Seniors Take the Spotlight in Sweet Portrait Series by America’s Next Top Model’s Nigel Barker

They don't have glam squads or wardrobe stylists, but Nigel Barker's latest photography subjects are some of the most beautiful he's ever met.

The fashion photographer — known for his time on America's Next Top Model —has embarked on a new project, snapping stunning portraits of senior residents at Monarch Communities (most recently in Southbury, Connecticut, as pictured).

"They have extraordinary stories," says Barker, 52, who interviews the residents while taking their photos. "It's important that we document people's lives and what they've done."

Among the fascinating people he's met are Germaine LeVasseur (above left), 80, who once danced for Queen Elizabeth during the royal's visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Or there's Ann Hobson (above right), 88, who worked on Jimmy Carter's campaign.

"Some people think, 'Well I don't have a story.' I'm just an average guy," Barker says. "But when you've lived 80, 90 years, you for sure have a story, if not many, many stories. These were people you felt like you could hang out with all afternoon and just enjoy their company and learn about their great experiences."

Though Barker says a few residents walked into their sessions with "some nerves," most were just excited to have their photographs taken.

"In a society consumed by youth and a certain form of perfection, once people hit a certain age we don't ask them the same kinds of questions — we don't dig t -

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hat deep anymore," Barker says. "But I think by a certain age you're not trying to impress anymore. And it's a very special kind of trait because there's zero motive, just, 'Here's my story.' "

Barker considers himself "lucky" to have photographed more than 30 residents to date, with plans to snap more and put the images on display at various Monarch Communities.

"It's magical to hear and see these things," he says. "Being a photographer, you get access to moments in time. But when you're talking to someone who has lived into their 90s or 100s, you're not just snapping a moment in time; that moment in time when they're telling the story is years in a flash — every glance in their eyes, the passion or stoic nature they might have. Everyone has such an individual personality."

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As he continues his project (you can see some of his images on Instagram), Barker challenges other photographers to follow his lead.

"It's had such a powerful impact on me, but there can be an impact through your photography to help tell these sorts of stories," he says. "There's so much to be learned."

Have a story that makes you smile? Send it to storiestomakeyousmile@people.com.

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