I had an opportunity to shoot with a 55+ year old model this past weekend. I had a ball. Can't quite figure out how to post links but the first two pics in my portfolio are from that shoot.
Edit. Photos have been replaced in this portfolio. Time marches on. Check Facebook.com/CoyoteCreationsNW. Look for jeans and a blue sweater against a red background.
I had a ball. Very different experience from the 20 something models I normally use. This is not a thread about professionalism. Assume we are only talking about serious customers or models. I'll stipulate that all ages are attractive, not my point at all, even though she is a very attractive lady. I was enthralled with how comfortable the shoot felt in the first moments. Might not have been the age difference. Perhaps she was just a very self assured person.
This was one of the least self conscious people I have shot. Very comfortable with her strengths and weaknesses. You could imagine her purring when she stretched. Made me want to seek out more work with mature models.
What have your positive and negative experiences been with models or customers in their mature years?
Coyote Creations NW wrote: ...I had a ball. Very different experience from the 20 something models I normally use. This is not a thread about professionalism. Assume we are only talking about serious customers or models. I'll stipulate that all ages are attractive, not my point at all, even though she is a very attractive lady.
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This was one of the least self conscious people I have shot. Very comfortable with her strengths and weaknesses. You could imagine her purring when she stretched. Made me want to seek out more work with mature models.
What have your positive and negative experiences been with models or customers in their mature years?
As a soon to be 47 year old newbie model I have also had a ball shooting with photographers from age 24 to much older! It is very nice to meet someone who is willing and comfortable to collaborate and create and who "is" in the driver's seat of the shoot and as the same time is willing to work with their 'comfortable-in-their-own-skin and non self-inhibited' subject."
I suppose it goes with any age really but, I was a late bloomer.
35+ is my overwhelming preference. If I could find more 50+ models to work with, I'd like that even better. Never any nonsense--they make and keep commitments easily, show up on time ready for work, don't sweat the occasional wrinkle or fight me on posing choices, and have something interesting to say during the "chat" portion of the shoot. All hail the "mature model" (or boudoir customer--see my blog post on the matter -- http://sourcelightphoto.com/mature-boudoir/ )
John Malloch Caldwell wrote: Maturity is as much a state of mind as it is about age.
Absolutely. For the past 40 years or so, I've operated on the assumption that the appropriate age for growing up is about 2 years older than whatever I am at the time. Fortunately, I mostly get a pass now because most people assume my natural goofiness is really a manifestation of advanced senility. They could be right, I suppose; it's quite possible I've been senile since my teens.
When I joined Model Mayhem I was really surprised to see how many mature women are confident enough to model. I started modelling at 35, now I'm 60 and still going.
I often pose for artists and photographers who are even older than I am.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to model alongside a number of other mature models as well, and it has always been a great experience.
Coyote Creations NW wrote: I'll stipulate that all ages are attractive, not my point at all, even though she is a very attractive lady. I was enthralled with how comfortable the shoot felt in the first moments. Might not have been the age difference. Perhaps she was just a very self assured person.
This was one of the least self conscious people I have shot. Very comfortable with her strengths and weaknesses. You could imagine her purring when she stretched. Made me want to seek out more work with mature models.
Exactly! It's about the better "connection" than the usual. It shows in the facial expressions. I prefer to shoot with more mature models because of that reason (and often less drama before and after the shoot).
John Malloch Caldwell wrote: Maturity is as much a state of mind as it is about age.
Shira Gaffney wrote: Agreed. Age is just a number.
True, but there is something that happens at around 25years old for most all of us. Even if it's a subtle change...it still happens. We see things with a slightly different perspective (like how we relate to our parents). Wisdom comes with age (usually), as well as certain hormonal changes happen with age, there's no denial. There ARE chemical changes.
As a mature model I have had many photographers say that they really like shooting with me. We can have good conversations because we have similar interests and can relate on things from music, movies and even technology.
I also have photographers comment on my wardrobe selection. Mature models tend to have a more in depth wardrobe varying from business suits to formal evening gowns.
Plus, I see know of many photographers that want to talk to a model by phone before booking her/him. They don't just want to text.
Age does have some advantages.
I say thanks to all of the photographers that recognize that someone over 30 or 40 has something to offer.
Fine Wine, I Like your model name. It's a great analogy. This year's Beaujolais is best used immediately. A good red Bordeaux or vintage port takes time to mature. Why wait? Every wine guide tells the story, the aroma and favors become more complex and smoothly blended. The well aged wines are not for everyone. Their more subtle and nuanced character are most appreciated by someone with a experienced and educated palate.
Stick with it ladies (I meant ladies, not women, I try to be precise with my words). You are very much appreciated.
Coyote Creations NW wrote: Fine Wine, I Like your model name. It's a great analogy. This year's Beaujolais is best used immediately. A good red Bordeaux or vintage port takes time to mature. Why wait? Every wine guide tells the story, the aroma and favors become more complex and smoothly blended. The well aged wines are not for everyone. Their more subtle and nuanced character are most appreciated by someone with a experienced and educated palate.
Stick with it ladies (I meant ladies, not women, I try to be precise with my words). You are very much appreciated.
Thanks Coyote. You are right. Everyone has different tastes. Well aged wines and mature models aren't for everyone, but it's nice to know they are still appreciated.
I say thanks to all of the photographers that recognize that someone over 30 or 40 has something to offer.
I prefer a mature model for many reasons.
The self-confidence is usually a bit higher, and yet they usually can still also laugh at themselves too. That "connection" is more important (to me) than perfect posing or studio lighting. It is the part of the image that first captures the viewer. It shows as "beautiful" from the inside (character) in EVERY image!
Also, I have found a mature model is more likely to get into the advanced pre-shoot planning and collaboration of the shoot. More likely to "invest" her time and thoughts into trying to create an artful image.
She's likely to respond to our communications with detailed thoughts and ideas (likely from a computer keyboard), and NOT with just the input that she can "tweet-like" send with her "thumbs" in broken sentences of 140 character attention-span.
Her pre-shoot "focus" is likely better, and I don't have to "repeat" the concept (in short "iPhone friendly" sentences) in every email.
Coyote Creations NW wrote: I'll stipulate that all ages are attractive, not my point at all, even though she is a very attractive lady. I was enthralled with how comfortable the shoot felt in the first moments.
The self-confidence is usually a bit higher, and yet they usually can still also laugh at themselves too. That "connection" is more important (to me) than perfect posing or studio lighting. It is the part of the image that first captures the viewer. It shows as "beautiful" from the inside (character) in EVERY image!
Also, I have found a mature model is more likely to get into the advanced pre-shoot planning and collaboration of the shoot. More likely to "invest" her time and thoughts into trying to create an artful image.
She's likely to respond to our communications with detailed thoughts and ideas (likely from a computer keyboard), and NOT with just the input that she can "tweet-like" send with her "thumbs" in broken sentences of 140 character attention-span.
Her pre-shoot "focus" is likely better, and I don't have to "repeat" the concept (in short "iPhone friendly" sentences) in every email.
I have to say I agree...of course I am prejudice because I am a mature model. But I have had photographers also give this reason for liking to work with me. I have worked with most photographers more than once so I have taken that as a compliment.
You are definitely right about laughing at myself. Sometimes I find it hard not to smile for the camera because I have a fun time and have most likely told some joke about me.
I realize that I won't be a Victoria's Secret or fashion model but I just hope to offer something to those that believe in the saying "it's women not girls that rule my world".
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