Start a session
Bring a portrait session to your community.
You don't need a studio, a large team, or years of professional experience. Find a community near you, bring your camera, and give someone an hour in front of it.
01. Find a Community
You don't need to travel far to find people to photograph. Older adults are part of every community.
Consider reaching out to:
Senior centers
Assisted living communities
Independent living communities
Retirement communities
Community centers
Local organizations serving older adults
Senior programs through libraries or towns
What to say
You don't need a complicated proposal. Introduce yourself, explain the initiative, and describe what you're hoping to offer.
SAMPLE OUTREACH EMAIL
Subject: Free Portrait Session for Your Community
Hi [Name],
My name is [Name], and I’m a photographer in the [Community] area. I’m part of an initiative encouraging photographers to create portrait sessions for older adults in their communities.
I’d love to organize a complimentary portrait session for members of [Organization]. The goal is simply to give participants the opportunity to have a beautiful portrait taken and receive a copy to keep.
I would bring the necessary photography equipment and handle the session and editing. I’d be happy to work with your team to find a date, location, and format that works best for your community.
Please let me know if this is something you would be interested in discussing.
Best,
[Name]
02. Plan your session
Before the session, work with your community partner to figure out the details. A little planning beforehand will help the day run smoothly and make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
Where?
Look for a quiet, accessible space at the organization’s location with enough room for your equipment and participants. Ideally, have:
A main portrait area with a chair, preferably one without a high back
Enough room for your camera and lighting setup
Space for a backdrop, if you plan to use one
A separate waiting area for participants who are not being photographed
You don't have to stay indoors. Outdoor portraits can be beautiful, too, and you can get creative with the space your community has available.
When?
Give yourself enough time to set up before participants arrive, and leave enough room between sessions so no one feels rushed. A 1–2 hour block is a good starting point for a session, but adjust it based on your setup, experience, and the number of participants.
How many people?
As a starting point, you might plan for 5–10 minutes per person, but there is no need to stick to a strict schedule. Some portraits will take longer than others, and that's okay. Choose a pace that works for you and your participants.
Start with a manageable number. You can always organize another session if there is more interest than you can accommodate in one day.
What will participants receive?
Decide this before the session and communicate it clearly to the organization and participants. Will you provide:
Digital photographs
Printed portraits
Both
Also decide how and when you will deliver them.
Who can participate?
Work with your community partner to determine who will participate and how they will sign up.
A time-slot sign-up sheet can be especially helpful. For example, participants can sign up for a specific 5–10 minute window rather than waiting for their turn. This keeps the session organized and minimizes the amount of time people spend waiting.
03. Prepare your equipment
A basic session can be done with:
Camera
Lens
Extra batteries
Memory cards
Simple lighting setup
Background, if desired
Reflector, if useful
Laptop or other method for reviewing images
Don't get caught up in having the perfect setup. The goal isn't to create a production. It's to create a comfortable space where someone can be themselves.
04. Before the session
Make the first few minutes comfortable.
Before taking a photograph, introduce yourself and explain what will happen.
Give participants time to:
Adjust their hair or accessories
Ask questions
Look at the space
Get comfortable with you and the camera
Talk before you shoot.
Don't immediately put someone in front of the camera and start clicking.
Ask simple questions:
“How would you like to be photographed?”
“Is there anything you'd like to bring into the portrait?”
“Do you have a favorite photograph of yourself?”
“Tell me about that.”
05. During the session
You don't need to create a complicated series of poses.
Try:
Looking directly at the camera
Sitting comfortably
Standing naturally
Smiling
A more serious expression
Hands resting naturally
A meaningful object or accessory, if they want one
06. The conversation
You don't have to interview someone. Just be curious.
Possible conversation starters:
“Where did you grow up?”
“What did you do before you retired?”
“What is something you're proud of?”
“Who is important to you?”
“What's something you've always loved doing?”
“What's something you wish people asked you about more?”
07. After the session
Here is a recommended workflow
Select
Choose the strongest photographs.
Edit
Give each portrait thoughtful, consistent editing.
Print
If possible, provide a physical print. There is something meaningful about being able to hold a photograph.
Deliver
Make the process easy for participants and the community.
Respect privacy
Be clear about how photographs and files will be stored, shared, or deleted.
08. Tell us about your session!
If you organize a session in your community, we'd love to hear about it.