Women Over 40 Project:
Celebrating women whose power, beauty, strength, grace, and spirit do not diminish with age.
I have photographed, profiled and celebrated women over the age of 40.
WHY OVER 40?
I have been witness to the strength and resilience of all kinds of women in my life but the stories that get to my heart the most often, are the ones of women that society used to label as “past their prime”.
What gives me hope for the future is that I have met woman after woman that have said HELL YES! Women that refuse to be labelled or diminished, are now stepping into their own power. Personally, I feel like I am only beginning to hit my stride. Now I feel called to give a platform to these women. I want them to be seen, celebrated and have a platform to use their voice to call out to us. I want women all over to hear their stories and be inspired. Will you join me on this journey?
I would like you to meet the UNSTOPPABLE
AMANDA BOUGHNER
Amanda seemed a little tentative on our zoom consultation call. I could see she was wondering what she got herself into;) But as the photoshoot progressed, I could see Amanda some out of her shell more and more! She certainly stepped out of her usual jeans and t-shirt self (which is awesome by the way!) and was willing to try all kinds of things. I chose this photo because I think it shows Amanda perfectly: her feminine strength as well as her bad ass leather jacket. We are multidimensional people so our portraits can showcase that as well.
Anita Watkins
Amanda Boughner’s Portrait taken at Anita Watkin’s Studio in London, Ontario.
What is the one piece of advice you would give your 20 something self?
“Be anything you want to be. Don’t let anyone tell you NO.”
What gets you up in the morning?
“Being in my 44th year, I love my life and just knowing I’m here for one more day, I don’t like to take anything for granted. I’ve got two legs to walk, move my body and lungs to breathe.
As the song goes “live like you are dying””
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
“I firmly believe after you turn 40 you don’t care how other people see you. I went to Cuba this year I walked around in my bathing suit and I didn’t even cover myself. Any other vacations I have taken I would always be covered up, I think this why I felt confident to these photos and I couldn’t be happier with them.”
When have you felt most attractive? Have your perceptions of what being “attractive” means changed over time?
“I am feeling the most attractive now. Even more than I did in my 30 and 20s. Maybe it’s my self confidence is in higher gear. To me I define attractive as someone who is pleasant, caring and has an inviting smile.“
Are there any myths you would like to bust about being a woman over 40? If so, can you tell us about them?
“Being in my 44th year I can’t think of any big myths to bust except in my 40s, I am more comfortable sexually.”
Is there anything you would like to share with people about your life?
“For first 18 years of my life I shared a room with my older sister then shortly after I was 20 I moved in with my husband. Up until I was 40 I never had my own room until I separated in 2020. I never liked staying home alone if he was gone for work or on a trip. Now I love being alone, like when my kids are at their dad’s. You would not see me change a bbq propane tank myself and now I do everything on my own, I feel like I have grown these last 3 years and for that I’m truly happy.”
Do you want to learn more about working with Anita?
