Senior Portraits.. Yea...the other kind of Seniors! Folks, these are some of the seniors I had the opportunity to visit with a couple days ago at the local Senior Center. A lively...

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Yea...the other kind of Seniors!

Folks, these are some of the seniors I had the opportunity to visit with a couple days ago at the local Senior Center. A lively bunch considering their ages...they still love life despite most of it is behind them. Now my processing sucks on these, I know...I had no idea I was going to do this when I shot them. But I love these old folks, their faces each have a story and as a photographer...that attracted me, I couldn't resist a few candid shots.

John Lawrence

It's interesting you should post these great pictures, James. I'm 70 years old so I'm definitely a senior. Whenever I see a post on here titled 'seniors', I always think it's my kind of seniors. I've often wondered why there were never pictures of senior seniors. I'm so pleased to see you took the time to visit these folks and take their pictures.

You're right about seniors still loving life. They have a sense of appreciation that comes with age. You're also right about each face having a story to tell. All they're really looking for is someone to listen to their story. You took that time, James, and I applaud you for doing so. I'm sure you made their day and took home a lot of happy memories.

You're a good man, James. I'm proud to call you a friend.

John

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

I don't know about loving life here, Jim. Maybe at one time, but these folks look like the are just waiting to die. I am not trying to be mean. This is just how these photos hit me. I think it is actually a compliment since this the emotion these evoke in me.

Also, what program did you use to convert these to B&W with? The reason I ask is because I see a big halo around the folks in the last pic.

Gee, I sound like such an asshole tonight. I'm not trying to. You know me better than that.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

John Lawrence wrote:

It's interesting you should post these great pictu... (show quote)

Well John...I love Seniors and I never met one that didn't love me back. I often visit them, in fact...I did a video for a gal to promote her writing class called "Memiors and More". It aired on the local goverment channel to hopefully attract new folks to the Center. I've done work for free when they need flyers or other forms of promotion for community events they participate in. And I enjoy every minute I get to spend with them. The stories they tell are hilarious, heartwarming, tragic, educational and most of all...from the heart. Sadly many of them are alone, some abandoned by family, others with terrible health problems. But...I love them all. Thanks John for your kind comment...I have tons of respect for you as well and appreciate your friendship as well.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

tainkc wrote:

I don't know about loving life here, Jim. Maybe a... (show quote)

Tom, I used PSE10, the reason for the halo is I attempted to produced an artifical DOF. I didn't have room to get close enough to get a good DOF using my wifes camera, it has a shallow DOF, so took the shots and figured I'd work on that later. They suck...but I wanted to play around a see what I could do.

And yea...many of these folks are waiting to die. It's sad to say, but true. They spend their remaining days here around others like themselves who apprecate and love them.

No, your no asshole Tom...just a good fella that points things out honestly. And thats a wonderful thing...

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

James56 wrote:

Well John...I love Seniors and I never met one tha... (show quote)

Awesome pictures!!! I know they were thrilled to have you take pictures.

These people look forward to any excitement in their day.The nursing home I had to put my mother in allowed pet visits if you followed the guidelines. I set everything up and took my goofy Golden. He was a perfect gentleman and carefully laid his head on my mother's bed for her to pet him. When we were ready to leave, I opened the door and there were 6 people lined up to see him. He was very gentle with each. When I brought him back the second time, he had a list waiting for him of people that wanted to have a personal visit.

datsmar Loc: minnesota

James56 wrote:

Yea...the other kind of Seniors!

Folks, these are some of the seniors I had the opportunity to visit with a couple days ago at the local Senior Center. A lively bunch considering their ages...they still love life despite most of it is behind them. Now my processing sucks on these, I know...I had no idea I was going to do this when I shot them. But I love these old folks, their faces each have a story and as a photographer...that attracted me, I couldn't resist a few candid shots.

James56
I was expecting younger folks they are my age lol
nice job.
dave

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

James56 wrote:

Tom, I used PSE10, the reason for the halo is I at... (show quote)

Thanks, Jim. I did not think I was that far off. Now I am going to print this and show my wife. She won't believe that some one actually said that I am not an asshole. She says that I am the Poster Boy.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

luvmypets wrote:

Awesome pictures!!! I know they were thrilled to ... (show quote)

Thank you Kindly luvmypets...you too have had to go thru the heartbreak of caring for your elderly parents and understand how difficult it is to grow old. Many of these folks have no place else to go for entertainment...so here they gather to make friends, play games, socialize and find some dignity no matter how small...they are so greatful.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

datsmar wrote:

James56
I was expecting younger folks they are my age lol
nice job.
dave

Yes, sort of threw everyone a curve. I've been wanting to do something for the old folks who are Seniors.
Thanks for looking...and Congradulations Senior! Many more year too ya!

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

James56 wrote:

Yea...the other kind of Seniors!

Folks, these are some of the seniors I had the opportunity to visit with a couple days ago at the local Senior Center. A lively bunch considering their ages...they still love life despite most of it is behind them. Now my processing sucks on these, I know...I had no idea I was going to do this when I shot them. But I love these old folks, their faces each have a story and as a photographer...that attracted me, I couldn't resist a few candid shots.

I like the shots James, my Dad never said he was waiting to die, he just said he was looking forward to going home.
He was smiling when he passed. Good memory!

Phil

MagicMark

James56 wrote:

Yea...the other kind of Seniors!

Folks, these are some of the seniors I had the opportunity to visit with a couple days ago at the local Senior Center. A lively bunch considering their ages...they still love life despite most of it is behind them. Now my processing sucks on these, I know...I had no idea I was going to do this when I shot them. But I love these old folks, their faces each have a story and as a photographer...that attracted me, I couldn't resist a few candid shots.

James, Great images!

:thumbup:

Paul B. Loc: North Carolina

I thank the pictures look pretty good James.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

I feel terribly confused. I visited one post today for seniors thinking I'd see something similar to what you've posted, and it turned out to be a series of photos of a high school student. With that in mind, I was expecting to see a high school student on this post. Anyway, I love your captures - they speak to me more than the younger subjects can.

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Well done, James. I like seeing these in B/W, and I think you caught their faces and even some of their thoughts and emotions in these. My own parents died when I was young, so I never have to watch them decline and die in a place like this, and I'm grateful for that. You hear too many stories of neglect and outright abuse.