Stolen portraits this week featuring people at the older end of the spectrum. The demographic wasn’t consciously intentional but I have found I am drawn towards photographing the aged not just because they have a lot of visual appeal but because you can see more of their life in their faces. The trials and tribulations of their existence are etched into their lines, whilst the eyes reveal more than they would maybe wish. On a practical front they also move a lot slower so are easier to capture.
This is of benefit to me as I am also running slower at the mo and this elderly focus is because I am sort of living the life of an old person currently. I shuffle about at a snail’s pace, have aches and pains and make a day out of going to the local shops and back. So think this affinity could definitely be putting them more on my radar.
I used to look at old age as something undesirable. My Grandma always used to say “It’s no good getting old” for but now I see that it is a sign of success. It means you got to live a life and that is a gift regardless. And I have also worked out that age does not matter. But health does. As does functionality. Without either you have nothing. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s what you can do that matters. If you are fit you are fine. If you are not you are not.
From a youthful perspective old age doesn’t look like fun but when you are young you fail to appreciate that existence is everything. Quality of life is crucial to happiness but you will continually move the goalposts as to what is acceptable or tolerable because the will and the need to survive overrides all other feelings. You will endure whatever life throws at you because in any capacity it is better than the alternative which is not living. Yes I know our molecules will never die and we will be re-incorporated into the cosmos for all eternity and who knows what might follow (altho the fluffy cloud harp option does seem unlikely) but it won’t stop any of us clinging on to this precious beautiful fleeting life with all our might. I mean, we might as well, what else are we gonna do?
Old age is always 10 years older than your current age
ah, am sorry to hear. Mine too. Yeah, I don’t mind the outer casing deteriorating (it’s already started ;) but the internals need to be in good shape otherwise you’re dealing with a lot of maintenance..
Ah, cheers, and yeah, there was definitely something going on between that couple..nothing good by the looks of things ;)
Jon – my father passed away at a relatively young age – 58. I never feared aging, I embrace it. But your words are true that being able makes it easier.
Great work man. I really like the light on the guys face in the first photo and I also like the expressions on the couples face in the last picture.