Hobby versus 'real life'

ThePhotogsBlog wrote:I'm 57. I'm building a model railroad, and I'm starting a 1/6th scale collection, which I'm going to use primarily to shoot photos.  (I'm was also trained to be a commercial photographer and have all the equipment though I don't earn my primary living that way.)  I know guys my own age who still build plastic model kits.  Collecting toy soldiers is also considered an adult thing, if they are the right kind of toy soldiers.

ThePhotogsBlog, I hope you don't mind if I occasionally pick your brain with photography questions.  I am always trying to up my photography game, especially in regards to photographing the 1/6 world.  When I think of the diversity of skill I see on here alone, not to mention the toy world in general, it always awes me that anyone can't see how interesting and impressive this hobby is

PureEnergy wrote:Sometimes I think that collecting Faberge might ultimately be less costly...  

You said it man.  

PureEnergy wrote:Furthermore, any man that would write you off for your personal interests without consideration and honest understanding is not worth bringing home - at least, certainly not a second time.  


Be who you are…  Passionately…  

Love what you will love...  Passionately…  

Live as you want to live…  Indeed, passionately…

Couldn't agree more.

Peaches wrote:LOL, I got over my embarrassment over loving dolls by the time I was 50   .  At that point you just don't give a darn what anyone else thinks, LOL. Even better, my hubby has always been nice to me about my passion.  In return, I try to be nice to him about his (D&D) so we are geeks together     It's good for a guy to see your passions, who wants to invest emotionally into a potential partner, then they find out about something that is important to you, and they scoff at it?  Get rid of 'em from the start, I say!

Only uncreative people have trouble understanding our hobbies.  My best friend loves horses and collects all kinds of model horses.  She gets me.  Actually, I've never had anyone other than my mother (who thinks it's a waste of money) not think it's cool  My sister says she is envious that I have hobbies, and that if she didn't have her work, she'd have nothing??!!  Of course, she is a better person and citizen of the world Smart too.  So yah, don't worry, we only live once, I say

I 2nd all this.  I never really get people who are in relationships that don't share some common interest, or at least understanding and respect, especially for an interest that's a big part of your life.  Having at least an interest or curiosity in your interests seems like a bare minimum litmus test for people in your life.

And I think we geeks have inherited the earth.  All the genre stuff that used to be niche has become the big summer blockbusters.  And considering the huge availability of 1/6 offerings, it's a hell of a good time to be into this hobby.

Photographers, unlike magicians never mind sharing their tricks. We are always happy to help others hone their skills.

ReverendSpooky wrote: I never really get people who are in relationships that don't share some common interest, or at least understanding and respect, especially for an interest that's a big part of your life.  Having at least an interest or curiosity in your interests seems like a bare minimum litmus test for people in your life...

 
Indeed, Spooks, it sounds like you’re referring to the concept of compatibility…  

I suppose that some might argue that there is a difference between the romantic and the platonic, and that no such litmus test exists for either, necessarily.  In terms of behavior, I have to believe that if two are to get along, they must ultimately find and share some common ground; but that may be as specific as is required for any sort of positive relationship.  

I’d say the more important factor (and one which you’d also mentioned) is an open understanding of one another as individuals with our own distinctive qualities, interests and idiosyncrasies - that which makes us unique unto ourselves; sincere appreciation for one another as equals but perhaps quite different by way of specific characteristics is essential for any sort of mutuality or reciprocity of respect - be it friendship or romance...  

We don’t have to enjoy the same things; we only need to respect each other enough to understand that each of us will justly have our own, quite simply.

As has been said... my hobby is my hobby, both of my ex wives never criticized my hobby, as it was a means of decompression. Creativity is one of those things that is a form of self therapy . I play mil-sim airsoft as well, and I get stranger looks for that. I haven't bought anything new in over a decade, but I've pretty much gone towards kitbashing anyways. When I describe the work put into a figure, I get quite a few "wow, cool" responses.
So yeah, if they denigrate your hobby, they aren't going to be invited over for dinner.

henchman21 wrote: my hobby is...  ex wives...

Sorry, Hench.  That was simply irresistible...  

“Therapy,” indeed - and the difference between hobby and art is entirely subjective - if not merely a measure of that degree by which we claim it to be of any import beyond but for ourselves.  

Personally, I believe that any amount of alteration or modification constitutes an artistic endeavor, and thus makes this something other than numismatics or apiculture...  

Anyone who can see only playthings empty of artistic merit is definitely a dullard.

Reminds me of a joke I once heard, " what's with train spotters? I counted ten of those sad bozos on the way to the hobby shop".

"one mans meat" and all that.

Cheers,


Peter.

For years I have attempted to show relatives photos of the figures I have,and work on, with them showing little interest.
This year my wife and I hosted the family for Christmas and many of them got to see my figures in person for the first time, since my primary work area is in the living room.
Some were absorbed by the figures and poseabilty, other by the detail of the available accessories and some by the painting/weathering tools and crafting supplies.
I did not make any converts, but they all found at least one aspect that kept them returning to my corner to look around.
Since I am not a collector, my open invitation to "pick up and try" was both a surprise and ( for the kids) a shock.
I think my family has a new appreciation for the fact that I'm not just an adult playing "GI Joes" instead of some other "more manly " hobby.