Portrait photography for women over 40
Wise Women 2026 is a calm, guided experience that celebrates your story and strength.
Why so many women over 40 are saying “yes” to Wise Women 2026
In your forties and beyond, life looks different. You’ve given so much to others that it’s easy to forget the woman at the centre of it all. Wise Women 2026 offers a moment to slow down, see yourself with fresh eyes and honour the story that shaped you.
You want portraits that feel authentic and confident, not staged or uncomfortable.
You’re ready to be seen again after years of avoiding the camera.
You crave a meaningful experience that celebrates your story and the woman you’ve become.
“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire.”
~ Mark Anthony
INTRODUCING
WISE WOMEN 2026
A portrait experience created to honour and celebrate women 40+
Wise Women 2026 is a project that shines a light on the wisdom, resilience and identity of women in their forties, fifties, sixties and beyond.
Each year, only 40 women are invited to participate. This keeps the experience intimate, intentional and deeply personal. A rare opportunity to step into a space where your story is valued and your presence is honoured.
This is your moment to slow down, reconnect with yourself and be photographed with the kind of care most women rarely give themselves.
What’s included in the Wise Women 2026 Experience
Every Wise Women 2026 session is crafted to be calm, intentional and deeply personal. This is more than a portrait shoot. It’s a guided, nurturing experience designed to help you feel seen, supported and beautifully photographed.
Styling guidance to help you feel comfortable, confident and truly you
Professional hair and makeup
A fully guided portrait session
A personal Reveal session
Your selected portrait printed in magazine size
A matching digital keepsake
Your feature in the Wise Women 2026 Limited Edition Magazine
A dedicated social media spotlight celebrating your story
A $50 donation made in your name, supporting women through meaningful community work
How Wise Women Works
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Apply to Join
If Wise Women is calling you, begin by completing the online application. This helps Gray understand your story and what you hope this experience will bring.
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A Conversation with Gray
You’ll then have a warm, no-pressure call to talk through your goals, comfort levels and vision. If it feels like the right fit, you’ll be invited to take part in Wise Women 2026.
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Secure Your Place
Once invited, you’ll confirm your session by completing your contract and payment. With places limited, this step officially reserves your spot in the 2026 cohort.
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Prepare, Be Pampered, Be Seen
Before your session, you’ll complete a thoughtful questionnaire and have a planning call so everything feels clear and calm. On the day, you’ll enjoy professional hair and makeup, followed by a fully guided portrait session where Gray supports you every step of the way.
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Reveal, Refine and Celebrate
You’ll review your story, attend your personalised photo reveal, and select your Wise Women portrait. Once finalised, your images and story are prepared for the Wise Women 2026 magazine, culminating in a beautiful launch celebration.
What’s it really like to be part of Wise Women?
Meet the woman behind Wise Women
I’m Gray, a photographer, storyteller and the creator of the Wise Women projects. For more than 14 years, I’ve been photographing women with one intention: to help you see yourself with the same strength, beauty and wisdom the world sees in you.
What began as a single portrait project has grown into a movement celebrating women in their forties and beyond. I’ve photographed hundreds of women who thought they “weren’t photogenic,” who avoided the camera for years, or who simply forgot what it felt like to be seen.
My role is to create a calm, supportive space where you can relax, breathe and feel genuinely yourself. I’ll guide you every step of the way: no judgement, no pressure, just honest portraiture that honours your story.
I can’t wait to welcome you into the studio and show you what everyone else sees when they look at you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For my 50th, I was photographed in New York City by the Portrait Madame herself, Alice Prenat.
I was anxious.
I didn’t lose the 5 kilos.
I tried a new beauty product and had spots on my face.
I had to drive to NYC myself, park and find a hotel.
The investment was high, hello $USD.
I was downright scared, and I know how to pose!I was hoping Alice would see past my flaws and bring out my strengths.
OMG … those nerves melted away and I had an amazing experience. I walked out of that session feeling empowered and inspired. I even had lunch by myself in the city. Now I have images I adore. I use them in my marketing and I have a legacy box full of images I can look at when I am not feeling my best. They remind me of what an incredible woman I truly am. That wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been photographed.And, my kids will have these beautiful images of me in the future alongside those awful (but fun) iPhone Selfies with our dog. We need to build the legacy we want to leave.
I proved to myself I was on the right path. I am so honoured that I can give this same gift to other women that Alice gave to me.
So if you are nervous. I hear you. And I have your back!
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Yes, of course you can.
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Absolutely! Having a friend or loved one there can make the experience even more fun. Just let me know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
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Of course! You're welcome to use your own makeup artist, but please note that the session price remains the same. Our professional makeup artists are specifically trained to ensure you’re camera-ready for studio photography. All you need to do is arrive with clean, dry hair, and we’ll take care of the rest. If you have any concerns, let’s chat—I’m happy to help!
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Absolutely not! You are perfect just as you are, and I know all the posing tricks to make that 5kg disappear—without you having to skip the cake. Plus, waiting might just mean you end up gaining it instead. Let’s celebrate you now!
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Yes! Your package includes 1 Image that will be beautifully printed and it’s matching digital keepsake file. If you fall in love with more images, you’ll have the option to purchase additional ones. Contact Gray for her full pricing menu.
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Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so I recommend booking as soon as you can to secure your preferred date.
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We have limited weekend sessions available, and they tend to book out quickly. Please note that a $200 weekend surcharge applies. If you need a weekend spot, I recommend booking as soon as possible!
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Expect to spend about 2–4 hours with us, including hair and makeup. We take our time to make sure you feel relaxed, confident, and completely at ease in front of the camera. TIme will be determined by your requirements. Most session last 3 hours.
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Contact Gray directly at gray@simplygray.com.au and she will see what is available to meet your needs. Or just call 0423760333.
What do our Wise Women say?
“I do not like having my photo taken - especially when they are formal posed photos. However, my experience with Gray may have changed my thinking on that. She made me feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, and has loads of handy tips for bringing out your best features and embracing your worst. And the photos ... words are not enough. I know it's me, it looks like me ... but is that me? Thank you, Gray, for helping me through this process, which was a pleasure rather than the chore it usually is."
- Kellie Nissen, 50 & Wiser Club
“Gray is super organised, professional as well as easy-going, fun, and encouraging. She makes you feel comfortable to work with and is flexible and adaptable in her space. Her talent is bringing out the best in you whilst keeping energy levels up. I highly recommend Gray for any professional photos and to apply to be a part of her Wise Women Project. The experience is a journey and no doubt a gift that will keep on giving long after your photoshoot is complete.”
- Baci Hillyer, Wise Women 2024
“I was privileged to be part of the 50 & Wiser Club. I spoke to Gray on the phone during the application process, and she quickly put my fear of being photographed at ease. She was so good at making me feel relaxed and myself during the photo session. The photos are definitely a family treasure for my family and posterity. I highly recommend Gray to photo you!”
- Sherri Dumbrell, 50 & Wiser Club
“As a rule, I avoid photos of myself, so I was worried about doing a photoshoot… But Gray helped a somewhat reluctant subject to relax into the experience & even manage to have some fun 😊 Thank you, Gray, I am delighted with the experience & the photos!”
- Sally Lean, Wise Women 2024
Are you ready to honour your story and be part of Wise Women 2026?
If this experience is calling you, the next step is simple. Apply to join, have a warm conversation with Gray about your hopes for the session, and if it’s the right fit, you’ll be invited into the 2026 cohort. From there, we guide you every step of the way, with styling support, a calm and fully directed photoshoot, and a beautiful Reveal session where you’ll choose your portrait for the printed magazine.
It’s an easy, thoughtful process designed to help you feel supported from beginning to end.
