New photography project "Forty over 40 on Film" - honoring the feminine experience.

I had a little epiphany last week - firstly that I needed some kind of project to grab my imagination and use my skills, and secondly that my modeling portfolio (indeed modeling in general) is heavily biased towards younger women. I then asked myself the question: why not create a photography series focused on older women, and use it to have them tell their stories and share experiences?

Depending on the context and concepts you might use, it seemed to me that (at least in modern Western society) there was an arbitrary cutoff around the age of 40. Below that it's pretty safe to categorize someone as "younger", but while they're not exactly "older" when they're in their 40s, there's definitely a mindset shift. "Middle-age" is generally considered to include that 40-60 year age bracket, so that seemed a reasonable place to start.

The other important concept is to shift the emphasis from established or rising models, to non-models and those less practiced in posing or being photographed. While I obviously want for this to be an artistic endeavor, I want to use the photographs as one part of the storytelling and not the end-result to stand alone. I want the project to be an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, and give them an opportunity to pass on their collective wisdom, thoughts, and feelings. There are so many stories that go untold, and I have already had several reach out to me asking to be a part of it. 

Why focus on women? I think it goes without saying that despite so much change in the world, there are still massive issues to deal with as regards womens' rights, equality, prejudices, and more. I am hoping that many of the contributors will be able to share their own personal experiences of change (or lack of), their struggles and successes, the achievements and the lessons they have learned. I am hoping they will educate, encourage, and empower readers with their words and images. I also want to make it clear that the project will be inclusive of Trans women, who unarguably have some of the hardest stories to tell.
 

I will be recruiting contributors to sit with me for an interview on their lives and experiences, whether it be a Q&A style or more of a conversation, and then a short personalized portrait session on film. If I get enough then I'll collate the best for publication in a photobook, and while I can't promise fame or fortune I do intend to have all contributors share in the royalties from any sales. This is absolutely NOT a modeling gig, and no experience is necessary - just a willingness to share their story and contribute.

If you're interested in joining me on this journey, you can find updates and information at this link . Photo below of my wife on film, who has already volunteered as one of the contributors :-)

My wife and musePicture of my wife captured on 35mm film during a studio test-shoot last year.