My long awaited portrait exhibition finally took place in June 2023. I'd been working on the Wise Women: 50 Over 50 project for several years, completing my 50th photoshoot a couple pf weeks before the opening day. The exhibition was held at The Coach House Gallery, Astley Hall.
The first photoshoot was in 2017. I didn't realise at the time that it was going to be the beginning of a wonderful portrait journey to photograph 50 women over the age of 50. The pandemic put a hold on the project for a while but it was back in full swing soon afterwards.
Michelle
My best friend Michelle was the first woman I photographed. The photo was shot in the doorway of Astley Hall which by coincidence was the place of the exhibition.
Here's what Michelle said:
"This image of me taken by Alison is now proudly hanging in my home. It shows me in my true light: My silver hair, the lines around my eyes but most importantly it shows the real me. I have always detested having my photograph taken, shaped by my history, I never saw myself as beautiful. This image has changed the way I see myself and it has changed how I show up in life. When I look at the photo I see a woman who has lived a good life, who needed a mirror held up to herself to see what others see. Never underestimate the power of an image."
Why Wise Women? Because older women have so much knowledge and wisdom to offer and it often goes unrecognised. The exhibition gives a voice to these incredible women who each offer us a snippet of their wisdom which you can read about in the book that accompanies the gallery.
