I have been a photographer longer than a programmer–if I really ever was that.  I took my first pictures before the age of 8.  So I have a similar experience of adapting to new ways in both technical fields in my terza eta.

Last month I attended the Nightscaper Photo Conference in Farmington, New Mexico.  I had discovered this group of avid night sky photographers five years ago and attended their 2021 conference.  Attendance back then was diminished by the impact of Covid, but the enthusiasm of the presenters was not.  Now, in 2026, I was pleased to be among the over 200 attendees, and to learn from presenters with even greater enthusiasm for this odd activity.  

It was an inspiring experience, but as I listened to the techniques and tools described by these intrepid photographers, I realized that this specialized hobby that I have pursued since before the turn of the century had completely changed.  I am partly responsible, having contributed to the transition from film to digital photography, but I did not anticipate the dramatic flourishing of creative work that has resulted.