Revisiting an Old Idea

 When last we met a birthday party celebrating an elderly man was in progress. Continuing the elderly theme, years ago, and I mean maybe a 15 years ago or more, I was still selling photography prints and canvases at our downtown Orlando market on Sundays. Actually I began that part of my life in the first days of this blog beginning in 2007. So yes, a long while ago!

One of my customers happened to be an activity director at an assisted living facility who was very receptive to something I had read about. Portraits of elderly people that both they and their families could enjoy. So, we set it up and I did just that in the courtyard of the facility. Seriously I had no real idea what I was doing, but I've always gotten along well with most folks which is half the battle. I can't exactly remember the number of people who sat for me, many reluctant at first, but shyly they came forward if able. I can't really remember if anyone was in a wheel chair but I do remember that one of the ladies, 100 years old, died a few weeks after the shoot and her family treasured the last photograph of her. That made me so happy. At the time,  Roger, the printer behind Out & About Photography, made packets of photos for the folks, like school pictures. It was great!! By golly, I do have a blog post about it! Click HERE! 

So fast forward to this year when the idea resurfaced in my brain and telling Diane about it, she had a contact at the local rehab/nursing home and they set it up for the Friday after Soul Table which I wrote about in my last post. Okay, unlike so long ago, I have learned a thing or two, as well as having better equipment, including a portrait lens that I practiced on with Bruce, performing his new job as head trustee, the night before. 

That said, I have been married to him for nearly 53 years so I am used to him going all-in on anything he does!

Jessie was kind enough to drive me there, actually it is very close, near the hospital that I just visited. Diane had already arrived bringing lots of props for the shoot. As well, one of the workers was there with makeup for those who wanted it.

Furthermore, a backdrop was in place when we arrived and wouldn't you know it, Disney? I practiced here on Jessie, although I should have done Diane, who I neglected to photograph and was so much a part of this. She painted the little frame too.

They actually advertised it as a glamour day but my vision was not so large, wanting merely to show the folks that they still matter and that there is beauty to be found in every face, something easy to forget as one ages. 

Without further ado...the ladies and one man.

She was interested in the props, so we used them, until she wasn't and wanted to do another one!

Unfortunately I can't remember anyone's name so forgive me for not including that. These ladies were once roommates and asked to have their photo made together. I have to admit, the tattooed finger on the one and the red/white/blue fingernails on the other took me by surprise. I do love their choice of tops because the saturated color looks good.

This woman kept yelling orders to the others, like take off your glasses,

and she told this woman to hold in her stomach!!

Having a healthcare background makes me ideally suited to something like this because it is my bread and butter to make folks feel comfortable, something I so wish I would experience from more healthcare workers. Don't get me started.....

I do remember Marvin's name!

There is a movie theater that has been in downtown since the 50's called the Henn. An upstairs and downstairs screen for $5.50 a ticket. I don't know if it was the aide that told me, but anyway, this is Betsy Henn, the daughter of the man who started it. When I asked her what she did for a living, she said she was an artist. I don't know why I wasn't expecting that answer.

Diane looked her up and she wasn't kidding. I wish I'd gotten more of her little cardigan. 

She looks as if she is a very nice woman. Why do I think that? Maybe it's the smile and little bangs?

On the other hand this woman looks as if she could have led a stern life. The little tiara was one of the props and I was very surprised she allowed it.

That said, she does have a little bit of a smile doesn't she? 

This woman said NO props for me...too silly. Good choice of a top for her.

Former Floridian as I recall, she most definitely had a regal bearing.

Growing up in my childhood home, "stand up straight" was a familiar refrain. I wonder if it was for her?

As you look at these faces, I hope I've been able to make it seem as if they are not in a nursing home with health issues or in many cases, memory issues. And then there was this woman who I sat up about five times and she just slumped over so in the end I just did what I could.

For each person I showed them the photo before moving on to the next one. Most of them were actually delighted as was I. The wheelchairs were plentiful with some able to get out and sit on the chair while others, we just made the best of it. 

This seems like a strong face to me. She was born in Andrews and has lived in the area her whole life. As I recall she is 90 and worked as a nurse. 

Such pretty white hair as does the woman below who was a delicate soul.

I forgot to ask if they encouraged them to wear a bold color for their portrait? 

Finally, here is mother and daughter who were happy to have me take their photo together.

I'm just noticing the similarities in their glasses. Faces too!

While it was a thrill for me, and there are lots more where these came from , I suspect not everyone is a fan of old folks, so I won't show you them all. I will say that this group, comprised of therapists of all kinds, aides and a nurse also wanted to have their picture made. In truth the lighting was very difficult but I did the best I could.

While Diane took us to a nearby restaurant for lunch, we ran into some friends, one of whom came in with a photo of a moth that was so interesting. I asked if she would show it to me, so in the midst of the photos you've seen, there was this. Amazingly it is called a Regal Moth and I think it deserves that name. Wow!

What a color scheme!! 

One other thing. I have little to no technical or editing skills so usually what you see is what you get. So when this photo was included in the album I sent to Diane ,to send to the home, I never thought to change it. She really suffered from dementia and was moving every which way until she finally looked at me and I took this image.

On the other hand, Diane is a tech wizard and did this.

Amazing right? Which is your favorite? 

I was so focused on the subjects at hand that I neglected to photograph Diane who paved the way for this idea of mine, so I made up for it with a photo of her and Cobby. 

Unlike the time almost two decades ago, this time I sent the digital images and what happens next is up to the activity director. Diane did tell me she hoped that I could do it again at Christmas time. 

Wisely, she did not commit me yet. One thing these two sessions had in common, aside from some really old folks, is both times they wanted me to return. Once the word spread, some were wishing they had participated. Of course, Lord willing, I am up for it!

Should you care to see the other 15, click here.  

May we all live so long!!  

your friend,

Gail