Challenging Yourself

Two cameras. Roughly the same size, weight and made by the same company. Both look similar, feel similar and to the casual observer are similar. But, if you were to draw that conclusion, you would only be correct in the most superficial manner of describing them. The old Nikon D5300 on the left above is like a 1979 Datsun B210. It has a four cylinder engine, roll down windows, minimal safety features and will go the speed limit if you don’t try to run the aftermarket air conditioner. The new Z50 ii on the other hand is more like a brand new 2025 Corvette. It’s also just as complicated and may have more features than the Corvette.

What is it about the aging process that makes us less and less likely to lean into challenges? When the new camera came and I opened up the pitiful “owners manual” that was contained in the box, I realized that even Nikon had given up to some degree based on the complexity of the camera. They included a “starters manual” that guides the user through how to charge the camera, insert an SD card and take a photo. That’s it. Then they included a QR code that led to the online owners manual that takes the deep dive. Menus that lead to other menus that lead to other menus. That plus a 55 minute phone call with my pro photographer son who has another version of this camera…and I had one custom setting all set.

Then I set out to practice with the new tool. I leaned into the new challenges. Finding ways to overcome the differences between the ’79 Datsun I was so comfortable with and had served me so well so I could get in the fast lane with the Corvette.

So far, I’ve taken hundreds of photographs with the new camera. I practice and practice. I hike and shoot. I sit on the porch and shoot. I walk the neighborhood and shoot. A lot of them frankly are not good, but I’m getting better and I’m learning the new tool and what it can do when I stretch its legs.

There is great risk in challenging yourself. There is frustration, the ever present risk of failure and setbacks. But with all that comes rewards. Great satisfaction in accomplishing something that you weren’t certain you could accomplish. Learning new skills. Building new relationships. Forging new experiences. All of these positive experiences should encourage you to accept the challenge…whatever it is. Go for it.

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