September 23, 2026
We Are Mortal
Beauty in Death No. 25
When I turned 70, I thought, I’ve probably got 10 more good, active years.
But recently, with so many of my musical heroes dying in their 70s and early 80s, I was reminded that the day and hour are uncertain.
And now, after having a near-death experience, it made me realize that the end could come at any time.
As I think about what I want to do with my remaining time, I don’t think about places I want to photograph or things I want to do, but rather how I want to live my life. I am now more focused on Vision than ever before, because Vision isn’t really about photography; it’s about knowing who you are and living in harmony with that.
My images merely reflect my Vision.
And so, in my final chapter of life, I am compelled to ask myself: Who am I? Who do I want to be? How can I live more honestly? Knowing the answers to these questions will refine my Vision and will be reflected in my images.
And what about you? Why wait until you’re old or have a near-death experience to find and follow your Vision! Do it now; it will change your photography and your life.
It changed mine.
Cole
P.S. Here’s a link to the article “How I Found My Vision.” It outlines the ten steps I followed to find my Vision; perhaps some of them will be useful to you. https://colethompsonphotography.com/2014/05/09/finding-vision/
Cole, I love your image above. Is it from Laparouse Bay? Not that it matters of course. It is one of my favorite spots for images like this.
Daphne
I actually think it is, what a great eye you have!
I have thoroughly enjoyed our friendship, especially our discussions about Vision. Your near death experience has certainly affected me. Will it change me like it has you? I don’t know. Seems, major events like this tend to be short lived for some reason. We lose a loved one and we say, I’m going to cherish each day. But, then a mere few month later, we are right back to our old ways. Change is hard!
You have taught me much, John!
One belief that was reinforced from this near-death experience, is that I can change no one, except myself. And even that is extremely hard!
“My images merely reflect my Vision.” That is a great truth. Realizing the inevitable end is approaching makes us realize there is more at stake.
Hi Cole, there is a challenge within myself with how to live each day. It’s a balance decision between what you said, doing the things I have strong desire to do, or find ways to live each day with high quality, regardless of if that thing gets done or not. I’m slowly learning more about living in the here and now, and accepting what is. Each day is a gift and I want to let the unimportant noise just fall to the side and follow my instincts. Thanks for you, and for John!
Thank you for sharing your vision and inspiring us to find our vision. I love that! I am also glad that you are still with us and survived that snake bit! I believe you were saved for a reason and maybe the reason is to inspire us.
Thank you,
You’re older than me! Ha ha! 🎅
But I have more hair!
I’ve followed you for years, including your recent near death experience. The adage of “life is short” is hard to fully embody, but I try. I no longer feel I have to prove myself. Rather, I can center around expressing myself. Defining Vision scares me. Can I be awake to what is? Can I be awake to what is right in front of my nose? I just finished a yearlong project (culminating in a book John B helped me with) called Come Closer, based on a Zen Koan of the same name. My vision is to ask fewer questions, as if there is one answer, but to come closer to my actual experience whether it’s photography or sex.
Very inspiring words of wisdom and plans for your next chapter. Having turned 70 myself this year, and only just recently realized, while struggling to find my vision, that I had already found it. I just didnt know it yet. Glad you are better and you and John are back to recording.
We just recorded a YouTube episode about the letter you sent me, Rose. It was a wonderful letter to receive, detailing your “aha“ Vision moment.
Thanks! Looking forward to listening to it!
So perfectly said Cole❤️
Thank you
Hey Cole: as someone who has had multiple near death experiences (seriously)…. I hear ya. My family, my friends, my dog and stupid cat, and my ability to stay healthy (so I can be there for others) have all truncated to be my priorities. I’m just happy you’re still around. Life every day to its fullest.
Thanks Mitch, we will need to trade NDE stories some time!
“One belief that was reinforced from this near-death experience, is that I can change no one, except myself. And even that is extremely hard!” My vision involves realizing there is nothing to change; I’m just fine as I am.
Hello Cole,
You hit the nail with the hammer. I have been thinking about it for a while- Who am I, really? What am I, really? Am I the body mind complex which is limited and for short time ( Mortal) or is it beyond that?
It is gradually settling in my head that the body Mind complex is given and things generated by the body Mind complex which I assume to mine is also given and one day there will be seperation.
What I want to be ? – Do not arise in the psyche any more. It use too in the past. No interested in climbing corporate ladder any more or no desire to be so called famous 😃
You are a thinker, Vipul! We all enjoyed your thoughts at the Vision Retreat. And I appreciated your medical guidance as I healed.
I’m pleased you survived your near death experience, using up one of your cats nine lives.
I’m 70 next year & I’m just taking each day as it comes, much like I have done all my life. I still have good energy & more importantly my health. I know none of us are immortal and we do not know how much time we have left.
This post has struck a chord with me, as it will with my partner when I share it with her. Lots to think about.
Cole, thank you for sharing your thoughts and beautiful photographs with us all.
When I was 70, I thought that I had many years in front of me and could run around as much as anyone else. But now that I am approaching 80, despite the amount of energy I physically still have, my camera equipment is getting heavier and heavier. Now it’s time to meditate and review what has excited me these past decade. Vision? I count on it to guide me to produce my best work. Enjoying what I see and photograph is where I stand right now. I just want to put a stop to all the friends who decided to bail out and go to heaven. Love
Where is Ponce de Leon when you need him!
i’m with you all the way catherine! everyday is precious and every vision worthwhile. the beauty of both sunny and rainy days. good health and making every minute count.
cole – i hope to see you on many more photo trips!!!
I just got back from a workshop in Western NY, which for me was about developing vision and getting something done in my seventh decade. And that made me think about all your recent posts. Then it occurred to me that I hadn’t seen any posts from you in a bit. I wasn’t sure what that might mean! But right on time, you eliminated those concerns. And you also reinforced the need to be focused in this decade more than any other. Because we just don’t know which bus has our name on it!
Did you think I had croaked? No, I was just waiting for your mental message to arrive, encouraging me to write a new post!
Having just reached 80 a few months ago, I’d like to think my vision is all refined. It probably would help if that were true. But I find new insights all the time. I think my photography pleases me more now than even in the recent past. I’d like to say I know vision when I see it… but it keeps evolving… even surprising me quite often. That’s a good feeling! My motto has become “Go ’til you can’t go anymore.” Fortunately, I’m still going. And I’m very glad to hear you are too… go for 80!
You’re right Gary, Vision is not static, it’s ever evolving as we experience new things.
Another similar motto on aging is: Don’t let the old man in.
Dear Cole,
I am so happy you are here to share these words with us after everything you have been through. Your message touched me deeply, and I wanted to tell you why.
When I was at your Death Valley workshop, you encouraged me to find my voice. Your kindness and the way you listened have stayed with me. Reading your words today, I felt you were helping me look for that voice again—this time in my life.
For the past five years, I have watched Alzheimer’s slowly take pieces of my husband, Dennis. It is heartbreaking to feel you are losing someone a little at a time while they are still beside you. Every day is different. I often live one hour at a time because I never know how he will be feeling or what he will need.
Your message made me think about how I want to live the rest of my own life, too. Who am I becoming? What will bring me meaning and joy? How do I care for someone I love so deeply while still making room for myself? Not having children adds another layer of uncertainty when I think about what my next steps might someday be.
I don’t have those answers yet. But your words reminded me that I can begin looking for them now, even within the uncertainty. Finding my vision feels very personal to me right now: understanding who I am and how to live as fully and honestly as I can.
Thank you for sharing something so heartfelt. You have helped me grow as a photographer, and today you helped me think more deeply about my life.
Sending you love,
Sophia
Sophia, I am so sorry for your trials. I cannot imagine what it’s like to lose “someone a little at a time while they are still beside you.” I am sure Dennis is grateful to have you there, I know I was grateful for my Dyan being with me through all of that.
And what a tough balance, caring for Dennis and caring for yourself. As you and others have illustrated, we are all fighting a battle, sometimes it’s visible and sometimes it’s not.
To find your Vision, you don’t need to be behind the camera; the hard work is done in quiet times of thinking. I wish you well on that journey.
Hi Cole, reading this about your thoughts about getting past 70 and how you’ve been affected by your experience makes me think about revisiting the definition of my personal vision. I’m past 70 and have always photographed what interested me and never cared what others think. I figure if they don’t like it, they don’t get it. All that matters is that I like it. If that’s vision, then I guess I’ve got it.
Not caring what others think of our creations is a HUGE component of Vision! I think you’ve got it, Keith!
So glad to hear your doing better Cole. I think finding out who you are and what you want from life , as you said, is so very important.
I’m 87 and still shooting every day with my 13 year old dog at my side and a wonderful wife waiting for me at home. I have finally realized that we each have our own way of seeing the world and we need to stick with that perspective. You have encouraged me more than you’ll ever know. Thank you friend. So glad your back at it.
Dan, what an inspiration you are! Take care of your lovely companion…and your wife (smile).
A man of vision that’s what I believe you are. And we are all dern lucky to still have you around. You’ve been on my mind Cole. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your vision unfold.
Thanks for caring about me Mario!!!
I share your vision Cole,
Thank you for sharing yours.
I’m glad you survived Cole, you have been an inspiration. I’m 81 and I just assume death is nearby (I never expected to live this long!), so death is less of a concern for me. I’m much more focussed on how I live, what I still want to accomplish, and how my vision is or is not being fulfilled.
Jack, what do you still want to accomplish? Just curious as to what sort of things.
I’m a few years older than you. I think aging and/or a near death experience can make you take stock of your life. Guessing how many more good years we have is impossible. I’ve lived longer than my parents. What do I want to be remembered for? Will my grandchildren remember how much I love them? How do I want to live for the rest of my life? We have to show up. And pay attention no matter what.
When I reached my mid-sixties a decade ago, I asked myself, “How do I want to spend my ’10 best’ last years?” When I entered my early 70’s I realized that the clock had already been running. With only one regret (never had children), I’ve lived a most fortunate life. And I’m not done. I do not need to seek more to do or have or be, other than to live each moment with gratitude, amazement, wonder, and awe. And that involves expressing it to others in words and action. I am most curious about how I’ll navigate this last passage and what lies beyond.
There are so many variables out of our control…but the important ones- what kind of person we will be, how we will act, and perhaps the hardest one: how we respond- are all in our control.
I love the poem Invictus:
INVICTUS
By William Ernest Henley
OUT of the night that covers me Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.
I am so glad, Cole, that you survived your harrowing experience and will make the best of it going forward. I’ll be 80 soon, and I hope I will have at least 10 more good years ahead. As you age, life throws you curveballs. Sometimes they alter the trajectory of your being. You can duck or swing. I never considered myself a “swinger”… but I do now! 🙂 Looking forward to seeing your presentation at my photo club next month. Happy Autumn, Cole! 🍁
I will forever think of you as “Linda, the swinger!“
Amen to today’s post Cole! Peace.
Bruce
My near-death experience happened at 2am.. It was a “widow-maker” heart attack on May 5th, 2026. I remember saying, “This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I’m glad you made it through the ordeal.
Jerry, so glad it wasn’t your last day!
Your very life and devotion to your creative calling are an inspiration to me Cole. Our vision does seem a reflection of our day to day choices, which ultimately determines the story of our life. Thank you for these true words and the generosity of sharing your ever evolving vision.
Thanks Dawn, you’re a Thompson also? Maybe we’re reated? (smile, she’s my sister-in-law)
Thanks, Cole.
I’m very pleased you’re recovering well. What an ordeal. I’ve had some health challenges as well but easily managed.
I’m still inspired by other photographers work, including yours. I collect their books and read their tales of challenges and methods. This helps to motivate me. I’m fortunate to have areas here in New England that are beautiful. I’m close to the sea, visit the White Mtns of New Hampshire and get to NYC several times per year.
I love Sun Magazine and their format: no advertisements. I’ve seen your work there. I’ve submitted my photos many times but only had two selected for publication. That is rewarding and motivates me further.
Thanks Brad, I’m feeling myself again!
Congratulations on having two of your images in The Sun, that is a publication that really respects black and white photography!
I have been an active photographer since the early seventies and until March this year had never had any health problems. I was fine until one day in March I had a health problems. I had osteo artritis and developed sciatica. Now my mobility is gone and I cannot do anything. I have not made an image since March, My words of advice are follow your vision and do as much photography as you while you can. I never saw this coming.
Steve, I’m so sorry for your health problems, I guess we never know when or how badly they will come.
Excellent advice, borne out of experience.
I have not given up. Camera is ready to go if/when I am.