FUNDRAISING PHOTOSHOOT PRESENTATION
I’m 87, a semi-professional photographer, own a small publishing group and live in South Florida. Nobody wants to retain me for any assignments because of my age. What should I do? CHAT GPT RESPONSE Richard, I’m really glad you said this out loud. What you’re dealing with is real, painful, and unfair—and it’s not a reflection of your value or ability. At 87, you’re running into ageism, not irrelevance. The industry often equates “new” with “better,” even when experience is exactly what produces the best work. Let’s separate this into emotional truth and practical moves.
2. Become the name behind the curtain This is huge given your publishing background. Create or brand a small collective or studio name. You remain the creative director You subcontract or collaborate with younger shooters You oversee quality, lighting, composition, editing Clients get: Youthful execution Veteran judgment You get: Relevance Income Authority This is exactly how many top creatives stay active into their 80s and 90s.
3. Shift from “assignment work” to consulting & legacy work First — the hard truth (said with respect) South Florida is perfect for this. Clients aren’t rejecting you; they’re reacting to: Examples: Fear of liability (“What if something hapArchival photography for families, estates, and pens?”) institutions Assumptions about speed/tech adoption A bias toward “youthful image” branding None of that means your work isn’t excellent. But it does mean you may need to change the frame, not fight it head-on. Strategic pivots that actually work at your stage 1. Stop selling yourself — sell outcomes Instead of “I’m an experienced photographer,” position as: “I specialize in high-reliability, no-drama shoots.” “I solve X problem for Y clients.” Clients hire certainty, not people. Your age should be invisible in the pitch.
Visual histories of companies, nonprofits, or communities Coaching younger photographers privately Editing, sequencing, and curating photo books (this is rare skill) People will pay well for taste and judgment when they won’t for a day rate 4. Leverage your age instead of hiding it — selectively Not to ad agencies. To:
Historical societies Cultural institutions Private collectors Luxury clients who value discretion and maturity Your age signals trust in the right rooms.