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Hi all!
I'm a novice mature model and am very interested in hearing both photographers and models thoughts on mature models.
The pros and cons, tips and advice etc.
I am thoroughly enjoying the work I am doing and wish I had started sooner.
I feel at my age I am more at ease with my appearance and know that I will never achieve perfection ( what is that anyway) but i am happy with who i am.
Please feel free to join in discussion, I really would like to promote this area of modeling as we are the real women of the world.

Regards
Lou x

I'm 29 and considered by many a mature model. How bad does that word sound?! I really wish there wasn't so much discrimination in the industry, like it implies those who are labeled as mature are past their best. I definitely feel the same as you, in that now I'm almost 30 I am the happiest and most confident I've been about my body.

Becky x

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Unfortunately the media is obsessed with youth. From models rubbing in oil of something or other cream, stating it keeps their skin smooth, at 19 it most likely already is love.To fresh faced young things on the front of umpteen women's magazines.
However the good news is that not all photographers are convinced by this mantra. Some actually book models according to the project they are working on and this can be from different groups be that age, sex, or ethnicity.

Recently i have worked with lots of models that are considered to be "mature" in fact on the 11th september im running an all day event at my studio and no model below 40 will be there.
Mature models have a lot going for them..they are a lot more receptive to ideas...they are less worried about trying new things..they are more relaxed in front of the camera ..not so strict on times..and in some cases work harder as they know younger models will get the lions share of the work so they try harder....i know a couple of mature models around 60 years of age that have been models for a number of years,they have looked after themselves and can live off the earnings they make from modelling...give a mature model a break book one you might just be surprised at the results you get.

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So how is "Mature" calculated in the modelling world ? should there be a starting point ?.and does that make a younger model "Immature" ? .
My personal views are, I don't shoot with a model because she's mature or otherwise ,if a models portfolio and notes appeal to me age is the last thing I take notice of .If I. ever do .

Of the Mature models I've shot with it seems to me to be a more relaxed atmosphere with more respect and understanding on both sides for what each other does ,no " can I see the Pics " " When will I get them " " will you make me look Thinner " ! .
I know some " Photographers " term applied very loosely ) that will not shoot with models over 24 but that's thier loss as far I I see it .

Mature Modelling seems to have it's own little niche and I can't see anything changing in the near future , Maybe it should be made compulsory that all Photographers have at least one shot of a " Mature " on their profile ..

Lou , counting the days .

Hi Paul im not sure about what constitutes a mature model it could be 30 i dont know but would be interesting to hear someone elses views on this subject ..also if they have used a mature model..I know your shooting with Lou soon and she is an excellent model she is the best kept secret of madcow models didnt you know lol

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I've heard anything from 25+ to 40+ or sometimes older as being "mature". If that's the case, I've either been mature for 11 years now (yeah, people that know me can stop laughing now) or I'm still immature.

Actually, the whole casting-by-number thing can be frustrating when I see a shoot for 18-35's and know I normally would have gone for it but just missed out on the age restriction, which I think is why some photographers will leave it out of a casting call or say that although they have a certain age in mind, all are welcome to apply.

Besides, how gutted would a photographer be if someone with a talent like Kumimonster (fetishmuse.com/index.php) felt she couldn't apply as she didn't fit the age restriction. Ouch!

So yeah, I'd say to the OP (who has some great pics by the way!) find your strengths, do what you feel you're best at, and keep going. As for older women being the real women of the world, I'd have to disagree, as it just reminds me of when people tell me I'm not a real woman because I'm a model (like I've just landed on earth from some outer-space model-making factory or something). (?) But everyone feels differently about themselves at different points of their lives, and if you're feeling happy with who you are right now (and why wouldn't you be - you look gorgeous!) then that will (and does) show in your pics and you'll produce some lovely work.

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Oh yes, and here's the link again without the quotes (in case your computer didn't like them):

fetishmuse.com/index.php

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In the interests of equality maybe I should have described myself as a mature photographer

Steve

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I'm afraid that in my experience "mature photographer" is an oxymoron... if not completely false advertising.

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No need to call me a moron

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Haha! So you're saying you've never started out a shoot with a new model by getting out your mobile phone camera, looking at it in a quizzical manner and saying "Now... how does this thing work?...?"

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Phones have camera's these days.Wow times have changed

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Some great threads to my original comment thank you.
I am very happy with how i am now and probably wouldnt have had the same frame of mind and attitude if i had started modeling sooner.
As the best kept secret Fab, there is a lorry load of chocolate on it's way to you
Paul, looking forward to next week... keep counting those days ....only 7 more sleeps lol x

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As far as I'm concerned a mature model is someone you can hold a decent conversation with and who understands their responsibilities. Beyond that the phrase doesn't mean a whole lot to me as someone either has a look you are interested in capturing or not. But then I only shoot for pleasure with no commercial aspect so, as such, categories don't really hold a huge relevance either. I either like an image or I don't.

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Quoting sbp from post 9

Quoting sbp from post 9

Fabiano, looks like we're over the hill mate ( ..But they say your as old as you feel and I feel like an 18 year old ,or maybe two of them .

Lou now see what you started lol.

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Hey Paul, you're not the oldest guy in here...and Fab is just a youngster.

Lou has promised to hit the beach with me when the weather gets chilly...she says she's a tough cookie. If she ever does make it up here then she'll have to prove it that's for sure...But I know she's kinda looking forward to getting out of a comfortable warm studio and into the fresh air and natural light.

And when she does, the goose bumps ( big and EXTRA large lol ) will be big enough for all of you to see, despite your failing eyesight

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Jack , I'm glad about that LOL ,and yes Fabs just a spring chicken ,and I've seen him walking :0),your right . Sorry Fab

Sorry Jack I think Lou will be tied up for some time ( Literally ) I hope . Probably be free by spring ..

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Haha! Tied up til spring?? I knew she was kidding when she said she'd play her sax on the shores of the North Sea. Yes, I did say SAX lol

Quoting jacklondon from post 17

Quoting jacklondon from post 17

hehe @ Fab!! im 38...wwhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa! going on 8!

You lot are a load of jokers aint you lol Paul you forgot to mention my walking aids pmsl..ok lets get serious...if im commissioned to do a shoot and the client wants a 18 - 25 year old thats what they get if on the other hand im shooting with no agenda then if you look good i will book you recently i have put several casting calls out both on here and also purestorm not had a probelm yet with mature type of models but heck the younger ones are a nightmare to try to secure a booking with,,right now wheres my rhumatiod athritas and viagra pills
Ps Jack if Lou has promised to travel up for a shoot with you and play sax on a wintery beach nude then thats what she will do shes one tough cookie with a fantastic sense of humour and does what she says she will do...er and to Nixie errrrr..what a mobile phone honey? lol you have as fsntiastic port hun pity your over the border but then again how much is the bus fare from yours to mine pmsl lmao

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Have to agree with Fab re Nixie's portfolio

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Totally agree SPB , your portfolio is gorgeous Nixie, would love to work with you may be one day x

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Thanks m'dears

Lou - that would be fun, and I might even promise to behave myself, haha!

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Why behave? I dont lol .... it's more fun !

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Yeah, you haven't seen the shoots I've done with other models, haha!

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Can we see please, Please can we see

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That would just be derailing the thread! :P So yes, mature models... erm... I'm in favour of them.

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Now you are being sensible, how very mature lol x

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No she's being very mean .

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I'll just have to start a new thread . Called mature models go naughty !!!

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And I'll shoot it .. This site needs smileys )

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Ok Paul, think we are onto a sure winner hear. New thread on its way oh and a campaign for smileys !!!

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I dont care about what age the model is its down to the look and attitude rather than a number .

p.s. i have witnessed and photographed some of Nixies interactions with other models always fun and great results

I know that there is a Facebook group for mature models as i was just there placing a shoot offer to the group. It seems just to be new, but with a bit of support it could be a fantastic hub for over 30's modelling.

The-Factor-30-Plus-Modelling-Page

I get so fed up with people not being interested just because of my age. If I lied and said I was half my age it would be believable because I look younger than I am. It's a shame people are so shallow minded that they won't even considered it.

Not really, you look your age.. if someone wants to shoot older models thats up to them

Sorry , responding to traci

Two of the models in the agency i'am in are 40+ one of them is on here her name is Dawn and she is a blast to be around i have learnt alot from her, she does not care she is 43 she gets loads of work and has fun doing it. Lou your gorgeous posted that on one of your pictures in the past xx

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Thank you for that Leanne. I love what i am doing and am surprised how quickly it has all come together. Thoroughly love the work i do xx

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Traci I think its more to do with the fact you think a photographer should pay you.As a novice model you are competing with other novice models who are both younger and willing to work on a TFP basis to gain experience and improve the standard of their portfolio.

Just my thoughts

Steve

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It does take time to build up a decent portfolio as Steve says. I'm only now just starting to do paid work . At the end of the day I model because I love doing it and because i believe there is a market out there for the more mature model as long as they are honest and dont try to be anything that they are not.

Lou x

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At the end of the day... Age has little influence whether i use a model or not, it is the look that matters.
I personally don't care if your 18 or 60 (yes i have shot models aged 50-60, who make quite a reasonable income from their modelling), if you have the look i want for a particular project (or you have a project in mind that interests me), i will work with you.

However, i have also noticed that more and more "No Experience" models (of all ages) are joining and quoting fees from the outset.
Don.t get me wrong... you have every right to "ask", but don't be surprised if you get no offers.
My advice... get some experience in the style's and levels you want to work in, prove your worth... then ask for payment.

I'm coming to realise that in a lot of circles I'm classed as a mature model. And I'm only 27!! Stage age however, well, I still get ID'd... but it does mean that when photographers send out castings for 18-25 or so - even though I blatantly look younger than I am, they still dismiss my application. However, I do feel that more mature models have a sensible and accepting perspective of themselves and bodies more so than younger models do - which adds to their overall real allure and that shines through the camera!

Getting experience is the most valuable thing though! Having a niche market is all well and good but you need to still be good at it!

Thanks Leanne, see you sunday on set xx, Mr Mannering is right in regards to the Age has little influence in regards to models, its all in the eye of the beholder i.e Photographer in our instances if a certain person has a look which fits their project then doesnt matter what the persons age is they fit!

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Age is almost irrelevant. I say almost because a 95 year old model would have more difficulty but would still be just right for some situations. The most important thing is to fit the model to the brief, the location and the style that is required. Shooting only 18 year olds is for men's magazines. The rest of us look for variety, quality and ability in our models, not age.
Personal view, others may vary.

Age is totally irrelevant to modelling shoots-
i model because i enjoy it-i get fantastic compliments from you photographers-
i would model every day if i got the bookings-but being in the far depths of kent dont help me i think.
would love some honest feedback on my port -maybe you togs can give me some ideas how to improve it.
if any of you togs ever that fancy shooting a mature model then get down to kent-
i also do duos with tommy61-great fun on every shoot

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Mature Modelling ? . of course age has to be relevant to both the photographer and the model .seems like the responses are coming from mature people mostly anyway .

Would I as a 20 year old guy want to be shooting with mature models say 45yrs plus ,thinking back ,No I probably wouldn't have even considered it given the choice between an 18 year old ,obviously there may have been exceptions to that ) .

It would be nice to get some statistics from Models about the ages of Photographers they normally shoot for and the same from Photographers Re age of Models they have shot with .

My own very rough statistics having only entered Model shooting around 3.5 years ago

Approx Data 250 Models . 10 of these 35 to 50yrs 30 - 26 to 35 yrs

Younger Photographers data required .

Zenith hits the mark spot on with this comment
" I do feel that more mature models have a sensible and accepting perspective of themselves and bodies more so than younger models do - which adds to their overall real allure and that shines through the camera! " .

Ps: and hopefully by tomorrow my data should read 11 - 35 to 50 yrs .

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Age is only relevant in the context of the image requirements.
If you want to an image of an 18-20 year old model in a glamour/nude pose, or advertising/promoting a product.
You would use an 18-20 year old model... not 50-60 year old model.
Likewise, if your brief required the image of a 50 year old boudoir shot or promotion of a product.. you would use an age appropriate model for the job.

Of course, if you were only interested in shooting 18-30 year old's, that is the age group you would be seeking.

If you will only shoot with young models, and not consider working with mature models... maybe you should be asking yourself...what is your motivation?.

For me... the model is selected for the image... not the other way around.
Except in the case where the model is the inspiration... and inspiration can be found in any model irrespective of age.

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Having done shoots with both of the above two gentleman and had wonderful shoots with both of them ( more than once in both cases) i can confirm that there are Togs out there that appreciate what the mature model has to offer. Especially if you are honest and open about your age and the levels to which you want to shoot to and the tog is honest about what they want to achieve.

I am having a wonderful time modelling and going from strength to strength largely due to the hardwork that the above two guys have put in to help me with my images.
So my advice ladies of all ages is ,if you are confident, prepared to get some knocks along the way, hard working and reliable then go for it no matter what your age.. there is room for us all xx

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I've shot models of all shapes, sizes and looks and would jump at the chance of working with the models in this thread.

Our studio is always open to mature models so if anyone fancies it get in touch !

Neil

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" If you will only shoot with young models, and not consider working with mature models... maybe you should be asking yourself...what is your motivation?. ".

I just wonder if you might have made this same comment when you were in your teens/ twenties ? :0).I know I definately wouldn't have given any thought to shooting the older ladies.

Lou , you have me confused with someone else surely ? . Gentleman ?.

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Only a gentleman would untie the ropes Paul !

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Next time miss ,next time

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I am as active as ever, I'm 46 and still working hard but I know not all photographers want to work with me and I don't want to work with all photographers. It would be a very sad world if we all liked the same things. As someone said to me the other day, its a good job we all like different things in life, if we all liked the same women, she would be very busy and there would be one hell of a queue...
I would not expected to be contacted for by a photographer who is looking for a pert Glamour model but again nor would I answer a casting for that either. I know what I look like. I work very hard at my reputation and the quality of modelling I offer, I have found my little place in the industry. There is room for everyone. I am a mature model and I am proud of it.

Big hugs Annmarie xxx

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And so you should be!! You have some great images as do so many of the 'mature'models on this site

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Why Thank you kind Sir xxx

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I agree with wilsy - you've got some amazing pics MrsC! xx

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"I just wonder if you might have made this same comment when you were in your teens/ twenties ? :0).I know I definately wouldn't have given any thought to shooting the older ladies."

When i was in my late teens and early 20s, i was at Art College and studying "Life" drawing and painting... almost all the "Life" models were over 30 and one i remember was in her 50s.
My memory of those times were of the artistic variations offered by the different shapes and looks..etc.
I never considered their age as off putting or offering less creative opportunities...

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If ever there was a reason to consider working with a mature model MrsC is it. Of course at my age she is still a youngster.

Steve

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Hi, well, new to Mad Cow, aged 50, love this thread, thanks to Paul for a great shoot recently, love being a mature model (although still 20 in my head!), the portfolios on here are superb and really inspiring

Enola x

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Awww bless your heart Steve, glad you enjoyed the day and I wasn't too scary.. hee hee
hugs xxx

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I have been lucky enough to work with two wonderful models one who is now in her fifties and another who is forty two and both were among the best I have every had the pleasure to work with period. Their life experience shone through on the images and in the case of Mary the younger model, her confidence (after many years of being put down and told she was dowdy I may add) just oozes from every pore.

While youth has its own beauty, the more experiences we have in life both as models and artists come to the front and are plain for all to see. I have worked with some very beautiful young models who while stunning had that scared rabbit in the headlights look and it took a lot of relaxing and coaxing the models to get the best from their images.

Oh why am i living down south here in kent----think i need to move north....
seems like we are all having a great time enjoying our modelling---lucky girls tho keeping busy with your modellling----
im not jealous at all-hehe

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storm64 We would love to have you up here in Scotland always room for more very beautiful ladies

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Will have to come on tour as i mentioned in a thread a few weeks ago.
If there were enough of you lovely north of the border gentleman wanting to shoot would be more than happy to pay a visit

Hi sunnywigan.....
you so kind with your lovely thoughts-
NOW BLUSHING-lol
beginning of the year im def going to book a hotel either midlands or oxford area with intention of getting more bookings.
anyone here interested.

When I am looking for a model for one of my ideas, or a model has contacted me regarding doing a shoot, I have never and will never look at their age. Age is not important, it's just a number somewhere on our profiles.

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Ian1405 I love your way of thinking

Thank you. I don't do much thinking often but when I do there can be some crackers, lol.

Your port is amazing, you have lots of stunning shots. If you're ever my way give me a shout, would love to do a shoot.

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Thank you , much appreciated and I will, likewise if you are down this neck of the woods.

Hopefully I will be able to travel more in 2012 and then we can do a shoot or two.

Have now booked my 1st trip of 2012-heading just north to begin with into essex.
2 night stay ...
so will be contacting my friends on here to get bookings soon.

LOU---have you started that thread yet-mature go nawty....
think we should soon

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I love the way this thread has progressed over the past 4 months and thank you to all who are contributing to it.
Best wishes and good health to all on Madcows and I hope you all have a busy and fruitful 2012.
Lou x

I have not long been on this site and only just found and read this thread, It has been very interesting to hear everyones thoughts. Some very good points being raised. I think a lot has to do with what motevates the Photographer (persons with cameras) not wanting to be sexist, having just read about a group of ladies booking young men for their shoots LOL. I my self am not concerned about the age of the models that I choose to work with, it is about being able to create a look or a style, I must confess that I do find it easier working with models with life experiance, who lack neievity, I find that in general the shoots have been easier to book, and the communication has always been fantastic.

At the end of the day it is about getting the image that suits both parties, having fun on the journey. Just my 2p worth of ramblings

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Woolfe, make that 2.5p or call it sixpence worth of ramblings then we'll really see who the mature people are lol.
Your imput is much appreciated thank you .

This is so true I can remember when you could get a bar of choccy and change for sixpence lol Ah thats good this means dementia hasnt started to setin yet.... or do you retain longterm memory and lose short term meory... I can remember when you could get a bar of choccy and change for sixpence
now what was I saying

Or 3 mojos for 1/2p or 3 fruit salads/black jacks for 1p lol

Sorry double post.. odd, maybe dementia is starting now and i forgot i had already clicked eek!

Hi Lou. I liked your portfolio but sadly you are almost 4hrs away from where I am, so it's a little bit of a treck for me. Shame though. Matt

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Matt, thanks for that Well next time i'm down south i'll let you know. I travel all over the place for shoots .

Excellent, thanks.

I prefer the mature models to the younger ones who need at least 5 chaperones a boyfriend who makes out he his a bouncer and manages his models (girlfriends) plus you can talk to the older mature models about life.. but sayin that i have had some realy nice models ages 18 to 25 who have turned up chatted my head off and never been rude to myself or family.

I am a brand new member on this site only joined yesterday, but I'm beginning to enjoy it already.

So why are so many people hung up about age ?

I have shot ladies from 17 to 60, I shoot mainly new models, I advertise on various sites and I get contacted by them asking if I would shoot them, either for themselves or as a gift for their hubby my answer is always yes of course I will.

I don€™t discriminate over age as far as I€™m concerned it€™s just a number and if a lady of 40, 50, 60 wants to model whether it be a clothed shoot, topless or nude, if they are brave enough to display then I will be respectful enough to work with them, it€™s that simple, and if you visit my website you will see the fed back from such models.

As a lot have said, the other thing is these ladies are more comfortable with their body and really enjoy the shoot, especially when you take it at their pace.

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I'd prefer to shoot mature models, whatever their age. Unfortunately as I see on my own body, time leaves indelible creases and sagging bits, which do not photograph well nor flatteringly.
If I look at my own hands I can see what have been described as 'the freckles of death' appearing.

It is a joy to find young models with good skin,a good face and figure and a pleasant attitude towards body awareness, but most prove unreliable.
Maturer models tend in general to be more reliable, easier to converse with, and, if they have taken care of themselves, physically and emotionally, much pleasanter to work with as models.

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Love the Freckles of death line, as he checks the back of his own hands.

I'm coverd in death marks lol

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I am 59 (yeah I know portfolio says 58 - tried to change it but it was having none of it). With me, you have to take the bad with the good shots. I keep trying! Not sure how much longer I can do this, but I will keep going as long as I'm asked. hee hee.

Eve, nothing wrong with you, you look great as long as you enjoy it just keep on modelling.

Who knows maybe we will shoot ?

As a 'more mature model' myself I think we have a lot to offer.I know some photographers would rather stick pins in their eyes than work with us but I too feel far more body confident and comfortable in my own skin than I did 20 years ago.Would never have even considered taking my clothes off in front of a stranger then,let alone allowing them to take photos of me.If I can contimue until 59,like Eve,I would be a very happy bunny! Love what I do and as long as I can look at the photos and still like what I see I shall keep doing it

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The thing which consoles me is that although there are going to be shots with not only the Freckles of Death, but also the Sags, Bags, Dimples, Cellulite and Grey Hairs of Death (and Doom as well), (I'm selling myself well here aren't I) there will be shots which are really good. There is also good old photoshop, but I don't like that used, however, I am changing my opinion on that now. I've only been doing this a year, and it took ages to get used to seeing myself as I hadn't had any pics taken of me for years. Ignorance is bliss! I also have ME which can make me look very tired on top of the Imperfections of Death. Still the modelling keeps me going! Happy New Year to Everyone!

Well Knottylady, all I can say is you look fantastic, as I said before what is age as long as you enjoy it then you carry on.
I have never carried out a bohdage shoot but always wanted to so you never know I maybe knocking at your door.
Eve, I don't and I wont use Photoshop I know I could strat an argument here but that is not my intention, I believe what I shoot is what you get, yes I crop yes I may lighten but that's it you are what you are why put photos on here that have been photoshoped a tog turns up and goes, Oh are you Eve lol you know what I mean.

You would be very welcome to come knocking Photo Baz

Well that's an invite I shall have to take up then, with such a great look !!!