diaries.
So, in a nutshell here are the main reasons and principles behind my website:
Celebrating the Art of Seeing: Because there’s more to life than watching the telly – photography helps us see the world in HD.
Inspiring Active Retirement: Who says retirement is for slowing down? It’s the only time you can go on a holiday and forget to come back!
Sharing Knowledge and Experience: I’ve got tales to tell and tips to spill – like how not to drop your camera in the Loch Ness (still waiting for the monster to pose for me).
Encouraging Lifelong Learning: You can teach an old dog new tricks, especially if it involves a camera and a passport.
Fostering a Sense of Community: It’s like a lovely British tea party, but online and with more photos and fewer scones.
Highlighting the Joy of Exploration: From the Scottish Highlands to the streets of London, every place is a potential adventure – as long as there’s a tea shop nearby.
Advocating for Mindful Travel: Travel like the Queen always did – with dignity, grace, and a keen eye for not disturbing the locals (unless it’s for a good photo).
Embracing the Unexpected: Like finding out your hotel room has a view of a brick wall, but then discovering the quaintest pub ever right next door.
Valuing Storytelling Through Images: Every picture tells a story; sometimes, it’s “I was there” and sometimes, it’s “I almost fell off the cliff getting this shot”.
Promoting Wellbeing Through Creativity: They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but I say a photo a day keeps the blues at bay (and it’s easier on the teeth).
With these principles as our compass, let’s delve deeper into the diverse adventures and hobbies that extend beyond the lens, enriching our retirement journey.
Beyond the Lens: A Tapestry of Adventures and Hobbies.
This site isn’t just a platform; it’s a shared space for igniting ideas, inspiring journeys in retirement travel adventures, and helping each other grow. While I have a special love for photography, the Lens Lady Diaries is more than just a photo album. It’s a treasure trove of tips for a happy retirement, exploring new hobbies, and discovering must-visit places.
As we embrace these multifaceted pursuits, we also challenge the conventional notions of retirement, embarking on a journey of continuous exploration.
This blog isn’t just about my adventures; it’s about ours. What new hobbies or interests have you discovered in your retirement? Drop a line in the comments and let’s swap ideas.
Redefining Retirement: A Journey of Continuous Exploration.
Whoever coined the phrase ‘slow down in retirement’ clearly never had a good pair of walking boots—or a zest for life post-9-to-5. Now is the time to live, not just exist, and certainly not to slow down, especially with retirement travel adventures waiting. Here, we toss that old script out the window (preferably from a moving train across the Scottish Highlands), because it’s time to travel and time to live.
In redefining retirement, we’re not just rewriting the rules; we’re actively reshaping them into a thrilling chapter filled with uncharted adventures and photography escapades.
Embracing Retirement Travel Adventures: A New Chapter
Retirement, as some might suggest, is the season for winding down. I beg to differ—it’s actually the perfect opportunity to shift gears and chase the horizons and expand your world. It’s your time to embrace the wanderlust, to sketch new retirement travel photography adventures, weave rich stories, and treasure every moment, whether you’re behind the camera, on top of a mountain, or deep in the pages of a new hobby.
Here, we dispel the old tales of retirement and toast to the freedom it ushers in. After all, isn’t life too short to watch it from a rocking chair unless, of course, it’s rocking on the top of a majestic mountain in the Himalaya.
Feeling inspired by the journey so far? There’s plenty more where that came from. Hit the subscribe button in the footer to stay updated with the latest tales and tips from the Lens Lady Diaries. Let’s keep the adventure going together!
This new chapter of discovery isn’t limited to travel alone; it spans a whole world of interests, each inviting us to dive in and explore.
World of Interests: From Health & Wellbeing to Globetrotting.
In addition to sharing my photography adventures, I’ll be diving into a multitude of retirement joys, including travel photography adventures. From health and wellbeing to gardening secrets, culinary experiments, book club discussions, and travel guides to hidden gems, there’s a story here for every kind of explorer.
Just like finding the perfect light for a photo, discovering your ideal retirement travel adventures or hobbies—be it painting, hiking, or writing—is about exploring and experimenting. My blog is a collection of various lifestyle adventures that make retirement so fulfilling.
As we wander through this kaleidoscope of activities and interests, each experience weaves into a rich tapestry of stories and lessons, ready to be shared.
Stories and Lessons: The Essence of the Lens Lady Diaries.
This website isn’t just a collection of photographs; it’s a series of stories waiting to be told, a tapestry of travel ideas and life lessons. From the wilderness of the Outer Hebrides beaches to the vibrant buzz of a bazaar in Rajasthan. With a camera in hand and a passport full of dreams, I’m setting off to explore the unseen and share the laughter along the way.
This journey is about creating a happy life, one filled with new experiences, whether that’s through solo photography adventures, joining a lively group tour, or just enjoying the quiet moments of reflection.
Through my travel blogging journey, I’ll connect with so many inspiring individuals, so keep following my travel blogging adventures for more stories and insights.
Every journey, every photograph, every story, brings us closer together in this adventure. Now, let me invite you to join in more closely, to be part of this unscripted, unfiltered experience.
Join the Adventure: The Unfiltered, Unscripted Lens Lady Experience.
I’m here to share with you the unfiltered, unscripted, and absolutely unretired side of retirement. I’m not your run-of-the-mill retiree. You won’t catch me idly flipping through old photo albums—unless it’s to get inspiration for my next adventurous, group travel photography expedition
Join our Community on Facebook and Instagram.
But this blog is about more than photography. As we move forward, I’m eager to hear about your adventures, too. What’s your story? What new chapter are you embarking on? Share your tales on our Facebook Group, and your favorite shots on our Instagram Page – vibrant spaces where stories, tips, and snapshots are shared over the digital fence.
I’m eager to hear not just about your photo escapades but about the novel you’re writing, the garden you’re cultivating, or the new language you’re learning. The Lens Lady Diaries is a mosaic of all our retirement adventures.
Here’s a snippet of what’s coming up in the Lens Lady Diaries: a series on “Retirement Hobbies 101”, exploring everything from stargazing to salsa dancing; and my “Essential Photo Techniques” series, encompassing tips & tutorials from beginner to advanced, smartphone to DSLR. Stay tuned!
Photography Unplugged: Tips and Tricks for the Real World.
Here’s the thing about photography—it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s like life; it’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes, you just have to embrace the chaos. Here, I’ll share not only the glossy, postcard-worthy shots but also the candid, unplanned ones that truly tell a story. And yes, tips and tricks will be on the menu—for instance, how a humble shower cap can be your camera’s best friend during a downpour.
I’ll be sharing the kind of advice that’s been earned through trials, tribulations, and the occasional trip over my own tripod. So, along with my travel stories, I’ll be sharing valuable photography tips that I’ve learned on the road. These photography tips are not just techniques, but also reflections of the places I’ve seen and people I’ve met.
In my upcoming ‘Essential Photo Techniques’ series, we’ll be delving deeper into the world of photography, unpacking tips and tricks like the ones in this list, and exploring even more techniques to help you capture life’s moments with flair and fun. Stay tuned for insightful guides, where we’ll uncover the secrets behind every perfect (and perfectly unplanned) shot!
Embrace the Chaos: Remember, the best shots aren’t always planned – like that seagull photobombing your perfect beach sunset.
The Rule of Thirds: It’s like making a cup of tea – there’s a method, but feel free to stir things up a bit.
Always Carry a Spare Battery: Because nothing’s sadder than a camera dying just as the Queen’s Guard is about to smile (or so we hope).
The Magic of Golden Hour: It’s like happy hour for photographers, but instead of drinks, you get the best lighting.
Experiment with Perspectives: Try shooting from a dog’s eye view – just mind the sniff test.
Learn to Love Bad Weather: Rainy days are great for moody shots, plus you get to wear those fancy wellies.
Patience is Key: Waiting for the right shot can be like waiting for a kettle to boil – eventually, it’ll whistle.
Pack Light, but Wisely: It’s like a picnic; bring only what you need, but don’t forget the sandwiches (or in this case, the lens cap).
The Art of Candid Shots: Capturing people unawares, like snapping a photo of Grandpa napping with his mouth open.
Post-Processing: A bit like Photoshop wizardry, but don’t overdo it – nobody should look like they’ve been tangoed.
But it’s not all about the technical stuff. I’ll also delve into the philosophy of photography—the reasons we press the shutter button and the stories we’re trying to tell. And yes, I’ll be sharing plenty of my own photographs, because if a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ve got a whole dictionary’s worth to share.
Tales from the Road: The Countdown to Rajasthan.
Let’s not forget about the upcoming adventures. With my trip to Rajasthan on the horizon, you’ll get a front-row seat to the pre-travel pandemonium.
As I prepare for my upcoming journey to the colourful chaos of Rajasthan, you’ll get a peek behind the curtain. The frenetic packing, the last-minute changes, and yes, the inevitable debate over which lens to leave behind—it’s all part of the adventure.
You’ll be with me every step of the way, from the last-minute itinerary changes (because who doesn’t love a surprise detour to a camel fair?) to the packing tips that’ll save your sanity (and your suitcase). And when I finally hit the road, you’ll see the sights through my eyes—every colour, character, and chaotic market scene.
What to Expect.
So, what’s in store for you at Lens Lady Diaries? A buffet of anecdotes, a gallery of life’s candid moments, and a community of like-minded souls sharing the journey. Every post is an invitation to laugh, learn, and leap into the unknown with me.
Your Invitation.
As I sign off this inaugural post, I invite you to join me in celebrating the golden years filled with retirement travel adventures, inspiration, and laughter.
Are you ready to embrace the unexpected, the unscripted, and the unforgettable? Subscribe, share your thoughts, and let’s embark on this adventure together.
As we near the end of this post, let’s keep the conversation going. What topics or adventures would you like to see more of in the Lens Lady Diaries? Your suggestions are always welcome!
As we wrap up today’s journey through the lens and beyond, I can’t help but wonder about the countless untold stories waiting to be discovered and shared. What adventures, big or small, are calling your name in this vibrant chapter of life? Share your dream destinations, photography goals, or retirement adventures in the comments below – let’s inspire each other to keep exploring, learning, and capturing the beauty of our world in every snapshot and story. Where will your curiosity lead you next?
Signing off (but never slowing down), Elaine, your Lens Lady
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