I met Robert and Chris about 30 years ago.. right at the very beginning of my photography career.  I was working in a Kodak Minilab and I used to process Robert’s photographs.  At that time, he was very unwell and I never thought that after all this time I would have the opportunity to photograph them both.   What I remember most about Chris was her smile and her laugh and although she has changed in many ways.. her cheeky smile and infectious laugh have not changed at all.  I love how being 50+ and fabulous she still rocks her jeans.. here are her words on embracing change and a long and happy marriage.

Hi

I am Chris
and I have been married to Robert for 38 years. We have been through some tough
times over the years as he has had cancer twice and heart surgery sixteen years
ago. We often joke that we have stayed together so long because I travel with
work which gives us some time apart. Absence makes the heart grow fonder or at
least, less annoyed with the other person.

Robert gave
Shar my name to go in for a chance to win a photo session. I found the photo
session was empowering and reassuring that while I have changed I can still be
beautiful. 

I really recommend having your hair and make-up done and trying out
new and favourite clothes while lovely photos are taken.  A perfect way to
forget the awful event that happened in Christchurch on 15 March 2019. 

Many years
ago I did some modelling and enjoyed having photos taken. Twenty years later
and my body, face and hair has changed and I am now (like many older ladies)
uncertain about how I look. 

I had not worn make up for more than 10 years and I
have moved to the comfortable but not so fitting clothes after putting on 20kg
since the earthquakes in 2011.

In the last couple of weeks since I had the photos taken
I have bought some new skin care, eyeshadow, lipstick and some stuff for my
hair.

During the
week I wear the usual corporate wardrobe of black pants and colourful top. I
love my jeans for comfortable evening and weekend wear. While they do not look
as nice as some of my other clothes. It does not matter as they survive the fur
and claws of my six cats and the cuddles I receive from friends dogs every
weekend.