Charmaine Marinkovich is the photographer behind 40 Over 40, a stunning collection of black and white portraits featuring 40 women aged over 40.
Originally a wedding photographer, Charmaine moved to portrait photography nine years ago. “At first, I was a bit lost,” she tells Verve. “I took photos of babies and families, but it didn’t feel right.”
She realised she wanted to support women. “So, when a photographer I’d always admired – Sue Bryce* – began teaching photographers her style of feminine photography I immediately signed up. And now I primarily photograph women.”
Inspired by work she’d noticed while being mentored by Sue, Charmaine had the idea to create an exhibition of beautiful, black and white female portraits titled 40 Over 40.
“I’m in my 40s and a lot of people say that when you hit 40 you don’t care as much about what other people think. I feel that’s true for some people, but not for others. There’s still a lot of focus on trying to stay young but we want a healthier way than using photoshop.
“To me, our lifestyle can be the thing that keeps our youthfulness within us yet still lets us age gracefully. To be okay with the extra lines that show we’ve lived life. With 40 Over 40, I wanted to focus on women as we age.”
Charmaine notes how we usually see a lot of younger people and models.
“I thought it would be great for 40 women aged over 40 to be whoever they wish to be in the world. And to see portraits of ourselves as women, something real and raw.
“Just because you’re growing older doesn’t mean you have to not begin something or not try something new. It can be a time to move forward. But we tend to say, ‘I’m too old for that.’ I say no to that! Wear whatever you want to wear if it makes you feel good. Go pole dancing when you’re 60 or 70 or whatever you want to do. If it lights you up that’s what’s going to keep you younger in your heart and soul. That’s the idea behind 40 over 40.”
Charmaine wants women to let go of perfection and acknowledge themselves and who they are in each stage of their lives.
“Our bodies constantly change and they’re never going to stop changing so let’s embrace it.
“A lot of women look at their portraits and point out what they don’t like about themselves. But other people look at the images and see all the goodness in them. I want more women to look at their portraits and think ‘I love this about myself’ or ‘I like that about me’. There are so many parts to us as women. And it’s okay to be the confident woman, the quieter version of ourselves, the sexier side of us, or the comfy mum at different times.
“During the 40 Over 40 photoshoots, we get to bring those parts out because you get to play a little bit more. It’s a form of self-expression, a place where you can explore.”
Charmaine acknowledges some women feel fear about taking part in a photoshoot.
“They ask themselves, ‘Do I put myself out there?’, ‘Do I want to be seen?’, then there’s the comparisons and worrying about what other people think,” she says. “Some people say they feel a photoshoot is worse than going to the dentist. I can understand that – no one can see while it’s happening so you experience something that might be outside your comfort zone in privacy.
“I find women often go on to other things. It’s like a ripple effect. I remember one photo shoot where the woman told me she’d always wanted to work for herself. And at the opening of 2020’s 40 Over 40 exhibition she came up to me and said, ‘I’ve quit my job of 30 years and gone out on my own and the photo shoot had a lot to do with it.’ The shift came from doing something for herself.”
(*Ed’s note: Now based in Los Angeles, Sue Bryce is one of the most recognisable photographers in the imaging industry. Her original business was in Newmarket, Auckland.)
