Are you a woman? Are you approaching 50, or are you already there? As you've aged, have you encountered societal pressures and stereotypes about beauty and aging? This is a frustration and emotional struggle that many women 50+ face, and photography can help with this, much beyond simply capturing a beautiful image. In fact, that's what our 50 Over 50 & Fabulous Photography Project is all about.
We started the 50 Over 50 Glamour Photography Project in order to provide women 50+ a powerful means of self-expression and self-acceptance and to help them embrace and celebrate their unique selves, boosting self-esteem and confidence. By collaborating with our professional photographer, women are able to define their own narrative and present their authentic selves to the world, challenging age-related stereotypes.
These are not the glamour shots of yester-year. Our glamour photography sessions offer an opportunity for self-discovery and empowerment, encouraging women to reflect on their life journey, experiences, and accomplishments. The photography sessions involve meaningful discussions and reflections, helping women gain a deeper appreciation for their personal growth and resilience over the years. By capturing today’s moments, women can reaffirm their identity and create a tangible record of their life's journey.
Our 50 Over 50 glamour photography sessions also foster connections and relationships. As our photographer and the women in the project get to know each other, our professional photographer is given the tools to skillfully capture their essence. The photography is a collaborative effort, allowing women to express their ideas and preferences, leading to camaraderie and trust. Additionally, sharing the resulting portraits with loved ones and friends can strengthen existing relationships and create lasting memories for the women.
Our professional photographer began this journey into the 50 Over 50 & Fabulous project to remind women 50+ that they hold a fierceness, courage, and strength that is beautiful and that doesn't diminish with age. Yet beyond and in addition to that, these portraits also lead to a tangible legacy for the women, as they become a cherished record of a woman's life, preserving memories, milestones, and moments of joy. As they are eventually passed down to future generations, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – especially granddaughters and great-granddaughters - will be able to connect with their family's history and see the strength and beauty of the women who came before them. In this way, this project helps women over 50 leave a meaningful and enduring mark on their families and communities.
Sunnie Tansill is one of the amazing women in Round 2 of our 50 Over 50 & Fabulous Glamour Photography Project. A photography session - especially fitness photography - had always been on her bucket list, and when she came across our 50 Over 50 Project, she had the distinct feeling - as did we - that it was meant to be. When all was done, we asked Sunnie what she felt when she looked at her portraits:
“I felt so beautiful. You know, during the session, I felt amazing. I felt like a movie star. You think, yeah, all the women who do it, they feel like movie stars, but looking at the portraits, you really did a great job of capturing the best of me. And it’s not just the portraits. Yeah, I think I look great, but I see the inner beauty that comes out… radiating outward. And I just could not be happier. I love all of the portraits. Thank you.”
One of the milestones that Sunnie wanted to document through her photography session was the level of fitness she had achieved at the age of 56. She brought her personal trainer along to provide input during the fitness photography segment, and look at the fitness photos we all accomplished through the collaborative effort!
I'm watching a (fictional) TV show right now called Minx. It takes place in the late '60s / early 70's and is about a female magazine editor who launches the world's first erotic - and feminist - magazine for women. Her standard attire is a blouse and suit. The magazine is bought up by a retired female magnate, who, one day, takes her out shopping to encourage her to dress in more feminine attire, with the message that just because you're a powerful woman in business doesn't mean that you can't also be sexy.
During our project interview, Sunnie shared with me how much she has grown over the years in her career as she moved from working in event sales for an event venue to taking over a large role in the firm that she and her husband co-own together. So I love how powerful she looks in this set of portraits... powerful, yet sexy, all at the same time.
Sunnie plays the piano, and when she realized that we have a piano in our Maryland photography studio, we had to use it as a prop!
We made the creative portraits above by brushing light onto Sunnie and onto the background. This was all in-camera!
Now, circling back to the first 3 questions of this post:
Are you a woman? Are you approaching 50, or are you already there? As you've aged, have you encountered societal pressures and stereotypes about beauty and aging?
Leave your responses in the comments!
Round 3 of the 50 Over 50 & Fabulous Glamour Photography Project is on.
Are you ready to join the movement?
And if you're not a woman age 50+, then share this post with those you know!
And by the way, check back later for photos of Sunnie's finished custom-designed album and the wall art we printed and installed on her walls for her!
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