Photographer Ruby Jean (@rubyjeanphotography) has come up with a creative way to capture the beauty of aging: with themed Goddess photoshoots. The Maine-based photographer has been holding the photo sessions for the past five years, which have "provided women with a space to celebrate themselves, and to let their inner child run free!" she writes on Instagram. "These sessions are more than just photos; they are experiences of confidence, joy, and play."
These photoshoots have captured the hearts (and eyes) of her followers on social media, and are rooted in a deeper message than flowy dresses and crowns. "Aging is often stigmatized for women, and many women express feeling unseen or invisible as they get older," she adds. " These images provide a sense of hope, and reverence for the beauty of growing older."
And it's one of her latest photoshoots that caught the attention of the internet. Ruby Jean went to the Orno Commons nursing home in her hometown of Orno, Maine, where she photographed 5 women over 70 free of charge. And the portraits are absolutely stunning.
In the video, Ruby Jean shared how the shoot came together after her followers suggested that she do a Goddess shoot in a nursing home. "I teamed up with my twin sister Veronica, who is an occupational therapist at a nursing home in our hometown of Orno, Maine, together with the amazing staff at Orno Commons. They got their hair done at the on-site hair salon and another staff member provided makeup services," she shared. "It was really a team effort to put this event on."
The video shows behind-the-scenes footage of how they prepared each woman for her photoshoot, with snippets of commentary from each woman as they had their photo taken. One of the women named Jane said, "My husband watching down on me from heaven. Can you see me honey? Look at me!" she says. Another jokes, "I look like I'm 90! I'm just being a wise ass, that's all," to laughs from everyone in the room.
The photos capture each woman's personality and zest for life in different clips, with another proclaiming her love of rock'n'roll and her Philly roots. The women can be seen having a blast with different props, and being outfitted with the stunning crowns. Jane also adds at the end of the video, "I really loved it. Thank you so much for doing it. I loved doing this."
In an interview with Upworthy, Ruby Jean shared, "The response for the nursing home videos has been amazing. People are always so moved to tears. I get so many comments, 'I wish I had a photo like this of my grandmother or of my mom' or 'My mom would have loved this!' There's a lot of people who feel inspired to do this in their own communities. That's awesome and exciting, and I do hope people end up doing that."
She notes the response has impacted people's views on aging. "Women tell me, 'I've been so afraid of getting old, but this made me feel less afraid' or 'This makes me feel excited about getting older'. There are a lot of emotions that surround aging and there's a lot of fear," she says. "There's so much joy and whimsy that can still be experienced, and so much wisdom these women can provide."
And Ruby Jean's followers shared their excitement and joy over her kind gesture and photos. "Omg I LOVE THIS SO MUCH ❤️❤️❤️❤️ these women are true goddesses and should be treated and loved like the queens that they are, ❤️❤️❤️" one wrote. Another commented, "As someone with a grandparent in a home: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU… these spaces need more play and joy and what you’re doing for these women legit is making me cry through this post 🥹❤️." And another shared, "STOP these pictures are precious 😭They were all feisty goddesses for sure and their commentary was legendary ❤️" Another viewer added, "Brb sobbing 🥹😭 so sweet & wholesome!! Love seeing these ladies have a good time & being able to show off the goddesses they are! 🩷👑"
Ruby Jean recently announced the start of "The Goddess Project", with a goal to photograph 12 different women for free that will result in a calendar and gallery event. If you would like to support Ruby Jean and her Goddess Project, consider donating here.
