I had a photo shoot with an older woman yesterday. She is a dear friend, client and personal collaborator. She is a one woman band full of strengths I only wish I had. She has a lifetime of achievements in education and is highly recognized for them. She is now “retired” and, of course, busier than ever. Her life’s work has led her to exposing the need for recognizing the aging person; the “artfully aging” person.
She has shared this passion with me for years. It wasn’t until I photographed her that I realized how truly special she is, and how her cause is a valiant one. Recognizing our aging neighbors, family, and friends as wise, powerful, and beautiful, has not been a popular notion, but it is an ever important part in seeing into the depths of ourselves. Their history and wisdom is a precious commodity that I find fascinating and a privilege to witness.
She stopped our session to show me a picture of her and her mother’s hands touching. The two generations, so close and loving, lightly embraced to reveal the ties between the two women. She then said to me, “You know what the hands will show you? They share with you the life they have lived, and what they are living with.” I then went on to photograph her hands. I look back on my shots and I am completely inspired by her strength and passion. I am struck by her unique way of existing in the world, and how she embraces those around her; how she has struggled painfully through advanced arthritis, yet still has the patience for a naive person as I begging more of her. I can’t get enough and she has still so much to offer. I am humbled.
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