Anna, The 40 Over 40 Women’s Portrait Campaign
Anna, 86
It was a great privilege to meet and photograph the lovely graceful and inspiring Anna in my studio. Anna had never been professionally photographed before, so I feel proud that I got to share a day with her, and her wonderful daughters Marie and Lydia, photographing the three of them. I first met her daughter Marie months ago, when she came to me for some professional business headshots. I chatted to her about the 40 over 40 campaign and thought it would be a special gift to have photos taken with her mom and twin sister.
There were initially some nerves, which is normal before a portrait shoot, but once we got started, there were lots of laughs, tea, snacks, and bubbly. I am so happy that I got to create these portraits of them all, together, connecting, bonding, and enjoying a beautiful day creating memories. I had tears in my eyes reading Anna’s story and so many valuable lessons in there. Thank you Anna for sharing so openly.
I have been described by my friends and family as…
Compassionate, humble, and loving. I am patient, I try to be positive and loving.
I am most proud of…
Being a Mother! I am so proud of my son and two daughters. My three little baby angels, who have grown up to be such incredible adults. I am so proud of the people they have become, and it is such a privilege to be able to say, “That is my child.” They are such caring and supportive children to me.
My favourite quotes or poem…
Overheard in an Orchard (By Elizabeth Cheney)
“Said the Robin to the Sparrow,
I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush around and worry so?
Said the Sparrow to the Robin”
‘Friend, I think that it must be,
that they have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me.”
What advice would I give my 20-year-old self…
Looking back I should have stood back and had a good look at what was happening in my life, and listened to my wise Mothers advice. I would have known which bridges to cross and which bridges to burn. But then life happens while you are making other plans. I am happy to be where I am now. I have also learnt that if you have nothing to say, don’t say it.
We all experience many lifetimes in this one life. What did you find were the most poignant changes as you entered your 40’s?
At the age of 40, I decided to get married for the second time. I had a fulfilling career, three children on the brink of their teenage years, and I moved from Nelspruit back to Cape Town. Life was hectic, to say the least. I also decided to write a major exam and improve my CV and my dearest darling Mother died of lung cancer. I still miss her 47 years later. There were good times and some very bad times, but we have all managed to come out tops. There have been many miracles and many blessings in my life and my family’s lives.
What are your thoughts on aging?
Fortunately, ageing happens gradually. I am indeed fortunate to have reached the age of 86, and been able to meet the future generation in my family. What a wonderful experience to hold my two great-grandchildren and to make friends with them. I am deeply thankful that I still have a good long-term memory and that I can look back and remember all the miracles and blessings, I have experienced in my journey through life.
A story I’d like to share…
I would like to tell you about my hopes and dreams, and about miracles and blessings in my life. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to get married and have babies of my own. These hopes and dreams were fulfilled when I had my oldest son, Nico who has just turned 60. And eighteen months after his birth, I had twin daughters. Three babies in eighteen months! The miracle of the twins’ birth, was that Marie was a full-term baby, and Lydia was a 7-month premature baby. We lived in a small Karoo town, and there was no sophisticated hospital equipment, but with the help of a wonderful doctor and dedicated nursing staff, everything turned out well in the end. They are now healthy and happy 58-year-olds, with children and grandchildren of their own. “We are all so blessed. What a wonderful world.”
The day before Anna, Marie and Lydia’s session, Lydia came to my studio for her own 40 Over 40 portrait session. If you missed here photo session, click HERE and have a look!
The 40 Over 40 Women’s Portrait Campaign is a quarter way through already! Ten portrait sessions done, new friends made, lots of laughs and I’m feeling constantly inspired and in awe of all the incredible women that have graced my studio. The campaign has had a huge impact on my life already.
Hearing so many stories from each and every woman, I’ve realised just how strong, courageous, resilient, and inspiring these women are. And I’m so proud to be doing this.
