Nestled among the pencil-pointed trees off West Davis Street lies FLOCC Studio, a hub for local creatives. Inside, numerous artists work across various mediums, one of whom is Kent Barker, a seasoned photographer from Oak Cliff with a rich background in advertising and portrait photography.
Recently, Kent has revived his passion for dance as a photography subject, reconnecting with an art form that he hadn’t explored in years.
“I’ve been a photographer all my life, so a long time. It’s the only thing I’ve ever done,” he reflects on his extensive career.
Currently, Kent is channeling his talents into a heartfelt project titled “50 Over 50,” where he aims to photograph 50 women from the Dallas area who are over the age of 50.
Inspired by the works of California-based photographer Dina Mande, who captured the essence of 40 women over 40, Kent decided to expand the vision to suit his age and experience, making it “50 over 50.”
“She kind of showed me the ropes of how to do it, and then I bumped it up to 50 over 50 being my age. I had to get it closer to my tribe,” he said.
Initiating the search for portrait subjects in January, Kent has almost completed the series of photo sessions this fall. For the first time, he utilized Facebook advertisements to reach potential subjects and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
“Many of the subjects already knew me, and they were excited about participating due to the special offer – a session valued at $850 for only $495,” he stated.
Kent narrated how former colleagues from decades past reached out upon seeing the advertisement, rekindling connections after as long as 30 years.
Through the “50 Over 50 Portrait Experience,” participants benefit from a comprehensive package, which includes wardrobe and styling consultations, professional hair and makeup, an in-person ordering session for selecting their favorite photos, and fine-art, matted portraits for purchase. Additionally, participants receive an invitation to the upcoming portrait exhibit.
In a delightful twist, the very first subject of Kent’s series owns the Art on Main gallery in East Dallas. After her photography session, she proposed her gallery as the venue for the exhibit, which is set to open on December 6.
Kent described the excitement surrounding the opening, asserting that it will be a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together. “That is going to be fun, to have all these people together in one place. And I think they are excited about it,” he expressed.
Assisting Kent throughout this project are Jack McDonald and Jeanna Doyle, a talented hair and makeup artist.
“Jeanna’s done the lion’s share of the work, and I’m deeply indebted to her for it, because it’s a lot of work, for sure,” Kent mentioned appreciatively.
In a recent session, they worked with Jeannie Nethery, a realtor from Briggs Freeman, who arrived with an array of 18 clothing items. The selection process became a collaborative effort as they sifted through different styles, with Kent humorously dismissing his own fashion knowledge.
Jeanna took the lead in crafting Jeannie’s look while Kent and Jack adjusted lighting to ensure a flattering and editorial quality akin to that of Vanity Fair.
Kent emphasizes a simplifying aesthetic for portraiture, noting that while props may occasionally make an appearance, his focus is on presenting the subjects beautifully through skilled lighting and composition.
During each shoot, Kent engages in conversations with the women to learn about their life stories and careers, helping him understand their reasons for pursuing a portrait. He also encourages them to write a paragraph about themselves, reflecting on thoughts related to aging that will accompany their chosen portrait.
“It’s just been interesting that it has kind of hit this chord with these women,” Kent observed. “Many of them have raised families and experienced numerous challenges. At this point in their lives, they’re ready to focus on themselves for a change.”
Kent expressed joy in being able to provide these women with something meaningful, an experience that fosters a feeling of being seen during a significant time in their lives.
In summary, “50 Over 50” stands not only as a photography project but as a celebration of women embracing their identities, stories, and journeys as they age gracefully.
image source from：oakcliff
