Los Angeles photographer Alyson Aliano and art director Karen Beard believe that life should only get better with time. The two teamed up for a “Life Gets Better at 60” shoot, where they showed 60+ people who were having fun, being active, and staying fit.
Inspiration came to Alyson after shooting an editorial in an assisted living home based on the movie Cocoon, where older people become kids again. It got her wanting to create a shoot dedicated to the Baby Boomers, showing them being healthy, active, and fun. When she approached Karen with the idea, she was instantly on board. “Alyson’s work is playful and contemporary,” says Karen, “the chance to combine that style with vibrant 60+ models was just too good.”
They found the perfect location for the shoot and nailed the concept, and the hardest part from there became the casting. Alyson and Karen found that despite Baby Boomers’ zest and energy, many of them didn’t want to be photographed in bathing suits. A decent amount of the female talent canceled once they found out the shoot would take place in bathing suits. Ultimately, they found people who were comfortable in their own skin and could exude the energy and joy that the shoot was all about. “I still believe that beauty does radiate from within,” says Alyson.
If talent is onboard with the concept and is willing to collaborate with the photographer/director, you are going to be good.
Alyson and Karen agree that the best part of this project was getting to know the talent, who really brought the idea behind the shoot to life and embodied Alyson’s idea that life just keeps getting better, no matter one’s age. One of the models is a fitness model, moonlights as a clown, and still has time to fawn over her grandchildren. Alyson also says that Harwood, the male talent, continues to send her updates on his life as he motorcycles to shoot after shoot.
You can see more of Alyson’s work at alysonaliano.com.