What image do you conjure in your mind when I say “picture a woman over 40”?

How about over 50, 60, or even 70 years old?

Traditionally, the media and entertainment industries have painted a narrow picture of beauty, implying that once women pass their childbearing years, their allure fades.

This outdated notion not only undermines the value of women but also ignores the era in which they fully come into their own.

As a woman over forty myself, I am deeply passionate about rewriting these narratives. My photography focuses almost exclusively on women over 40, showcasing their undeniable beauty, confidence, and adventurous spirits.

Most women can relate, we look to the past with some regrets and wonder why we were so hard on our younger selves. 

If I could go back, I'd wear the bikini, dance like nobody was watching, and I'd definitely do the photoshoot!

These women, through their stories and portraits, debunk the myth that beauty has an expiration date, and they're finally saying 

"Let's do the nudes!" 

And to that I reply:

Hell yeah, it's never too late!

The genesis of my latest campaign was driven by a desire to challenge and transform how we perceive beauty in women aged 40 and above.

Opting for boudoir-style photography—a genre often reserved for the imagined ideals of younger women—I aimed to push the boundaries further.

This choice wasn't about provocation but about empowerment and confronting stereotypes head-on.

You bet we will still get your headshots in, but let's start with some fun boudoir photos!

With excitement, I announced the "40 Over 40" campaign on social media, calling for women who embodied the spirit of this mission.

The response was overwhelming, echoing a shared sentiment: many women felt they weren't photogenic due to societal pressures on weight and body image.

As an expert in photographing diverse ages and body types, I saw this as an opportunity to prove them wrong.

You are beautiful

RIGHT NOW.

You deserve to be photographed

AT EVERY STAGE OF YOUR LIFE.

You can have photos of yourself

THAT YOU LOVE.

Over a few months, I had the privilege of photographing these remarkable women, culminating in an art exhibit and a gala to honor their stories and resilience.

The anticipation built until the gala night, when many participants saw their portraits for the first time.

Each woman was represented by a stunning large print, hung gallery-style, accompanied by a piece of her story.

This event was more than an exhibit; it was a celebration of life, beauty, and transformation.

Friends and family gathered, not just to support their loved ones, but to bear witness to a collective reimagining of beauty.

After each session, the reactions were unanimous: disbelief turned into realization, and realization into affirmation.

"Wow, I can’t believe that’s me", and "I’m beautiful"

were common exclamations. My goal has always been to transform how women see themselves in photos, and with 40 Over 40, this vision was realized.

Participants emerged with a newfound confidence, seeing the beauty that their loved ones had always seen.

Kiran McKay, one of the participants, emailed me right after her session and said:

"Leading up to my shoot, I had a lot of nervous feelings almost making me back out. It ended up being the kind of day where you go home and write in your diary about. This was the most important counseling session I didn't realize I needed for myself."

A little bit of makeup and an expert portrait photographer are all it takes to see yourself in a new light. The "40 Over 40" campaign is more than a series of portraits; it's a movement towards self-love, acceptance, and breaking free from societal constraints.

Are you ready to see yourself through a new lens? Join the movement and participate in the next "40 Over 40" campaign. Let's celebrate your story, your beauty, and your strength, together.

This campaign is a call to action for all women over 40 to see themselves in a new light, embrace their beauty, and challenge societal norms. It's an invitation to be part of a movement that celebrates the richness of life and the diversity of beauty across all ages.

Are you ready to challenge the stereotypes and redefine beauty for yourself? Join us in the next "40 Over 40" campaign and become part of a growing community that celebrates beauty in every form and at every age.

"What an amazing experience. I honestly could not recommend Laurie more. After the first few moments of nervousness, the conversations flowed and the nerves dissipated, then of course the laughs started. The end results were truly breathtaking."

 -Amber Astill, 40 Over 40 participant