The Beauty of Age: Beverly’s Story
My Unforgettable Photoshoot with my 82-Year-Old Client
By stepping in front of the camera, Beverly was challenging the societal norms that often relegate older women to the shadows. Her message was loud and clear: sensuality has no expiration date.
Boudoir photography often paints a portrait of young women, captured in their prime, with the essence of youthful allure. However, sometimes the most profound stories come from the most unexpected places. The core of boudoir isn't just about age or conventional beauty. It's about empowerment, self-love, and celebrating age at every stage of life.
Enter Beverly, a vivacious 82-year-old with a twinkle in her eye and a mission in her heart…
She wanted this photoshoot to challenge the narrow beauty standards set by society. Beauty isn't just about being young, or fitting a certain size. It's about embracing every stage of life, from the youthful glow of our 20s to the distinguished elegance of our 80s. Her session was nothing short of magical.
a before and after glimpse of her transformation
Here's 5 reasons why her boudoir photoshoot was not just special, but a milestone in my photography journey:
1. The Beverly Effect: Breaking the Mould
Bev walked in, and instantly, the room lit up. Forget what you've heard about age. This was one ageless beauty! With her every move and her vivacious spirit, she was tossing age-related clichés out the window. Because here’s the truth bomb she dropped: beauty doesn’t have a 'best before' stamp. With each playful pose and confident strut, Beverly was schooling us all in how to age with panache, breaking stereotypes every step of the way. The very act of an 82-year-old woman wanting to do a boudoir shoot is a rebellious, and that appeals to my very nature!
Practical Advice: The next time you're held back by age stereotypes, channel your inner Beverly. Wear that bold lipstick, rock those high heels, or pursue that venture you've always dreamt of. Challenge societal norms every chance you get.
2. A Lifetime of Resilience and Stories:
Every wrinkle, every scar, especially those borne from her battles with cancer, and each strand of grey hair narrates a tale more profound than the last. As a three-time cancer survivor, Beverly's spirit exudes resilience, defiance, and an unyielding zest for life. In the dimly lit room, with the evocative hum of the camera shutter, her body spoke not just of love, loss, and milestones, but also of unparalleled courage, relentless battles, and hard-won triumphs. The images captured were more than just photographs; they were glimpses into eight decades of rich, challenging, and inspiring experiences. Resilience stories at their finest.
Practical Advice: Document your journey. It could be through a diary, a blog, or even a photoshoot like this with me. It’s therapeutic and, years down the line, it serves as a powerful testament to your resilience.
3. A Pioneering Spirit: Lessons in Empowerment
Beverly didn't just come for a photoshoot; she came with a message. This photoshoot was to be her megaphone, her stage, her platform. She was there, in all her radiant glory, demonstrating that age doesn’t dim the fire of confidence, power, and allure. She wanted to be an inspiration for women everywhere, asserting there's no age limit to feeling sexy, confident, and empowered. We often associate old age with frailty, but this shoot painted a different picture. Here was a woman, in her 80s, radiating power, grace, and sensuality. It was a poignant lesson that empowerment doesn’t diminish with age, it only morphs into a different, equally beautiful form.
Practical Advice: Seek out positive role models of all ages, especially those older than you. They provide a wealth of wisdom, experience, and proof that age is not a barrier to living vibrantly.
4. Vibing Across Generations
During our session, it felt like I was hanging out with an old friend. The vibes? Totally on point. We laughed, talked about what it’s like to raise teenagers, and just got each other. It wasn’t one of those stiff, formal sessions – far from it! We were two people from different walks of life, just vibing together. Sure, I was there to snap some killer photos of Beverly, but it felt like so much more than that. We laughed, we shared stories, and we connected on a deeply human level. We had a generational connection to each other.
With every click of my camera, it wasn’t just about getting a good shot; it was about capturing those raw, genuine moments that happen when two folks just connect. And man, did we connect! It was a day of good vibes and even better stories, bridging the age gap one laugh at a time. I wasn't just capturing her essence; I was privileged to be part of a shared experience that transcended generations.
Practical Advice: Make friends or connect with people outside of your age bracket. There’s a wealth of wisdom, perspective, and fun that comes from bridging the generational gap.
5.
Lessons Beyond Photography: A Shared Vision
From the moment Beverly stepped in, you could tell this shoot was more than just some photos for her—it was a statement. As she reminisced about her past and her journey, it became clear this wasn't just about capturing her external beauty. Beverly was on a mission: to mirror on the outside the vibrant, beautiful soul she's always felt on the inside. She spoke passionately about how vital this was—not just for herself but for all women. She wanted to send out a powerful message about self-worth, self-love, and the importance of celebrating oneself at any age.
It wasn’t just about the glitz or getting dolled up; it was about encapsulating her spirit. She had a vision – to be captured in a light that was the epitome of elegance and class, reflecting her inner strength and beauty. She wanted these photos to scream, "Look at me. This is who I am, beautiful inside and out." And I was all in!
This wasn't about vanity for Beverly. Nope, this was her ode to herself. Her stand against any voice that ever tried to drown her spirit. She was loud, clear, and absolutely unapologetic about wanting to capture her radiant soul. Because here's the thing: she's always known her worth, and this was her way of showing it to the world.
Practical Advice: Treat yourself. Whether it’s a day of self-care, a boudoir photoshoot, a new outfit, or even a solo date, it's essential to invest time in appreciating and loving yourself. Sometimes, a simple act can reaffirm your self-worth.
Final Thoughts… Embracing the “Beverly Spirit”:
In a world saturated with filters, age-defying treatments, and a perpetual chase for youth, Beverly stands as a beacon of genuine self-acceptance and grace. She's not just a testament to ageless beauty; she's a living embodiment of the power of self-belief and the magic that happens when we embrace every chapter of our life's story. Let Beverly's fearless spirit be a reminder to us all:
Our worth isn't defined by societal standards or fleeting trends. True beauty lies in embracing our journey, scars and all, and celebrating each moment with unapologetic joy and confidence at any age. So, whether you're 18 or 80, know this - you are stunning, powerful, and deserving of every spotlight.
Channel your inner Beverly, break those barriers, and let the world see your unparalleled radiance.
Behind The Scenes of Beverly's Shoot:
Taking great photos is about having a vision, using the right techniques, and knowing your tools. Here's a little peek into my toolkit and settings for Beverly's memorable session:
Camera & Settings: I shot with my trusty NikonD850 (follow on Instagram), set at a shutter speed of 60, f/4.5 aperture, and ISO 500 to expose for the ambient lighting. This helped me capture Beverly's details and expressions brilliantly.
Lenses & Filters: Paired with my camera was a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. To give our photos that soft, dreamy touch, I used the Walking Way 77MM White Mist Diffusion Filter (Instagram).
Lighting Setup: The main light on Beverly's face was achieved using an Godox AD400pro. I also employed a Godox AD200 with a Roscoe CTO Gel for warmth, another Godox AD200 with a blue Roscoe Gel to accentuate the skyline view, and for that beautiful hair highlight, my StellaPro CLX10 with a FRESNEL modifier (Instagram) was used.
Outfit Details: Beverly's stunning hosiery and lingerie? They're from Kixies Thigh Highs (Instagram). Each piece added sophistication to our frames.
For new photographers or anyone just curious about the magic behind the scenes, these are the tools and settings that played a pivotal role in our shoot. And of course, a big thanks to Kat Sarabia for completing the look with fantastic hair and makeup!
#WalkingWayFilters #stellaprolights #KixiesThighHighs #NikonCreators #ChampionofLight #nikonusa