I'm so excited and feel so privileged to be able to travel in my retirement. One of my goals was to "see" as much of the world as possible while my eyes were still good enough to do so. My other goal was to share all my travels with others through my photography.
As of today, I am now able to share 1002 photos and even more lucky to have sold 111 of them, all "snapshots" of my life. Where else can you make money while doing what you love on vacation, other than here on dreamstime?
I recently spent two glorious weeks in Hawaii and my next trip will be to New England, USA, where I lived most of my life and where I desperately miss the changing colors of the leaves. The foliage can create so much beauty and color.
After that I will be going to Tuscany, Italy, where I've heard is absolutely gorgeous and then I will continue to explore more of the USA.
I hope you have enjoyed a small bit of my travel photos here. Feel free to visit my site and see more. Thanks for all your support and happy selling to all.
Debbie
Photo credits:
Debra Tosca.
- Debratos
- Bonita Springs, United States
Several years ago I was diagnosed with a rare degenerative eye disease; macular telangiectasia. It was devastating news but I refused to let it stop me from living my life to its fullest. I joined a research group from the most prestigious eye institute in the USA, I volunteered to receive the latest and greatest investigational treatments and I set out to "see" the world before it was too late.
One of the most recent and best things I did was to purchase a Canon 5D Mark III digital camera. The eye and the camera lens are very similar, especially when they work together and create beauty. My Canon and I soon became inseparable. It didn't take me long to realize that I could once again see perfect through the lens of my DSLR. The leaves had veins, the bugs crawled in and out of flowers silently and the sunsets created rainbows of color often undetected by my naked eye. Babies had dimples, fences were covered with cobwebs and food displayed amazing textures. It was a whole new world!
I set out on a mission to duplicate the world to the best of my ability, for everyone to admire. I created a website, occasionalnotecards.com, designed e-cards from my photos and sold subscriptions to make donations to eye disease research. I began taking photos of my friends and family for my own memories as well as theirs and I started selling stock photos on Dreamstime.
Although it's only been two years since I first learned how to use my camera, edit my photos and create and run a web business, it's proven to be the most rewarding time of my life.
Get all the latest info, freebies and a free trial delivered right to your inbox!
Your comment must be written in English.
We value all opinions and we will not censor or delete comments unless they come from fake accounts or contain spam, threats, false facts or vulgarity.
Debratos
@Williamsphere. You look way too young to retire! lol Your day will come but for now, (good advice for yourself), keep enjoying what makes you happy.
Williamsphere
Since I still have a "day job" I am envious of your retirement. A lot of people at work are retiring and I always say, "Take me too!" :)
I hope to follow your example some day. In the meantime, I'll just keep capturing images and enjoying all the creative work of DT contributors.
Debratos
Thanks @Leswrona, I'm glad you agree that photography is fun! :)
Leswrona
Happy retirement and travel photos.
Debratos
Thank you for your compliment Babar760 : ) and yes I do consider myself very lucky even with all the lemons life has thrown my way. I just keep making lemon drop martinis! lol It is true that many people do not make the most of retirement, in fact I pondered my existence when I retired and wrote about it in my previous blog. I am also very lucky to have a great husband who "supports" me in many ways as I "support" him in other ways. This month we have been together 40 years. I am also impressed with your portfolio, it seems like you have figured out this stock photo gig pretty well, you are very successful.
Debratos
Cpreiser000 I agree with your bio, that the great outdoors has so much beauty and variety to offer, especially when you look through the lens and really pay attention to the detail. Thank you for your compliments! Keep enjoying life!
Debratos
Thank you Mike21focus. You are too kind. I've taught myself everything I know so far about photography. I know I still have a lot to learn but I'm enjoying the process. Looking at everyone else's portfolio gives me great inspiration. You are extremely creative with your uploads, I am impressed. Cheers to you too!
Debratos
Thank you Daisymay11 for your kind words. Your portfolio is great,especially your illustrations. : )
Babar760
Beautiful photos! Consider yourself lucky in one way. You have the money in retirement to be able to visit the world's exotic locations with a fantastic camera. Many people in retirement stay at home for lack of funds. Or have to work until they go into never,never land. Your glass is half full.
Cpreiser000
Your story is so inspiring and your photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them!
Mike2focus
Wow! Impressive variety of locations. And fantastic framing. Simply gorgeous photography work! Really love your portfolio. Lots of wonderful variety. Cheers!
Daisymay11
Inspiring words and images....best wishes