The Over 50 & Beautiful Photo Project: Preet
Preet, Preet, Preet.
What can I say? You are simply spectacular.
Preet’s portraits from her Over 50 & Beautiful Photo session. Hair/makeup by Artistry by Ksenia.
This extraordinary woman decided to book a session just after I launched the Over 50 & Beautiful Photo Project. To say I had fun photographing this wonderful woman is an understatement.
When she first reached out to me she said, “It seems so much of the messaging about beauty is images of youthful people. But I feel we miss so much about true beauty. I look at the face of my 93 year old dad who has dementia and see so much wisdom in those eyes, softness in his wrinkles, he exudes love. That is true beauty.”
I knew from the get go that Preet was a very special person and I’m so, so honored that I got to photograph her in all her strength, kindness and beauty.
As with all of my Over 50 & Beautiful subjects, I gave Preet a series of questions which she so kindly took the time to answer below:
1) Why did you want to be a part of the Over 50 & Beautiful Photo Project?
From my own interest in photography, I followed Laura in Instagram. I love how she connects to and captures such unique and almost intimate moments with her lens. When I saw that she was looking for people to participate in the Over 50 Beauty Project, I was drawn in! I feel there is beauty in us all, yet all too often, images of beauty tend to portray youth and perfection. This project to look at beauty in older faces really resonated with me, so I took a leap outside my comfort zone and dared to venture to the other side of the camera lens!
2) If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I’ve learned that beauty is a visceral experience, so my advice to my younger self would be to keep an open heart. A person’s beauty shines through their inner light, their character, their heart. You may not see this beauty, if you only use your eyes, this true beauty is experienced when your eyes connect through your heart.
3) What's one thing you wish you had known about growing older?
Slow down and smell the flowers!
I wish I could tell myself that time will move soooo fast as you get older. I remember those dog days of summer, thinking how slowly time was moving, and how I couldn’t wait until I grew up! Now, I just can’t believe how quickly the decades are moving ahead! I want to savour every moment!
4) When do you feel the most beautiful?
I “feel” most beautiful when I am emmersed in the moment.
Whether it’s a true gut laugh when my stomach actually hurts from laughing, or when the colours of a sunrise take my breath away, or when I’m fully quiet, grounded and balanced in Natarajasana. The experience of connectedness makes me feel light-hearted, strong, and beautiful.
5) What’s your favourite beauty tip?
Eat your greens and good fats!
I really feel most beautiful when I feel good on the inside, and I find that if I am taking care of myself by doing some or all of these things: eating well, getting enough sleep, being out in nature and making time for yoga and exercise -these actions make their way to outward beauty.
Would you like to participate in the Over 50 & Beautiful Photo Project? Click here to learn more.