Portraits by Joseph

the century project

200 portraits. 100 years. one human story

One face for every year. One man. One woman. One story told two hundred ways

What does it look like to live a full century? What changes? What stays the same?

The Century Project is a fine art portrait series capturing one male and one female for every age from 1 to 100. Through simple, honest headshots, this project explores time, identity, and the quiet dignity found in every stage of life.

Whether you’re one or one hundred, this is a celebration of being seen—just as you are, right now..

contact sheet of headshots of 90 year old man

Why I’m Doing This

The Century Project is a deeply personal journey—an artistic exploration of age, identity, and presence. My goal is to photograph one male and one female at every age from 1 to 100, creating a visual archive of what it means to live, grow, and simply exist across time.

Through this ambitious collection of 200 headshots, I hope to honor the uniqueness of every stage of life—from the soft gaze of a one-year-old to the textured, storied expression of a centenarian. Each portrait is a quiet moment of connection, a tribute to being seen as you are..

What is This

This project is a fine art series, composed of timeless black-and-white headshots. Each image will stand alone, but together they will form a sweeping, cohesive portrait of humanity—200 individuals, each offering a glimpse into a different year of life.

There is no cost to participate. This is a passion-driven project. All participants will receive a high-resolution digital copy of their portrait, and if desired, a complimentary 8×10 print as a thank-you for being part of something meaningful.

What To Expect

Location: Most sessions take place in my portrait studio, centrally located in Phoenix.

  • Duration: Each session lasts about one hour.

  • Atmosphere: The shoot is calm, unhurried, and focused on authenticity—no stiff poses or heavy direction, just you, as you are.

  • Wardrobe: I recommend simple, timeless clothing—solid colors with minimal distractions. Black or dark tones often work beautifully in this style.

For Older Participants

If you or your loved one has mobility challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am more than happy to bring a simple, portable setup to your home or care facility. This project is about honoring all ages with dignity, and I will make every effort to ensure comfort and accessibility.

Who I’m Looking For

I’m seeking one male and one female for every age between 1 and 100. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself, your child, your parent, or your grandparent—I would love to hear from you.

You don’t need modeling experience. You don’t need to “look a certain way.” I’m looking for presence, personality, and truth. Diversity is welcomed and celebrated in every form—cultural, ethnic, personal, and generational.

If I’ve already photographed a particular age and gender, I’ll let you know what’s still available.

The Vision

While this project is personal, I hope it becomes something enduring.

My goal is to create a fine art book featuring all 200 portraits—a quiet, contemplative archive that spans a full century of life. It’s not intended for commercial sale, but I plan to offer copies at cost to any participants who would like one for themselves or their family.

I’m also exploring the possibility of a gallery exhibition, where selected portraits would be displayed as large fine art prints. I don’t yet know what form that will take—it could be a traditional gallery show, a curated pop-up event, or even a virtual exhibition accessible online.

Whatever shape it takes, my dream is for these images to be seen, to be appreciated, and to serve as a testament to the richness and dignity of each stage of life.

Be Part of It

If you or someone you know might be a good fit for The Century Project, please reach out using the contact form below. Let me know the participant’s age and gender, and I’ll get back to you with availability and scheduling options.

Together, we can create something timeless—200 portraits, 100 ages, one shared human story.

interested in joining the project?

The photographer Joseph leaning against a wall