It may sound cliché, but Lewis Smith is proof that if you can dream it, you can do it.

A 32-year UPS Teamster who recently retired, Smith, a member of Local 164 in Jackson, Mich., has found that there truly is life after retirement.

The life that Smith lives, though, is really just a continuation of his former self—a self that finds pleasure in capturing vibrant colors, happy smiles and breathtaking landscapes.

At 56, Smith is an artist. His medium: a camera. His canvas: the world.

From adorable wolf cubs to gorgeous waterfalls and beautiful models, Smith has a way of getting the lighting, the angle and the color just right. But the journey to where he is today is one full of twists and turns.

That journey has always contained one constant, however. Smith never let go of his dreams.

“I actually did photography when I was in college. I took some art classes, but dropped out of college and started working for UPS,” he said.

It was at UPS that Smith became inspired by, of all things, sunrises and sunsets.

“I saw those colors and I wanted to try to capture them and recreate them,” he said. “Driving gave me time to reflect and say, ‘When I get to that point, this is what I want to do.’ Now I’m at that point and I’m doing what I love.”

Today, Smith’s love has blossomed into something more than just a hobby. His work is on permanent display at Lansing Community College and Michigan University offices. It was also recently featured at the grand opening of The Center for New Enterprise and Opportunity (NEO Center), a one-of-a-kind community venue in Lansing, Mich. that promotes small business, creativity and sustainable economic development.

Though Smith hopes to create business in Lansing as a portrait and art photographer, his main goal is to explore his passion while living his dream.

“For me it’s not about the money. I had a job where I was making money. Now it’s time for me to explore something I love and leave something behind for everyone else to enjoy,” he said.

And for those with dreams of their own, Smith offers this advice: “You might be driving a truck right now, but never let go of your desires and passions. There’s always an avenue to get where you want to get.”

For more information about the NEO Center, visit www.neocenter.org.