She was trolled for making older women model — so they responded on her behalf

A recent video from photographer Ruby Jean (@rubyjeanphotography) showed a group of older women participating in a styled photo shoot that centers choice and self-expression. The portraits featured flowing gowns, crowns, and bold setups. While the intent was celebration, one viewer saw it differently, commenting, "Didn't like that. I'm sure it's not what they would have chosen. Elders should be treated with dignity." This was seemingly a jab at the ladies sporting clothes, makeup, and accessories that didn't suit their age — attire that seemed undignified. After seeing the comment, the elderly women in the video decided to respond for themselves.

Coupled with BTS footage from the shoot, the group of women spoke a few lines about what this out-of-the-box project meant for them. One participant wearing a blue frilly dress, sitting in a wheelchair, said, "I’ve really enjoyed it. I love doing this." The next model said, "This is so exciting," going on to add, "Turning 97 — everything you do gets to be a milestone." A woman draped in white pearls claimed, "I believe powerful women and I believe in presenting us as powerful women. I am excited, ecstatic about what you're doing." As Jean handed a spiked crown to one surprised participant, they asked the troll: "Assuming older adults can't make their own choices?"

"Ageism shows up in all kinds of ways, sometimes quietly, sometimes dressed as concern. It often comes from a place of caring. But when we assume older people can’t make their own decisions, or when we project our own painful story onto everyone else, when we equate playfulness with humiliation, that’s not protecting them. That’s infantilizing them," she explained in the caption. This form of ageism has been documented in healthcare, policy, and everyday life. A 2023 article in the AMA Journal of Ethics notes that ageism often appears as "paternalistic and infantilizing approaches to medical decision making," where capable older adults are excluded from decisions that directly affects them.

Many viewers saw their own mothers, grandmothers, or futures reflected in the video and shared what it meant to them. @thepacificnwginga wrote, "How could someone actually complain about this? I love it. Wish this could have been done with my Mama before she passed." @_discoveryourradiance commented, "Look at these beautiful goddesses. Such a powerful moment." @shreya.nl added, "Wow. How are we as women ashamed of aging? They are so beautiful. The process of aging as a woman is so beautiful. I can't wait to grow with life and experience having wrinkles and still feeling beautiful."

@lori_learning wrote, "I’m 62 and I’d love to do this! Basically, it’s a reflection of what someone won’t allow themselves to do or be." @amanda.petra__ said, "No matter what age you are, you still have the desire for fun and excitement and novelty. I don't know how we forget that." @mrsmcquade asked, "Also, how is this not treating them with dignity? It's not like you're shouting insults at them while you shoot."

You can follow Ruby Jean (@rubyjeanphotography) on Instagram for more photography content.