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Touching Portraits Look at Life Beyond 100 Years Old

By Julia Sabot on June 20, 2013

Venice and Inez, 101 years, Los Angeles, California

Centenarians love to tell their stories. They are grateful for the life they’ve lived. They lit up when I talked to them, which brought me further and further into the project. Walking into someone’s home or environment, I see a different reality every time.—Sally Peterson

California-based photographer Sally Peterson started the centenarian series after she photographed her grandmother Cecil Peterson at 101 years old. Her grandmother was incredibly important to her growing up and was an escape from childhood conflicts. She didn’t have much, but showered her with love and kindness. After taking photographs of Cecil, Peterson asked around at the nursing home and realized there were other centenarians living there. This inspired Peterson to begin her project, and she continues to do so with great passion, her grandmother always on her mind. Recently she traveled to the Yucatan where she photographed centenarian Mayans to include in the project.

Lillian, 103 years, Flushing Meadows, New York