Fading Sexual Currency a photographic story

In our world, beauty and youth often feel like currency — traded for social standing, connection, and admiration. But once a person or object passes what society deems its "prime," they’re too often overlooked, dismissed, or quietly pushed aside. This is especially true for women, who face relentless standards around physical beauty and youthfulness.

But here’s the truth: with age comes wisdom, depth, grace — and yes, a different kind of beauty. One with soul, substance, and a sh*t-ton of character. An older woman is a treasure. Like a flower, she blooms after years of growth, resilience, and quiet preparation.

This project is inspired by one such woman — Rachel’s mother, Pauline. She adored peonies and often gifted them to others, a simple gesture filled with love. Tragically, like the short-lived peony, Pauline’s life was brief. She passed away from cancer in 2013.

Life is fleeting. There’s no time to waste worrying about how we’re perceived as we grow into who we truly are. In the plant world, aging is not loss — it’s transformation. Through these images, I’ve captured flowers in their later stages — still radiant, still powerful, and, in many ways, more beautiful than ever.