How to Photograph Elderly People

When photographing elderly people, it is best to find out more about them during the portrait session. As a photographer, you want to be sure to capture the moments which express the elderly person's character and story of growing old.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk to the elderly person before the session about any accommodations you need to make for the session. If the elderly person is very old and sick or has Alzheimer's, have a family member be present to assist.

2. Sit the elderly person in a comfortable position. Offer the elderly person a drink and ask him how you can make him more comfortable.

3. Talk with the elderly person about her life experiences. As a photographer, it is important not to ask personal questions that will offend her, but to ask open ended questions about broad topics.

4. Capture his spirit by taking a picture when he is smiling, laughing, or crying about a particular life experience. Be sure to comfort him with words when you are photographing the elderly person.

5. Photograph the elderly person's smile, eyes, hands, and profile. You want to be sure to photograph her very essence.

6. Ask the elderly person if he would like to take a walk if he is able to do so. As a photographer, you could capture some photojournalistic photographs of him enjoying time with family members.

7. Snap some photographs of the elderly person with some favorite possessions that she has had all of her life. These photographs will be treasured for years to come.