The Pinch Zoom Project

04/15/2021

https://www.facebook.com/142208566054/posts/10159304513131055/

Powerful message about women and aging. As I step closer to 50, the experiences of my life are more evident. Maybe there is a better way to look at the person I see in my reflection.

Every wrinkle or furrow tells a story of a thousand times I laughed or smiled. Tucked between each micro fold are memories of love and loss, joy, determination, frustration and awe.

Every darkened spot on my cheeks a day the sun touched my face and I enjoyed another summer.

The pouch around my middle and the marks on my thighs that stretched my body to hold and nourish three babies for 27 months combined.

Every pound a meal shared across tables with friends, family and children.

Every white hair marks another day, 17520 days and counting I have had the privilege and honour to age.

The actor and director's new book is a bid to liberate older women from endless cosmetic upkeep.

04/10/2021

The great pause 3.0. I can't remember what shutdown, emergency brake we are on... Which limits my ability to shoot people outside of my household. 😔😒😤 I have a couple banked that I will roll out in a few weeks.

I've also been MIA because my brain and heart weigh heavy with the recent attention to crimes and racism that for me, family and friends who are POC this is not just a news cycle but a reality. I've questioned the importance of this project and more importantly the content.

I know this because I've experienced this deeply. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, a flat nose, black hair, brown skin and almond shaped eyes didn't show themselves in mass media... Ever. And if they were, they were often fetishsized or racist tropes. So my idea of who I was and what I looked like was entrenched in what I wasn't.

It's important to me that this grid reflects a wide variety of shapes, colours and definitions of beauty. That means actively seeking those fringe folks that are still not depicted as much as they should be in the media. It's my small part in making a difference.

So for those who have already reached out, I will get back to you when we safely can shoot. Also know that I am actively balancing content with a rainbow of loveliness. 🌈💁🏽‍♀️

03/25/2021

7/40 | 3 of 3
Series 1: 40 over 40

How do you see yourself..how do others see you? A million different factors contribute to how we perceive ourselves and one another. I find it interesting which photos my collaborators gravitate towards and how different those choices may be from mine.

In an hour B and I shot over 20 winners, so we rounded out his 3 with a choice of his because I just couldn't pic a fave.

03/24/2021

7/40: 2 of 3
Series 1: 40 over 40

Use what you got. Sometimes we fret over the things we don't have rather then relish in the things we do have. Like a fancy photo studio, box lights and thousand dollar lenses. Or youth and flawless skin and the perfect body.

Take what you do have, find it's beauty, cherish the privilege of growing old and earning those wrinkles. Look for the light.

Waxing philosophical here, sorry B. Another example of chasing the sun as it set. You rocked the pose/non-pose like you've been doing this for years. I think the colour pic is the winner.

@ Windsor, Ontario

03/23/2021

7/40 | 1 of 3
Series 1: 40 over 40

Next in the grid is B and I knew we would have some fun given his style and willingness to try a few things. Good man and good heart and a good helping of cool..that's right, even after 40. Proof positive that you don't have to resign to dad jeans, pleated khakis and high arch support sneakers when you leave your thirties behind.

Remember kids - . Unless it's a cigar. 😜

03/21/2021

I'm not photogenic.
I'm not pretty or hot enough.
I'm too old.
I hate pictures of myself.
I have wrinkles.
I have white hair.
A whole photo shoot of me?
You won't possibly get a good shot.

These may be some of the self talk that has been preventing you from reaching out. And for those still hesitant I say this:

I'm not going to make you look younger or better looking than you already are. I'm not going to mask the crows feet or laugh lines that mark your journey of a thousand smiles, losses and loves. I won't filter out the spots on your face kissed by the sun of over 40 summers.

For those of you who have sent your request, bravo! And thanks for trusting me and believing in the project. We will be in touch soon.

And for those who haven't, space is running out in this series. Shutdown all the negative self-talk and let's take a chance.

03/21/2021

6/40 | 3 of 3
Series 1: 40 over 40

The millenials have it right with their hashtag golden hour selfies. That hour before sunset, go grab your phone, turn off the flash, set the mode to portrait (simulates depth of field and background blur) and face towards the sun low in the sky. If you're indoors, look for it spilling through a west facing window casting angled shadows and shapes on a wall. Find a blank wall or uncluttered space. Set the timer for 10 seconds and sit your butt down and smyze (smile with your eyes). Try it...

And if all of this sounds far too complicated or overwhelming, send me a DM and we'll talk 🤗😋 (so long as you fit the series criteria).

Crossing the finish line with D's last pic. Thanks for being a willing participant and being the first man to grace the grid... indeed. ☺️

@ Windsor, Ontario

03/20/2021

6/40 | 2 of 3
Series 1: 40 over 40

Finding the light. I should start snapping the larger scene of where I make collaborators pose... And the outtakes. Don't worry D, I won't do that 🤣😜...

I rely on aperture and ISO, a portrait lens plus natural light and how it falls on the shape of a face. So we may chase the light and the shadows of your house or backyard but I promise we will get some gems.

Thanks D for indulging my ideas and my giggles..

@ Windsor, Ontario

03/20/2021

6/40 | 1 of 3
Series 1: 40 over 40

The first man to make the grid is D. Asking men to pose is a whole different game, and I have to admit I googled 'how to pose men'. 😳🥴😜

From chin holding to karate kicks and checking-your-watch poses, I decided to keep it as natural as possible with D. Which meant finding the golden light.

@ Windsor, Ontario

03/18/2021

5/40 | 3 of 3
Series 2: 40 over 40

Rounding out her 3 for is this quiet moment by her kitchen window.

Thanks once again for trusting me and putting yourself out there .

@ Windsor, Ontario

03/17/2021

4/40 | 2 of 3
Series 1: 40 over 40

Can you bend this way, look up, look down, smile, don't smile, drop your shoulder, arch your back, tilt your chin, show what your momma gave you. Oh and can you flip upside down?

😳😁🤣 These are some of the directions I'll be giving you. We will try as many poses we can fit in an hour. Some won't work out. At all. Most won't be natural poses and some won't be comfortable but don't worry, there are results that are magical.

Thanks again . You took great direction and this-upside down, hand in hair, arch your back, show what your momma gave you pose is 🔥🔥🔥.

03/16/2021

5/40 | 1 of 3
Series 1: 40 over 40

You won't be hard pressed to find transformation journeys posted across social media. For me, I'm most interested in the story behind the journey squished between the before and after pics. It's not always about weight loss and fitting a beauty standard. Sometimes it's about finding your strength.

I was honoured to capture whose reel had so many gems it was hard to pick 3 (a case I've had with all 4 of my collaborators). I love this one because I think it equally captures her physical and inner strength and her vulnerability.

Her journey is hers to tell, so I hope you go follow her on her socials.



@ Windsor, Ontario