“And here’s to you, Mrs Robinson,
Jesus loves you more than you will know.
God bless you, please Mrs Robinson.
Heaven holds a place for those who pray,
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey”
Simon and Garfunkel ‘Mrs Robinson’

There’s news this week that, at age 49, British model Yasmin Le Bon is unveiled as the new face of the Speedo Sculpture swimwear collection.  Yasmin Le Bon was one of the highest earning models of the 1980s, appearing on the covers of the first American and British issues of Elle.  She has also worked for Calvin Klein, Versace, Chanel, Christian Dior and Avon.  She has three children, including her famous model daughter, Amber, with Simon Le Bon of pop group Duran Duran.  Check out the photographs at the link above.  I think she looks stunning.

Every week I see castings for ‘models wanted age 18-25.  It seems the lifespan of the average model is quite short.  The average retirement age for a ‘Victoria’s Secret’ model is just 28.

I can appreciate that magazines and websites like to feature younger looking models, but it’s a shame to write off models once they have passed a particular age.  One shouldn’t generalise, however the older model can often bring with her a level of maturity, greater experience, character, and a knowledge of how to work the camera.

Speaking personally, I have had great photoshoots with 20 year-olds, I have had great photoshoots with 30 year-olds, and have had great photoshoots with ‘ladies of a certain age’.  The age of the model isn’t the main prerequisite for me when deciding who to work with.

One of the most fun people I’ve photographed is Leonor – a lovely lady in her mid-30s, who could give some 18 year-old models a run for their money.  Click the image to enlarge and feel free to post a comment in the box below.