Celebrating the beauty, strength, and wisdom of women over 50

The 50 Over 50 Project

The Anne Valerie Portrait 50 Over 50 Project was conceived in 2020 to celebrate the strength, wisdom, and beauty of women 50 and older. “Our age group tends to be underrepresented in media and culture, and prone to questionable stereotypes. The women I know are vital, fascinating, talented and richly experienced. I wanted to capture and celebrate their unique personalities, stories and soul-deep beauty,” says Johnson. “There is vulnerability in allowing oneself to be truly seen and heard, and for many of the women participating in the project, this has been a giant step beyond their comfort zone. I am so proud of them for taking the leap.”

“It really struck me that I was hearing from women who would say ‘I love your work, I want you to photograph my daughter.’ My immediate question was ‘Why not you?’ None of the answers sat well with me, and that is how The 50 Over 50 Project was born. And it’s working! In the past, I frequently heard, ‘Not me – I’m too old’. Not anymore.”

As for women over 50 in particular, Johnson offers some personal words of wisdom to anyone who feels reluctant to step in front of the camera. “We have too much to contribute to fade into the background, and it’s up to us to make a different choice. Let’s show future generations that age is something to celebrate and look forward to. 50 is the new 50! 60 is even better!”

The 50 Over 50 Project culminated in a celebration featuring all fifty participants and their portraits in addition to a four-day gallery-style exhibit in Johnson’s own Lexington, Virginia.