A Guide to Shooting the Miami Elderly

Every year, an estimated 3.6 billion elderly individuals move to Florida. Scientists have yet to figure out why. Could be the heat, could be the golf. I do not have an answer, but I can offer a guide to finding and photographing these scorched retirees.

Start With the Sand

Everyone loves the beach, this includes old people. A walk along the shore is likely to produce a few wizened subjects for your lens. Sand is a great material for walking because it’s a real hassle to get through and makes a mess. You have to really want the shot to trot a few miles in this hot undulating terrain.

Check Bodies of Water

Don’t stop at the sand, keep going until you hit the water. Don’t stop at the ocean either. Bays, pools, lakes, bogs; all of these could house a body or two. Get in there too. Most cameras are weather sealed these days. Just go about chest deep, maybe waist deep if there are waves.

Learn to Recognize Common Camouflage

People love to wear clothing, especially in public. Seniors wear it without shame. Keep your eyes peeled for bold colors and fabrics, there’s a good chance someone over 70 is under them. If you see a giant hat and sunglasses there’s a very good chance you’ve struck bronze. A wacky umbrella? 50/50.

Wear Sun Protection

This applies to all aspects of life outdoors, but photographing old people on the beach especially. A hat doesn’t hurt, maybe some sunglasses too, these can double as a disguise even. Sunglasses give you plausible deniability. The second you make eye contact with a subject it becomes awkward. While the sun does provide those fun lines and tans you see across the beach, if looking like that isn’t your thing, slap on some SPF. See a dermatologist once a year too.

For more nonsense and photos of old people, follow @davidbehar on Instagram.