nude photography

Mature and nude

Ladies strut stuff again

Stripped of their inhibitions and their clothes, these ladies caused quite a stir.

Last year, 19 mature beauties from the St. James Assiniboia Senior Centre modelled in the nude for the Beauty is Timeless calendar and raised $43,000.

Now they're at it again.

"We have issued the same calendar for 2007," said Pat Fraser, the spunky gal who conceived the idea as a fundraiser for the not-for-profit seniors centre after seeing the movie Calendar Girls.

The initial 2006 calendar -- featuring nude Winnipeg ladies between the age of 58 and 81 -- sold out in six weeks, said Fraser, 75.

This year the group printed another 2,000 calendars and are selling them for $20 each.

"All of that money will go towards keeping the centre afloat," said Fraser.

Although the 2007 calendar won't feature any new photographs, Fraser is hoping someone else will take the lead and create a brand new calendar with fresh pictures for 2008.

'A LITTLE MORE DARING'

The overall project was a lot of work, said Fraser, but she had little trouble finding older women eager to pose for photos last year. Initially, she had 23 women interested.

Fraser also said it would be refreshing to see a group of senior men create a similar calendar -- although getting men to pose nude may be more of a stretch, she added.

"I think women are a little more daring, more willing to take a risk," she said.

The tasteful photographs were taken by Jeff Jones, owner of Jan Barie Photography. His wife Babs helped the women undress and get them in position with their props before the photographer would enter the room.

"It was a really a good experience," said Jones. "I wouldn't hesitate to do something like that again."

The 2007 Beauty is Timeless calendar can be bought at the St. James Assiniboia Senior Centre or by phoning 987-8850. It is also available at Golden Wear Clothing, Love Nest or online at www.mts.net/~janbarie/beauty.htm .