Fine art photographer in Colorado: Charlotte at 100

Colorado Springs photographers

[ Colorado fine art photography ]

I made these portraits of Charlotte last month on my birthday. At 100 years old, Charlotte is the oldest person I’ve ever photographed. She was born in 1911. Imagine all that her eyes have seen! Although Charlotte never had children and has outlived all her family, please don’t feel sorry for her — she has lived an amazing life and is very happy to be able to live at home instead of a facility. She has several caretakers who take shifts to look after her, so she is never alone. She also has wonderful neighbors who are always concerned with her well being. One of her caretakers, Judy, is a good friend of mine and always likes to tell me about the funny things Charlotte says.

I had a wonderful afternoon hanging out with Charlotte. It was a great way to celebrate my birthday (she called me a “baby”, and I guess from her perspective I am!). I’m so glad I was able to make these portraits of her to commemorate her 100th year.

Charlotte has been an animal lover her entire life. The long driveway to her home is dotted with birdhouses like this one.

My welcoming committee was Tilly, Charlotte’s ancient beagle.

At one time Charlotte and her husband had quite a few dogs, thus the enormous great room of the house was divided by a wrought iron fence to keep them contained. I spied Charlotte in a prayerful pose through the bars and quickly snapped off three frames. She’s not actually praying (she’s watching TV), but I just really liked this moment.

Charlotte spends a lot of time sleeping, so her caretakers pass the time by reading, watching TV and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Some photos of Charlotte as a young lady. She was a flapper! Imagine the fun times she must have had! Did she do the Charleston?

The middle image shows Charlotte celebrating her 100th birthday last August.

With her first husband, Arthur, from a play they were in.

With her second husband, Bob.

On the left, Charlotte is fully engaged with me and my camera. Seconds later she drifts off.

Here we’ve moved her into a position near a window. She joked that it’s okay for me to heavily retouch her portraits.


I think she’s beautiful.

Charlotte’s caretaker, Judy, helping her out of her chair.

Faithful Tilly. Such a sweet girl.



The long driveway leading away from Charlotte’s house.


The sunset as I was leaving Black Forest.