Age Differences

We know how well makeup and lighting can make someone look older or younger than they really are but I'm still impressed any time I see someone do a really good job with that. I just came across this series of pictures taken of a 20 year old model that make her look ages 10-60 in 6 separate photographs just using lighting and makeup without any digital effects. I think what really makes these look realistic to the age she is portraying is her posture and her gestures in the different pictures. She doesn't hold herself the same way as a 60 year old as she does playing a 30 year old or a 10 year old. I think that the understanding of these nuances in movement and how to hold one's body are what sets apart good portrayals of a character with a large age difference from the actor. A 20 year old actor who doesn't understand the different movements of a 60 year old will not be able to portray the character realistically no matter how much makeup they wear. Check out the series of pictures a see some pretty great work both by the photographer and the model.

http://picdit.wordpress.com/2008/11/20/a-20-year-old-model-photographed-as-if-she-were-10-20-30-40-50-and-60-years-old/