Agnes
Age:
62
Occupation:
Retired Civil Servant
Why did you say yes to this campaign? What was your WHY to participate?
I had seen the beautiful photos Olga has taken of other ladies and the beauty of these ladies is what jumped out at me from the photos. I know I am very critical of photos of myself and I am sure some of these ladies were the same. I had a friend who had participated in the campaign and I thought “Yes” I am going to do this. I had planned when I was 50 to have my portrait taken but never got to do it then and I thought I will never be younger doing it than now.
Tell me a little about you and your story:
My mother died when I was 14 and she was 52 and I have lost a few friends who were way too young to die. I feel very privileged to be 62 in good health and happy with where I am in life. I started work at 17 and I’ve enjoyed travel and holidays. I am enjoying my retirement and the free time it gives me. I have lots of plans to learn a musical instrument and take up art in the next few years. I have taken up golf and enjoying getting out in the fresh air and making new friends.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
A loyal friend. A kind supportive person. A person who has taken the knocks in life and come out wiser and stronger.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Contented, privileged, happy.
Do you feel like you have changed since turning 60?
I am appreciating life more. I turned 60 and retired during a Covid lockdown. I had plans to mark these major milestones in my life but unfortunately I had to defer the celebrations. I think Covid has taught me to take any opportunity that comes my way as we have no guarantees about tomorrow.
What are the most rewarding things about getting older?
More time to do what I want to do now that I am retired and I care less about what others think of me. I feel so privileged to be getting old as I have lost a few friends at a young age.
What has been the best life lesson you have learned along the way?
The importance of good friends.
What advice would you give to your younger self about caring for yourself?
Live in the moment and enjoy it. Take time for yourself and take good care of that body as you’ve only got one and there aren’t many spare parts available. Be kinder to yourself.
What is your favourite quote?
Your health is your wealth.
What do you love most about your new portraits? Is there something new you discovered about yourself?
I was blown away by my portraits. I can’t believe this is me. I very seldom liked photographs of myself but I love the portraits taken by Olga. She made me feel so comfortable and confident in her capable hands. She made the whole experience so enjoyable. She is such a professional and it is clear that she loves her job. She gave me great advice beforehand about what outfits work best. It is an experience I would recommend any woman to enjoy at least once in their life. I would not have wished to do this and not have had the courage to do it for 12 years if I had known I would enjoy it so much and the results would be beyond my wildest dreams.
What was your favourite part of working with me?
My favourite part of working with Olga was the way she made me feel so relaxed on the day. It was as if she was reading my mind the previous day, I got a message from her saying that it was not unusual to feel anxious before the event. She has the ability to bring out the best in your portrait without you realizing what she is doing, she is magnificent at her job.
