Today, I began work on an ambitious and exciting creative project at the request of the Mansion. They asked if I would take a portrait of every resident who agreed to be photographed for a yearbook they hope to publish by the end of the year that shows every resident.

I’m also pushing for a portrait of all the residents handing in a hallway as visitors come in. I’m not charging a penny for the photos, it is a wonderful gift to me.

I took this as a great challenge and a great compliment. I love taking pictures of the Mansion residents, their faces are full of character, wisdom, and humor. I take this project very seriously (I’m told that I take every project seriously.) I brought my big Canon camera, my fat 85 mm portrait lens, and a tripod, which I rarely use.

I want these photos to be beautiful, honest and professionally done. The residents wanted headshots and above the shoulder shots, so I tried to get them to laugh and show some emotion. They know me well enough to trust me.

I took the photos inside – the sun was too strong and bright outside – and had to work hard for a few smiles. They were all gathered in the Great Room waiting when I showed up, they were excited. I am always surprised at how much older people like to be photographed.

I think it makes them feel less forgotten.

Portrait photography is a very serious thing for the residents, one told me he needed to look like Lincoln. I’m not that good a photographer I said, and he finally laughed.

A local craft brewery has asked me if I would agree to do a portrait show of the Mansion residents for them, and I think I would like to do that. These are the hidden people, they are rarely seen or heard from. My work is to give them a voice and let the world see their beauty and character. They are valuable, they should never be hidden from us.

I did about a dozen residents today and will go back two or three times until I get all of those who want to participate. All but one or two do. Here are some from the first batch. This is a labor of love, for sure, and I’m so glad my photography can be used in this way.

I’ll be posting more as I take them.