50 not out

Last week saw me return to UWC Atlantic College to photograph another reunion. This earlier post gives a little background on the place.

My most recent trip was my first time photographing the reunion of an older year group.

Until now the high flyers from across the world had only been away 10 years (but were already doing amazing things). This lot had been gone for 30 years.  Now approaching 50 years of age, some of the class of 1984 hadn’t returned for a reunion since they were 18, stirring many memories and emotions.

The format was roughly the same as for the 10 year reunions and the ‘Then and now’ photo comparison presentation seemed to go down well, but what struck me was their physical difference and diversity.

Not merely in the fact that they were from far and wide across the planet, but how life can throw such different curveballs at people over a 50 year period.  Some could have passed for 30 (that incredible Far Eastern skin type), some a graceful 40, a lot looked around the age they were. And of course some could have passed for a little older than 50.

When the 28 year-olds return, they all pretty much look around 28.  When the 48/49 year-olds return, you can see how those additional years of life can distort and blur appearance across the age piste.  There’s less consistency and a lot more variables.

As ever, the grounds and the place inspired.  While the gardens were slightly past their full June bloom best, the weather was good and I was able to take a gorgeous early morning stroll down to the seafront.

Read more about the Vale of Glamorgan coastline.