National Photography Day, modeling from 20s to 50s, and a 60s photo for fun

Age 27. Modeled for a Long & McQuade Music Fender promotion ad, 1991

Modeling was never a full time thing for me, but I dabbled throughout the years.

I’m definitely not model material. I’m short — only 5’2″ and curvy. But in the 1980s there was something called “glam modeling” that welcomed women that weren’t the standard tall and thin. Though back then there was still a standard, you couldn’t be plus size. My waist was only 23″ and I was about 108 pounds.

Age 32, 1996, Outlaw Biker

Age 32. This photo was taken by Outlaw Biker Enterprises publisher, the late Casey Exton. He wanted me on the cover but none of the shots came out that great because Casey grated my nerves. He was a weird boss. Very generous but held me back from opportunities. He wanted me to stay in advertising because I was excellent at it and made him a ton of money, but I wanted to write. Whenever he went on vacation, I’d go into editorial and write. My first music interview with Max from Sepultura was published all over the world in the “In the Flesh” publication! (And I finally did get to be in an ad for the publication, modeling an In the Flesh magazine t-shirt with another girl, Amy). Next I was writing for Tattoo Review and Outlaw Biker. But Casey was mad about it, so I left.

Contact sheets for a modeling contest, summer of 2005. I was 42

Age 42. A professional NYC shoot for a modeling contest. I didn’t win.

In my 50s!

I forgot what year, but I shared these photos here. I think it was right after the pandemic, so late 50s. A photo shoot in praise of older women.

Age 62, last week, taken by my husband

Nothing professional for my 60s yet, so I share this recent photo my husband took last week.

I’m currently seeking a photographer for a project. As a cancer patient in remission, I want to capture the essence of happiness while having health issues. A younger woman, a friend in her 40s, who also has cancer, agreed to model with me for this project. We’re seeking the right person to take photos of us having fun together.

Life is short and you have to do as much as possible.

I never took modeling serious because my heart is in writing. Though I have 6 traditionally published books out in the wild, my heart is with journalism and that’s what I do for the most part. I’m also a public speaker. I have a lucrative cat sitting business with 11 repeat clients and all 5-stars, and I’m a certified relationship coach.

Every time I get an opportunity to do something artistic and creative, I jump on it. I’ve been in a music video, I’ve done a lot of art (even selling some pieces), I’ve had poetry published in Germany, etc.

I love my life’s adventures!

#cancer #happiness #inspiration #lifeOver60 #longAndMcquadeMusic #modeling #motivation #outlawBiker #over50 #photography