Women 50+ photographed where their work lives

Artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders documented in the spaces that shaped them.

For years, I’ve been invited into the worlds of women over 50 — artists, entrepreneurs, designers, makers, and leaders — to photograph them where their work actually lives.

From home studios and workshops to boutiques, offices, rooftops, and quiet outdoor spaces, this body of work honors women who have built something meaningful and refuse to be invisible.

These portraits are not about reinvention or performance, but about presence — documenting women fully rooted in who they are and the work they continue to create.

Leslie B. Nesbitt — Maryland Surface Designer & Mixed Media Artist

Leslie B. Nesbitt is a surface designer and founder of Rhythmic Walls Decorative Painting & Design Studio, known for her bold use of color, pattern, and texture influenced by European and African design traditions.

She was photographed both in her home and on the job at a beauty salon, actively painting walls — moving between personal space and professional execution. Seeing Leslie work made it clear that her artistry is immersive and physical, shaped by rhythm, movement, and environment.

Photographing her in real time — rather than a static setting — honored the living, evolving nature of her work.

Patricia Talbott — Chicago Founder, SAOR Fragrance

Patricia Talbot is the founder of SAOR Fragrance, a luxury perfume oil line born from a deeply personal desire for freedom, self-expression, and authenticity. SAOR is now worn in over 40 states and internationally.

She was photographed in an Irish pub in Chicago — a nod to the brand’s Gaelic roots and the lived, sensory experience that inspired her work. The environment brought warmth, story, and cultural resonance into the images.

Photographing Patricia in a place that held meaning, rather than a studio, allowed the brand’s origin story to quietly speak.

Heather Ana Hathaway — Naperville, Illinois Speaker, Consultant & Racial Healing Practitioner

Heather Ana Hathaway is a transformational speaker, consultant, and racial healing practitioner whose work centers on advocacy, education, and social justice.

She was photographed in a rented office space designed to reflect a professional consulting environment — a visual bridge between her work in communities and her role as a national educator and leader.

Creating a purposeful setting allowed the images to reflect her authority, clarity, and readiness for larger platforms.

Zawadi Morris — Brooklyn, NY Journalist, Founder of BK Reader

Zawadi Morris is a journalist, writer, and founder of BK Reader, an independent digital news platform serving Central and East Brooklyn.

She was photographed in her home and on the rooftop of her Brooklyn building — spaces that reflected both introspection and perspective. The images balance stillness with visibility, mirroring her role as both observer and advocate.

On-location photography allowed her story to unfold across personal and public space — where journalism, community, and voice intersect.

SuAnne Martinez — Annopolis, MD Custom Framer & Gallery Owner

SuAnne Martinez is the owner of West Annapolis Artworks & Fine Framing, bringing over 30 years of experience as an artist and master framer.

She was photographed inside her frame shop and gallery — surrounded by materials, artwork, and the daily rhythm of a working creative business. The setting reflected her role not only as a craftsperson, but as a steward of other artists’ work.

Photographing SuAnne on location honored the depth of knowledge and trust she has built over decades in the art community.

Anne Marie Polich — Boulder, CO Dating & Relationship Coach

Anne Marie Polich is a relationship coach, and guide who brings decades of lived experience to her work helping women navigate love, loss, and connection.

She was photographed outdoors in a Boulder park — a setting that reflected the grounded, reflective nature of her work. The open space echoed the way she meets clients: with honesty, compassion, and room to breathe.

Being photographed outside, rather than inside an office, allowed her presence and wisdom to feel expansive rather than contained.

Takara Beathe Gudell — Oak Park, IL Fashion Designer, Everyday Elegance

Takara Beathe Gudell is a self-taught fashion designer with a 40-year career built on instinct, rule-breaking, and unapologetic style. She is the founder of Everyday Elegance, designed and manufactured in Chicago.

She was photographed inside her Oak Park studio and boutique, where design decisions are made daily. Being in her space made it clear that her work is inseparable from her presence — bold, confident, and deeply personal.

Photographing Takara where she creates honored a career defined by longevity, resilience, and creative authority.

Jill Card — Founder, Jeans & A Cute Top Wheaton, Illinois

Jill Card is the founder of Jeans & A Cute Top, a boutique built on the belief that women deserve stylish, well-fitting clothing without chasing trends meant for younger bodies.

She was photographed inside her boutique, working the floor — the place where her connection with customers is most visible. The setting reflects her hands-on approach and commitment to helping women feel comfortable and confident in their clothes.

Photographing Jill in her store captured her as both business owner and trusted guide.

Chasity Wells-Armstrong — Strategist & Leadership Advisor Naperville, Illinois

Chasity Wells-Armstrong is a nationally respected strategist with over 25 years of leadership experience across government, social impact, and executive roles. She is the first Black mayor of Kankakee, Illinois, and a trusted advisor to municipal leaders nationwide.

She was photographed in both a rented office space and the studio — environments chosen to reflect focus, authority, and composure. The imagery balances approachability with strength, mirroring the complexity of high-stakes leadership.

On-location storytelling allowed her leadership presence to be documented with intention, not performance.

Carol Cowie — Painter & Former Art Director Annapolis, Maryland

Carol Cowie is a painter and former art director whose career spans decades of award-winning graphic design and fine art. After years working with National Geographic, she now focuses on oil painting and plein air work.

She was photographed in her home on the water — a setting that reflects her relationship with light, color, and observation. The environment echoes her creative philosophy: simplicity, clarity, and concept-driven work.

Photographing Carol at home honored the quiet confidence of an artist fully rooted in her practice.