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Vancouver photographer celebrates 'brave and beautiful women' through powerful portraits

The "40 Over 40" campaign features and empowers women over 40 years old.
Maria Diment

In a youth-obsessed culture, embracing aging can be easier said than done. 

Today's society doesn't permit women to age without critique. While the youthful 20s are praised, the 30s are tolerated and the 40s are scrutinized.

The high admiration for success at a young age doesn't make aging any easier. Forbes' famous "30 Under 30" list highlights individuals with incredible feats, all while still considered young. (Friendly reminder that Vera Wang didn't design her first dress until she was 40 years old).

Similar to Forbes, a Vancouver photographer compiled her own list but with a spin on the concept. 

"40 Over 40"

When Denise Lin turned 40, she knew she wasn't ready to accept the new digit. "No one ever told me what my 40s would be like," she tells Vancouver Is Awesome. 

The photographer had celebrated her birthday during the pandemic, shortly after signing her first studio lease to top off a 10-year photography career. 

"What I discovered more in my reflection was my passion to use my experience and expertise to photograph the everyday brave and beautiful women over 40 years old I meet beyond the lens. I wanted to use photography as a visual statement to empower every unique women, their remarkable story," she says. 

So, after a year and a half of preparation, seeking out hair and makeup artists and brainstorming concepts, Lin announced the 40 Over 40 Campaign in April this year. "I spoke and connected with so many incredible women, heard their unique stories and crafted a photo shoot that celebrated them. The rest was history," shares Lin. 

Sheila Zipagan is one of the women who participated in the "40 Over 40" campaign. She recalls the experience as "phenomenal." 

"What struck me was the value that the campaign brings for each woman involved. It made us feel proud and courageous of who we are as women, no matter what background and circumstances we are in life," Zipagan tells V.I.A. "I will forever treasure the positive impact this experience brought me.”

Braveheart Gala

The campaign is meant to empower women over the age of 40 and the recently held Braveheart Gala, which filled the room with every 40 Over 40 participant, was a celebration of the powerful undertaking. 
 
When asked how the night went, Lin exclaims that it was amazing. "I'm still overwhelmed with joy and gratitude!" she replies. 
 
The gala displayed each portrait as if an art piece at a gallery and, later on, the "40 Over 40" magazine was unveiled, featuring every participant of the campaign along with their personal stories. 
 
Lin intends on continuing the project and has a second campaign planned for 2023 which, along with the Braveheart Gala, will raise funds for BC Women's Health Foundation. 
 
The photographer has another side project planned for the new year as well: a makeover shoot for members of the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre (DEWC) who experienced violence, poverty, and homelessness.

At the non-profit's gala next spring "the members will dress up and have a makeup session where I will then provide them with a professional portrait shoot. Their members rarely have opportunities to have professional portraits themselves so hopefully it'll be a positive experience for them," says Lin.