This is my favorite project I’ve done in a while. The National Council on Aging has asked me to document their work. They’re not sure what this means exactly — but they know they want real faces, real people, real life. So I contacted a senior center, convinced the staff to let me set up a mini studio at the center, and lured unsuspecting seniors into my photographic lair.
I brought plenty of biscotti, which I used shamelessly to entice my subjects, as well as photography books to keep them occupied while they waited. What I didn’t have was lights — any lights — but I was blessed enough to find a quiet, out-of-the-way space with an entire wall of windows. And, lucky me — venetian blinds that allowed for light control. Beautiful. I actually much prefer this setup to any fancy equipment. The “backdrop” I bought for $3 a yard in the junk pile at a fabric store and rigged up with heavy duty tape. I’m really happy with the color. And thanks to a new camera, I feel like I have new eyes ! [The camera is now out of batteries, but that’s another topic]
[Above: Mike Basile, who I think looks like he’s straight out of a gangster movie, tipped me $5 for taking his picture. And gave me a necklace he had designated for the lady he’s trying to snag … what an honor …]
This endeavor has been extremely rewarding, mostly because it’s shown me what I’m capable of with just a little planning, a lot of luck, and the right subjects [and how amazing they have been …]. My plan is to return to the center this week to continue shooting portraits. Recently I have a heightened awareness of how lucky I am to be able to do something creative for a living — and I plan to take full advantage of it.
Fred teaches Tai Chi at the center. He’s been studying the art for 10 years.
Jean, 85.
Fatema, 71.
Atma, 86.
Mabel, 70.
More soon.
Julie.
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