Where has the time gone? Memories of my life.
by Steve Huff
From 2014..
Tic Toc Tic Toc…Where has the time gone?
As I wake up from bed and head to go look in the mirror in my bathroom I see a face that has looked back at me for nearly 45 years. Today the lines are forming, the aging is evident and the energy that I had in my 20’s is just not the same. For me, the older I get the faster the time goes by. It seems like literally 2 weeks ago that I started this website, yet it has been six years already! Before that I used to be a regular on the DPreview forums, hanging out in the Leica forum and chatting it up with people like Ashwin Rao, Peter (Prosophos) and Amy Medina (Dangrabbit). Posting images, tests, crazy comparisons and more. It seems that just 10 years ago I had the enthusiasm and energy of a 9 year old kid at christmas. But that was a good thing because I then took that enthusiasm and passion and turned it into this website, and it has grown behind my wildest dreams thanks to all of you who come here to read what I have to say, as well as see what the talented readers post. It is because of you that I still have the enthusiasm and passion to keep it going though I admit, I do not stress myself out over it at all. Life is too short. I just do what I do, and what I enjoy. I see so many bloggers who stress about content, getting a “staff” and trying to take over the photo blog world. Not me. I am happy where I am as to me it is not worth the stress and worry. If I were to always have stress that would ruin photography for me and I would be miserable. So I like to keep thing simple and while I still work round the clock on this site (shooting, writing, editing, emails, social media, etc) I love every second of it simply because I do not stress about it.
It is now mid 2014 and I sit and think…ho much longer will I do this? I mean, what about when I am 65 in 20 years? Then I sit and think of the possibilities and facts and I have my answer. “For as long as I can read, see and type and for as long as there is someone out there who can benefit from what is written on these pages”! The cool part is that there are now thousands of posts and articles here that will always be here..as a reference. Maybe even after I am dead and gone and my son takes over this website (my plan anyway) there will be someone out there who wants to read up on a Leica M8, or Sony NEX-5 or even learn some tips like how to shoot architecture or how to shoot a lens wide open for maximum impact.
What has been accomplished on this site has been remarkable, and it was not all from me! The ones here who have contributed to the site will also always have your words here for others to learn from. So while I have spent countless hours at my desk during the day, out shooting on weekend and even answering emails at midnight, it has all been worth it without a doubt. Over 90 million views to date (UPDATE 2016 – Nearly 170 Million views)…yes almost 100 million views, 1/10th of a billion! That is some exciting stuff right there and makes me proud of what I have created here. It makes me tell myself without a doubt that YES, this site will always be here and continue. One day there will be a new design, and TENS of thousands of posts for reference. For anyone who wants to see all of the posts here already, click here for the list and links to them all.
Photography is a powerful thing..
As I look deeper into the mirror and think back through the past 20 years I have flashes of memories go through my head from my son Brandon being born, to my old dog Scrubby who is no longer here to just recent times of meeting Debby and having a renewed zest for life. When I see these flashes, many times I am seeing a photograph I took – because that photograph created the memory in my head. It’s a magical and powerful thing. Without photography in my life many of these memories would be foggy and that would be horrible. Because of me taking my camera everywhere with me I have amassed a huge amount of these memories and I have hard drives filled with moments that most have never seen. Some that no one else besides me have ever seen. I look through them every few years and it brings back the joy, pleasure and emotion of the time.
So as I started this post talking about getting older and thinking about my life I also want to say that I have only just begun this journey and this site will always be here for as long as I am able to keep up with it. With that said, I hope all of you out there keep the passion alive within you. Keep the love, energy and passion! I am telling you that is a key to life happiness. Get out there and enjoy your hobbies, all of them. Take a camera with you every day and take photos of YOUR LIFE. One day you will look back at all of the memories and be very glad that you did. I know I am.
With that out of the way..how about some flashbacks of my life dug up from the depths of one of my hard drives that I had stored in a cabinet for years? I have 20-30,000 images and these were just random choices..nothing specific! Just a mish mosh of images from the last 12-13 years.
Steve I just had to take a moment to say, I have only been made aware of your work since last year, maybe work isn’t the best word. Because you do seem to LOVE what you do. But I have been truly inspired, by how you communicate with spirits. The kindness and love you have toward ALL LIFE, is so beautiful!!!! And what you were saying about time speeding up, I completely agree!!! It also seems there is a shift in mass consciousness, towards love and light. And I pray it continues to grow and evolve, and with people, such as yourself out there, doing what you do, bow can it not!! Thank you for your love and SENSERITY!!!!!!
Add Olive to the pics! 😉
Best Memories ever great pics loved it.
Steve, you are right: passion, excitement and dedication to something you love and to people you love are what keeps a person alive. I enjoy the enthusiasm and honesty of your site. I am 80 now and I have a large yellow button on my desk that says, “Enjoy life, this is not a dress rehearsal.” Another favorite theme of mine is, “When in trouble, present a moving target.” Thanks for your great posts and your great site.
Steve love your site and really enjoyed this essay.
Ah, excellent write up, nostalgia and montage of photographs telling the story! Thank you!
Steve love the site very much. Great post.
I am just couple days behind this posting. My comment in reading this site is an enjoyable experience, not only for knowledge of gear but also growing friendship.
Steve, awsome post. I didn’t know you were a P90Xer too. I did my first round in 2011. Since my first round I’ve lost 100 pounds. I was a monthly challange winner of $500. Of course it went for camera gear. I’ve also done P90X2, didn’t like it much. I’m now doing P90X3, only 30 minutes. There are several X3 workouts I don’t care for, but over all it an awesome program.
I will have to look into #3, I also did not care for 2..
Hello, Steve!
I have always been a silent lurker on your site, and this is the first post I have made.
I want to thank you for your years of service to the photographic community. You have a very unique and energetic viewpoint in your reviews which contrasts any other photographic persona on the net! It is truly a breath of fresh air and keeps your readers coming back for more!
Keep it up!
All the best,
Wesley
Fantastic post! Thank you Steve. This makes me wanna take photos more.
By far my favorite post of yours. It really reminds us about the real reason we are all into photography. The gear is only secondary in the end. What matters is capturing moments in time to tell the story of our life and the lives of other people. I also wanted to say thank you for your site, it has been a wonderful resource not only for gear reviews but for open discussions about all thing photography related.
45 years well spent, I think.
Good post. Wise words. Thank you, Steve. …and that selfie in striped pajamas is great!
Steve
Thank you for the website! It is a must daily read for me. I look forward to it everyday!
You should write a post about your P90X experience. The pic looks too good to be true 🙂
Well it was indeed all 100% real, and that is not even my final 3 month pic 😉
Unreal! Did you only do the exercises or did you follow the nutrition guidelines, too?
Oh man, I wish I had 1% of your dedication level. Can’t even lose 5 pounds!
I recall being issued a Leica 111g in 62 in Nam after we found that the nikon mirror slap brought in fire! I went to sleep that night and woke up this morning 52 years later in South Florida. Where did the time go? The kids are grown and the grandkids are growing faster.
I just cannot figure out how your wife agrees to being a model for all those shots. Keep her – mine says put that thing away and turns her head!
BTW thank you for the site it is one of my daily joys.
Very inspiring Steve! Thanks for all the work you put into this site!
IN ONE DAY I WILL BE 70 AND LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER 20 TO 30 YEARS. SO STEVE YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR SITE RUNNING BECAUSE WE ALL NEED TO SEE WHAT IS THE LATEST CAMERA GEAR. WHAT WILL THE NEXT 30 YEARS BRING? LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT REVIEW.
Happy Birthday!
Your observations resonate. I shoot daily and my wife puts selected prints in photo books (lots of books!). We gave my 5 year old grand daughter an old Canon Powershot and she now has her own photo book. When we take trips together she reminds me to be sure and bring her camera! She is the only one who ever takes pictures of me and good ones too. Looking back at family photos sure does bring back the memories
Love the cat picture and those with Seal.
One personal question. I’m hitting the 45 mark myself, and I’m very curious about how you look back to your P90X work out. Are you able to keep your body in shape as in the picture? (you see, I am right now in your ‘before’ state…)
That was a few years back and today I am still in decent shape but maybe half way in between the two shots. I am not like the before or after, but in between. I think I could do it again quite easily as all it takes is discipline and some dedication. I am thinking about it!
thanks for sharring. jeff a.
Osho, the Indian mystic who died almost 25 years ago, said that meaning does not exist by default, that it has to be created. I think he has a point. Whatever the case, you’ve created such a great website. I love it.
Some of those photos above as just amazing. I can think of very highly paid photographers who are not half as good. But that’s usually the case, eh? It’s better to be excellent at your art than rich and boring. Both would always be welcome, though!
BTW photography has too much meaning to be a mere hobby. Retro computing – now, that’s a fun hobby. But photography? That is a reason to live. 🙂
Hi Steve, great writeup and photos.
Have been following you on an almost daily basis since I discovered your blog 4 1/2 years ago.
It has been and still is my primary source of inspiration and information about photography and gear.
It’s also great to see that long time contributors like Ashwin still appear every now and then on your site.
To me it shows that you’re a sympathetic person.
I think your readers feel this and bond to you in a similar way.
Thanks!
Where has the time gone? LOL! Where has the hair gone was my first reaction. 🙂
You have the sense of humor to post a selfie with a wig.
All the best!
Hi Steve,
Nice posted, a journey memories of you and site. Why don’t you add video contains slides show with songs and photos also short movies you’ve taken in daily? it would be touching.. just a thought 🙂
Maybe I will one day, thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks for the photo album, Steve. Just wait till you’re 75!! Keep going strong, even if you have to ration the energy.
Pijama +1000
Congratulations Steve, an awesome site and you deserve everything that comes your way.Thank you for posting some of of my images. Its really appreciated. Roll on the next 10 years
A heart shaking post and so inspiring, as always Steve. I know now what images of my llittle daughter I have to take in the next years. THANKS for posting!!!!
Wow! Amazing px90 shot but you should have included one from today. Are you back to week 1? Would also be nice to see your ex wife
I am probably around week 6-7 🙂 As for the Ex, she said she would sue me if I posted any more photos of her here, so I do not even go there. Besides, I am much more happier today with Debby than I have ever been in my life. It is good to be with someone who is nice, loving, caring and not only out for themselves. Meshes well with my personality 🙂
Sorry Steve, I didn’t know about your situation. I just thought that no matter if it’s a positive or negative experiences captured in a photo it should be included when looking back. It’s still a part of you life. It is nice to see Brandon grow up on here. I’m glad he won’t sue you -)
Very very moving Steve thank you.
Way to go Steve!
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for this. You have been a true inspiration to all the alternative photographers around the world. My morning does not begin if I do not peruse your blogs and all the posts. I don’t always find time to comment but enjoy all the posts by fellow enthusiasts and you.
You are aging like old wine, Steve – only getting better with time. Your enthusiasm might not be evident in your physique, but the sparkle in your eyes that make your posts shine.In another 20 years, you will be leaving behind a legacy through Brandon and I hope to see more and more interesting posts from both of you!
Thank you again so much for this wonderful blog and keep inspiring us time and again
– Andy
Congratulations, Steve. You definitely have your priorities straight. May your site accompany my morning coffee for many years to come.
Enjoy all your pics Steve mum huff looks so good and love the ones of you in your onesies keep inspiring others you do it so well 🙂 karlene nz
P90x?! Fantastic!
Thanks for sharing this Steve, I definitely appreciate your blog. I’ve learned plenty, have used your reviews and wisdom for making purchases. The one thing that is interesting is seeing someone’s family grow that you’ve never met, like your son.. or another photographer I follow on Tumblr, his children growing up and even additions.. just wild seeing all the milestones. Glad that the site is going strong and will continue to grow.
Thanks for the memories, Steve.
It is very true that as you get older – I am now 67 – life goes by faster and faster,
My wife passed away last year from Leukaemia, and my parents have long passed, but as I have been an avid photographer for most of my life I have plenty of memories to hold onto in the form of both film and digital files. I have also found that the creative process of photography has been a great source of comfort during both good and bad times, which I am sure, being a long time reader of your website rings a few bells for you too.
By the way is that a real cat looking through the partly open door – amazing creature?
Keep up the good work, and wishes to your family.
agree with all of previous sentiments, love this site, and try to visit it daily over the last couple of years. Keep up the good work!
There are many really good pictures in this post. Thank you for sharing, and for what it’s worth I hope you keep this site going for many years to come!
Hi Steve, You can tell a lot about a person by the images they take (I believe) and you are clearly a man as passionate about your family as you are about your photography. I can’t believe you’re 45 though, you don’t look a day over 44 and a half ! Take care mate and thanks for the fantastic site.
This right here is exactly why I choose to take pictures. The memories. While it is a true joy taking great pictures, nothing is better than looking back to solidifying those special moments and people in your lives. Well done Steve!
lovely photos, thanks for sharing with your us (your readers!)
your energy and passion pervade the whole website which is fun, informative and occasionally inspirational. really appreciated – keep it up.
It’s good to see YOU Steve, following YOU –– and your page –– for a couple of years now. I’m admiring your style, enjoying the stuff you put up here as real live images. We’ve almost met personally, at the M event in Berlin in May 2012, almost brushed elbows literally during the evening event (the saxophone performance substituted by the Hermès edition) and during breakfast in the Melia Hotel. (You’ll find a picture of me sitting on a windowsill overlooking the backyard of the gallery where the M event took place. It’s on the last pages of the LEICA booklet sent to all of the participants of the event). The Leica people didn’t really recognize you and your work back then. They do now, I guess. Please keep up the good work, enjoy, have fun, live life as you do –– and keep up expressing it all through the images you show us here. There’s only one little inspiration I want to induce: You separated yourself and your work from DSLRs quite a while ago. For me, as a photographer who is trying to make a living out of the pictures I am taking with my 5D3, the SONY A7S penetrates my mind as a temptation these days (THANK YOU for this gorgeous review), probably a near-future back-up body (and low-light alternative in its own right), making things come round through the Metabones EF to E-Mount Mk IV. How interesting would it be for you to report about people who are looking into it deeply, conservatively –– reporting about the process of making the transition to mirrorless, telling the story of combining the best of the worlds known to them –– possibly slowly step-by-step, sharing the experience, providing the real stuff: real-world pictures? I am looking forward to your feedback. And –– of cause –– to more of your great work. All the best to you and the ones you love, Jens
it’s same to me … age, son, love to catch life’s moments by camera. I love your blog and “style”) because it’s competent and (what is even more important to me) very human. Do what you do and be happy.
I don’t know you, but after reading your articles for a few years now i can say that you are a cool guy 🙂 keep doing this, congrats!
The thing I take away from this is how beneficial a great camera (and photographer) can be to document your kids growing up. I don’t have kids (yet), but when I look back at all the photo’s my parents took… they are horrible. I’m sure you and your kids will really appreciate these great pics as time goes on and everyone gets older.
I could have written the first and third reply. Yes, blink your eyes and another 20 years will go by. All I can say to that is to do what you love and cherish those around you and the time will be well spent.
Hi Steve.
Been reading you stuff since day one, and still do, and always will.
Thanks for the indefatigable effort you apply each day.
All the best for the future
Gav.J
we all like tony horton,
thumbs up for p90x body transformation! : )
Made me stop and think — my sister always gets mad at me b/c there are no photos of me, always photos I take of everyone else. Maybe I need to take some selfies?!
Fun Memory Lane images — love the three dogs and all the photos of Brandon.
LOL, living in Canada, I can identify with your pained expression in the photo where you’re standing in the snow holding the shovel!
…Just the sort of photos that appeal to me Steve, those “little” moments 😉
And I too remember those old DPReview Leica Forum days with great fondness. It was a special time that I’ll always treasure: you, Ashwin, and Amy were constantly contributing in a positive way, posting great images almost daily.
And look at the formidable contributions you’ve all subsequently made to the photography world. Amazing really.
[As an aside: for the many readers of Steve’s site, you should know that Steve — behind the scenes — has not had his wild success spoil him.]
—Peter.
The pajama selfie is awesome! LOL!
px90 – that’s not you…is it really!?
Yes, it 100% is me 🙂
Dude, congrats on a successful P90X !
Wow! – we missed that one. I know you were not trying but great endorsement…I’m sold.
Love the P90X before/after shot. hahahahah
really made me laugh. It should be featured as part of the P90X ad campaign!
Just wait until you have grandchildren… I really enjoy taking the grandson on photo trips and when my granddaughter gets old enough, she too will be forced to endure my photo excursions. Now in my 60s I can say with certainty that there are two life-lessons I have learned: we don’t live as long as we think we’ll live when we’re young (so do all the living you can now because once your dead you’ll stay that way for a very long time) and I had no idea how much I’d miss my parents until they were gone.
nice reflective post Steve, and a great mixture of pictures from the silly to the sublime! I think time goes faster for all of us as we get older. I look forward to many more years of your unique and interesting blog! Thanks for the diversity and passion shown in these pages which still makes it one of the most interesting places to visit.
Very cool!
I remember some of those from back in the day when I first found this site.
Congrats and best for the future.
Huss
p.s. awesome wig shot!
Agree about that shot…
Go tha Fro!
I am 65. And while I do not have a blog, I sure make daily time for yours. I look back over photos also. In my case I bought my son his first few digital cameras. And, I look over the photos he took of the many things we did together or he did with others. Little did I know when I got him started in photography, that I would have his photos to help me remember after he had passed on. Those photos only you have seen may be precious to someone else one day.
Wayne,
Sadly, I understand how precious the photographs of your son are to you. We lost our son, too, when he was 35. His half-sister started a blog to remember him, tim-gartman.com and keeping his memory alive with photos and contributions written by his friends is so comforting.
Photographs are so powerful and poignant. “Every photograph is a certificate of presence.” — Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida. Or as even stronger statement by Barthes, “Whether or not the subject is already dead, every photograph is a catastrophe.”
Whoops, it was Jacques Derrida who wrote the second quotation.