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Photographer Captures Eternal Love Between Elderly Couples

Photographer Captures Eternal Love Between Elderly Couples

The artist says capturing the couples allows her to "find beauty in not just the youth of life but also the next and most crucial chapter".

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara Sheppard

As a society we are obsessed with youth, but photographer Sujata Setia sees things differently.

The London-based artist's favoured subjects are elderly couples, which she says allows her to "find beauty in not just the youth of life but also the next and most crucial chapter" - growing old.

Sujata Setia/But Natural Photography

Sujata's interest in elderly people began when she started volunteering at UK charity, Contact The Elderly.

Speaking to PRETTY52, the 36-year-old recalled a conversation she had with one of the elderly women she hosted.

The woman had told her that when she was a young mother, she was always so busy and remembers asking her children to give her space, "to talk less, to give me a break, to let me work, to play on their own, to go sleep in their own room."

She had told Sujata: "Now all I am left with, is that space. So much of it in fact that I crave to hear sounds and loud noises. I want my children shouting from all corners again, calling out my name. Needing me."

Sujata Setia/But Natural Photography

Sujata said this encounter put so much in perspective for her, and reminded her how impatient she can be with her own daughter, "It almost felt like it was me talking."

"There's no vanity left when we are reaching the end of the road," says Sujata.

"All that we have remaining is honesty, the courage to accept our faults and smile past the regrets. There's so much more peace and quiet in their heads and hearts.

"I just feel immense creative and emotional satisfaction by capturing their true and honest emotions."

Sujata Setia/But Natural Photography

Sujata's love for photographing elderly people began when she started taking photos of her six-year-old daughter and grandmother.

Soon after, she was asking friends and family on social media to lend her their parents for shoots.

The mother-of-one says that the couples' reaction to being asked to be photographed is "always hilarious," adding: "Oh my god! the couples always laugh first. The husbands mostly. There's this hysteria, mixed with embarrassment and also a secret, hidden excitement."

Sujata with her six-year-old daughter.
Sujata Setia
Once convinced, she says her shoots are "always so full of laughter because both husband and wife are endlessly giggling," adding, "It's just the pleasant shock of never ever imagining that someone would ask them to pose like a newly married couple at 80 plus."

What started as a hobby, Sujata's photography now takes her around the world where she runs masterclass workshops for aspiring photographers.

Sujata Setia/But Natural Photography

One of the most incredible aspects of her photographs - besides her subjects - is the lighting, which unbelievably is all natural.

"I'm literally obsessed with natural light," she says. "I like shooting in soft light.

"So usually evening close to sunset for outdoor shoots and mornings indoor when the light is filtering through the window and softly falling on the surface. It helps create a magical effect."

Sujata Setia/But Natural Photography

Magical is definitely the word for it!



Featured Image Credit: Sujata Setia/But Natural Photography

Topics: Life News, Real, Life