How did you get involved in photographing residents?
Back in the 2000s, after the Gordon Campbell layoffs, I took advantage of some backpay. I bought a digital camera. And when I retired in 2009, I received a gift certificate, and purchased some lighting equipment.
When I came back from retirement to do casual work, I started an ongoing portrait
studio at the Lodge. The photos on the residents’ doors were taken when they moved in. I didn’t think people looked their best in those moments, so I wanted to make sure we got a good photo.
I was recently asked by the dietician to put them on the table placements. They’re also up in our boardroom, and act as a reminder of who we all work for.
Does your work with seniors make you a better photographer?
Having to put other people’s needs before my own has taken me a long way in becoming more caring. When I first started, I wouldn’t have had the maturity to see the need for a program like this. And so, all these things go hand-in-hand. You don’t just become a better photographer. Hopefully, you become a better worker, and a better person.
What kind of impact do your photos have?
The photos really help change the atmosphere. Having someone tell you how good you look in a professional studio setting, and paying attention to you in a positive way, has a good benefit.
And it changes my relationship with people. A lot of them will ask me to take the pictures again. Our clients all have unique histories and have often faced challenges. Many of them have a history in the Downtown Eastside. They’re people with lots of personality.
How do you make people feel at ease?
I treat everyone as an important client, and a friend. I want residents to feel good, and make it a
fun little five minutes where I take their photo. It’s all part of the job, when it comes down to it. Showing respect and attention to people.