‘50 and fabulous!’: Women take centre stage in confidence-boosting Sleaford exhibition
A Lincolnshire photographer has brought together dozens of women to celebrate confidence, beauty and self-acceptance — while raising thousands for charity.
Sharon Mallinson, who runs Symply Boudoir, hosted her fifth annual “Ageless Over 50” exhibition at the Carre Arms Hotel.
Around 50 women took part in the event, which showcased portraits of local women aged 50 and above who had taken part in boudoir photography sessions.
The exhibition raised £2,300 for Breast Cancer Now — bringing the total raised by the project over five years to more than £11,000.
Sharon said many of the women who take part arrive lacking confidence, but leave with a renewed sense of self-belief.
“Most of the women who come to me have spent years convinced they’re not photogenic,” she said.
“Some feel like they’ve quietly become invisible — to the world, sometimes even to themselves.
“What I get to show them is that neither of those things is true. That emotional and proud moment when they see their own portraits is something I never get tired of.”
The Ageless Over 50 Project aims to challenge perceptions of ageing and highlight the value and confidence of women later in life, with each exhibition featuring unretouched images of real participants.
Organisers say the project continues to grow in popularity, with more women stepping forward each year to take part.
Plans are already underway for the sixth campaign, which launched this April, with more participants being encouraged to get involved.
Sharon added: “We want to show the world that women over 50 are to be valued and still have so much to offer.”
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