So when are you too old?

My husband & I admittedly got into this game late in life, 2 years ago when I was 47 and he was 45. So now at 49 and 47, we're wondering how long it's practical to expect to be able to keep up the pace of wedding photography. We're both in good physical shape (work out regularly, eat well, don't smoke, etc) but we also both have those little aches that start making themselves more apparent after a long day/nite shooting; achy knees or back. You guys know of any "older" photogs that are able to keep up with the wedding pace?

i just turned 30 and already feel the pain after a good wedding

bigarchi wrote in post #12564951
i just turned 30 and already feel the pain after a good wedding

Ok, Mitch, you don't get to play anymore. Yeah, I know even if we'd started when I was 30 it'd still be tough work. I"m just curious if there are any older guys/gals that can be my inspiration.

I'd say if the aches and pains begin affecting your quality of life, then it's time to seriously consider stopping. Since you are a team with your husband, I would guess it's a little easier. It's really entirely up to you.

Michelle Brooks Photography wrote in post #12564988
Ok, Mitch, you don't get to play anymore. Yeah, I know even if we'd started when I was 30 it'd still be tough work. I"m just curious if there are any older guys/gals that can be my inspiration.

LOL

Michelle Brooks Photography wrote in post #12564892
but we also both have those little aches that start making themselves more apparent after a long day/nite shooting; achy knees or back.

I'm a little older than you and I wake up most mornings aching whether I've done anything or not. Welcome to life as an older fart.

Bunch of youngsters all up in this thread. I'm 61 and, while I have my share of aches and pains, I'm still going strong.

If anything, weddings were much tougher when I was younger and I felt it. The equipment was heavier, my bags had no wheels and I could not afford an assistant. Then there was the stress of having to wait 3-4 days before I knew how everything came out.

I turn 56 this year and still enjoy the pace. Morning after feels like I've run a marathon and in a way, I have.

I'm 30 and I have a chiropractor and massage scheduled every few weeks! lol )) I have wedding hangovers the next day when I can't move my arms and legs after a full day of shooting ) My joint hurt and I'm so thankful I found an amazing assistant to carry my bags because my back is acting, too. Ugh...haha

I'm 35 and do feel a little tired the next day but that's just life.

of course physical ailments can take you out of the wedding biz but if my body can keep it up, I will until my desire to shoot weddings is gone.

Some of us are 'gettin' up there' in age. My other hobby is playing in a working festival band from May - end of Sept or so each season. Try playing 'rock star' on a concrete floor stage for 90 minutes straight! Or two 1-hour sets on a really hot, steamy night. And I'm older than you and the mister!

My ankles, knees and hips really feel it for a day or two after each gig anymore. We ain't gettin' any younger so doing what we can to help stay in shape minimizes the recovery time. Eating well, getting enough rest and being active in some way probably keeps that 1-2 day recovery period for me at a level that I can deal with. If I was still 'feeling it' 2 or more days, I'd be worried.

Like my Dr. says: Do whatever you can and feel like doing. If you overdo things, your body will let you know.

dave

Physically, most people reach their peak ~ 35;
Mentally, ~ 50 - 60.
So, have fun before too late

Love the pace of the wedding but for sure sore the next day. I am 33.

I'm 58 and my wife is 56. I usually carry a minimum of 2 cameras with flashes and a small bag with extra cards, batteries, etc. When I was 21 I stayed till the end of the reception, now I struggle to stay till 10:00. I've had a heart attack in 2006 and I have a disease where my back and neck is fusing into 1 solid stiff rod, but I still keep plugging away. Down to about 18 weddings a year from 40+ when I was young.

My wife usually has 1 camera with her. It kicks her butt also. She has bad knees and hips. But we both keep active all day, always moving, averaging 1500 images per wedding.

The thing that concerns me more than the physical aspects of wedding photography, is how much longer are young couples going to want 2 old folks shooting there wedding. We are current and young at heart, but I think our age is what is limiting our bookings. That, and the fact that there is at least a dozen new young photographers getting in the biz every year here it T-town. Charging rock bottom prices and taking all the pictures at weird angles.

Ed & Diane