What is a woman over 50? 

Ask society and you might hear words like “diminished,” “older” and “invisible.” On the street, your gaze may pass right over her without a second thought. In movies or on social media, you’re unlikely to find any representation of her at all. 

She’s just an older woman. In her prime, she might have been beautiful, but that was a long time ago. 

Portrait photographer Christine June begs to differ. Through her lens, she reveals that a woman over 50 is far from invisible—in fact, she’s nothing short of amazing.

June didn’t set out to be a portrait photographer. She studied science in college, then went back to get her degree in painting, which is where she discovered her love for photography. She dabbled in many styles, including landscape, fine art, baby and family portraits—until a request from a 49-year-old woman for her 50th birthday shoot changed everything.

“It was so inspiring!” said June. “Her energy, her wisdom—all the things she survived to become 50.”

June, now 49 herself, says her clients have opened her eyes to the possibilities that await her after 50. 

 “These women are bold!” she said. “They’re bucking the whole system of beauty standards that say you must be this or that to be visible in the world. And it’s so powerful and eye-opening!” 

She returns that energy to her clients in the portraits she takes.

CAPTURING MOMENTS IN TIME

After her portrait session with June, businesswoman Denise Perkins said, “I’m on the other side of 50, and for many people, that means things go downhill. But the last two years of my life have been some of my happiest, and I wanted to capture that.”

 Perkins spent years in sales and marketing before stepping out on her own as a consultant two years ago. Now she does things on her own terms.

When she saw Christine’s portraits on social media, something resonated within her.

“She talked about doing this for yourself,” Perkins said, “and I thought, ‘This is the time I should capture who I am now, not who I was at 40 climbing the corporate ladder or when I was in college with a baby on my hip trying to break into the workforce.”

Jan Costas is also a big fan of embracing who you are.

Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, doctors told her she had six months to live without treatment, or two years with it. Four years later, she’s now 80 years old. 

“I've taken it kind of like an adventure,” she said, attributing her faith in guiding her. “It’s a journey that I had not planned. I’m just going to trust and live my life as best I can.”

Losing her hair during treatment didn’t stop her from getting her portrait taken by June. Having lived in Saudi Arabia, she developed a love for henna—a reddish dye prepared from the dried leaves of the henna tree—and decided to wear a “henna crown” instead of a wig. Her portraits have become some of June’s most popular pictures.

Annawyn Shamas had a different reason for booking her portrait session. An actress and theater director, her headshot appearing in theater programs was outdated. She also appreciated the way June’s work celebrates women over 50.

 As she approaches 90, Shamas has noticed how people interact with her differently. 

“I do think there is a diminishing quality in how you are perceived, but that doesn't mean you have to accept that,” she said.

STRENGTH IN EVERY IMAGE

We live in a snap-and-share world, said June, but there’s something magical about a portrait that digital images can’t replicate.

“It’s not just a photo; it’s a piece of art that says, ‘This is me, this is my life, this is my legacy,” she said. “For us women who have seen and lived through so much, a portrait can capture all the wisdom, strength and beauty we’ve cultivated over decades.”

June’s favorite part is revealing these qualities through her lens. 

 “They’re like, ‘Wow, that’s me!’ It’s a lightbulb moment!”

None of the women came into June’s studio feeling photogenic, but they weren’t interested in portraying society’s version of beauty. 

“I don’t have to be a model to have a portrait that says, ‘This is who Jan is,’” said Costas. 

All the women spoke about how much these portraits would mean to their families and reflected on photos they had of loved ones who had passed. But June’s greatest gift was helping them see their own inspiration.

“This is who I am,” Shamas said, describing one of her favorite portraits, where she’s wrapped in a Native American shawl. “I’m not going to be beaten down by this or that. I’m going to be a tall woman standing, looking into the future. I didn’t know that I would have a photograph that would show that.”

Costas agreed. 

“We are not just going to be ground into the dust,” she said. “Each one of us is special. I just want to treasure that.”

Perkins said her husband cried when he saw her photos, telling her how beautiful she looked. But Perkins saw something more.

“She’s got it together,” she said, speaking as a stranger might when observing the photo. “I think I’ve spent my whole life trying to keep it together! Don’t we all do that as women? I’ve lived a great life. It’s the power to give yourself permission to be who you are and not apologize for it.” 

Create Your Legacy Through Portraiture

Christine June is based in Centennial, Colorado, but she offers these tips for capturing your legacy in a portrait. Imagine preserving your spirit, smile and life stories to share with future generations. While digital files may not last (who knows if JPEGs will be around in 50 years?), a timeless portrait will tell your story when you’re no longer around to share it.

• Find a Photographer Who Gets You: Find a photographer who sees more than just what’s in front of the camera. You need a photographer who can look beyond the lens and capture your essence in a stunning portrait.  

• Tell YOUR Story YOUR Way: Highlight your hobbies, achievements or dreams that define your journey by incorporating them in your shoot.

• Dress to Shine: Choose outfits that make you feel fabulous, accessories that sparkle as much as you do and go for a makeup look that makes you feel like a million bucks.
  
  
• Enjoy Your Moment: Let go of insecurities and enjoy the experience. Chat with your photographer, laugh, share stories and let your personality shine.
  
  
• Preserve It Forever: Think about how you want to showcase your portrait—whether framed, as a canvas or a stylish photo book. Make it something your family can cherish, hold and treasure for years to come.

See more of Christine’s work on Instagram: @christine.june.photography or call her at 303-653-4668.