Some portraits begin with a plan, and some begin with something you notice in the hallway. This one began with flowers, in the home of a woman aged 90 and above.
As a portrait photographer in Ibadan, some of our most treasured sessions happen away from the studio, in the homes of the people we photograph. This was one of them. We went to meet a woman who has lived over ninety years, and we left with a portrait we will keep coming back to.
90+, this is God's grace.
That is how we described the session when we first shared it, and we still cannot put it better. To photograph someone at this stage of life is a privilege, and we tried to treat it that way from the moment we arrived.
Why we photograph at home
A home tells you things a studio never can. As we moved through her house, we noticed flowers everywhere. When we asked about them, the people with her smiled and told us she loves flowers a great deal. We had not planned a bouquet, but once we knew, we knew what the portrait needed.
In the final image she holds a bunch of blooms close, her eyes closed, taking in the scent. She leans lightly on her walking cane with the other hand. She wears a long, richly textured robe with a row of covered buttons down the front, together with a bracelet, earrings and a necklace. The background is dark and plain, so nothing competes with her. We chose black and white so that the eye settles on the folds of the fabric, the lines of her face and the calm of the moment.
We did not ask her to smile for the camera. The picture works because she is simply enjoying something she loves, and that is the lesson we take from this session: a good portrait often begins with a conversation, not a pose.
Planning an elderly portrait session in Ibadan
If you are thinking of a portrait for a parent, grandparent or elder in your family, here is what we would gently suggest.
Tell us what they love. It might be flowers, a favourite chair, a piece of jewellery or a particular fabric. These details make a portrait feel like the person, not just a picture of them.
Consider a session at home. Familiar surroundings help people relax, and there is no travelling to tire anyone. We can bring a simple backdrop and set up in a quiet corner of the house.
Let them choose their outfit. Something they feel proud in will always photograph better than something chosen for the camera. Textured fabrics and good jewellery look beautiful in black and white.
Go at their pace. We keep sessions unhurried, allow time to rest, and make sure the person is comfortable and supported throughout. A cane, a chair or a steady arm is part of the picture, not something to hide.
Invite the family to be around. Relatives and friends often help us learn what makes someone laugh or what they treasure, and that shows in the final images.
Heritage portraits that last
Portraits of our elders are some of the most meaningful photographs a family can own. They record a face, a style and a presence that younger generations will want to look at for years. At Tboss Photography, led by Oluwatosin Aremu, we approach these sessions with patience and respect, and we are always glad to talk through ideas before the day.
If there is an elder in your family you would like photographed, whether at home or elsewhere around Ibadan, get in touch with us. Tell us about them, and tell us what they love. We will take it from there.
