| written by Christine Harris

Christine Harris is based in Upstate New York, where she has a portrait photography studio. With an eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Christine specializes in capturing the true character of her subjects. She started her career in photography in her 50s, a reinvention that has fueled her creativity and inspiration. Here she shares her recent photography session and interview with artist Jan McCarthy that she originally published on her creative campaign The 50 Women Project.

This 50 Women Highlight marks a big celebration: a milestone birthday for Jan McCarthy.

For over a decade, Jan has been an essential part of my life, continually inspiring me with her unwavering support and wisdom. Through life’s adventures, she has offered a listening ear and sage advice. Jan surrounds herself with beauty, creating a breathtaking home and studio filled with treasures she has discovered or crafted herself. Her meticulous attention to detail shines through every corner of her home and in her exquisite art.

I am fortunate to be a guest in her world, relishing every moment of her warm hospitality. Jan embraces life fully and generously shares it with those around her. As she celebrates this milestone birthday, she continues to approach life with a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity. These beautiful photos are a testament to the vitality that comes from her enduring zest for life.

Happy birthday Jan! I am deeply honored to be a part of your life and love you dearly. Here’s to many more adventures together.

What really matters to you?

What really matters to me is helping my daughters, my husband, my family members, and my friends through the rough times by offering a hug, a solution, or just a listening ear, and celebrating the wins with hoopla and genuine admiration. 

What also matters to me is visiting cities that bustle with creative energy- highlighting the artisans that live and work there and curating books, fashion, and interior objects that speak to those places. I’m drawn to striking aesthetics and I’m culturally curious. I love tasting local food and drink and appreciating the influences that inspired those creations. It’s the very essence of what I yearn for.  It matters to me to visit a place and study the architectural details that tell a history or visit a museum showcasing artists and stories foreign to my own.

When I look at the big picture, it matters to do what’s right for the sake of doing what’s right and to make a difference somewhere, somehow, through my art, my lifestyle, and my philosophy. Impact is everything.

What brings you happiness?

Sitting with friends and family by a fire (grandpups nestled in my lap) in a house on the water, engaged in meaningful and interesting conversation about all the important stuff, eating a plate of spaghetti al limone, fresh hot bread with butter and salt, orange wine that is just the slightest bit funky, and 70s music playing softly in the background.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?

I believe there is always a way to get beyond a challenge. 

I dealt with my grief of losing both my parents in my 40’s by staying focused on taking care of my two young daughters. I made sure they had a wonderful childhood, honoring and sharing my memories of my parents’ and keeping their mottos, recipes, and lore alive.

Heart disease and surviving a physical assault from a stranger could have derailed me. Instead, I held a couple of pity parties for myself and moved on by remembering all the things to celebrate.

What would you change if you could?

Of course I have regrets, but I try to be more forward thinking. However, if you have the chance to learn multiple languages, live abroad with your children when they are young or when you are older, I say go for it!  And photography and graphic art skills will always be useful. I plan to hone mine this year.

What single word do you identify with?

Joie de vivre: finding joy in the everyday experiences of life and living with a sense of exuberance and vitality.

To learn more about Jan and her art, click here. And head over to The 50 Women Project for more photos of Jan, plus and exclusive ‘A Day in the Studio with Jan McCarthy’ video.

More About The 50 Women Project

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The 50 Women Project emerged from my search to find a photography campaign with deep meaning. I reached out to my community of women, asking about their experiences and feelings around midlife. The responses, like “I don’t feel seen” and “I don’t know who I am anymore,” sparked powerful conversations and made it clear there was something profound here. My goal was to ensure each woman felt seen and had her story told while creating photos she would truly love.

When a woman steps into my studio in Upstate New York or a borrowed space in Los Angeles, I focus on making the environment calm and welcoming. We begin with a brief conversation, where I reassure her that I'll guide her every step of the way. There’s always plenty of conversation, often accompanied by tears, and I capture it all through my lens. From my self-portrait experiences, I discovered that my favorite images involve movement, laughter, and conversation—something my clients resonate with as well. They often share that their photos reflect how they truly see themselves.

This project has given back to me in so many ways and has helped me find my niche as a photographer. Connecting through conversation allows each woman's true essence to shine through in her photos. Making them feel comfortable is my gift.

I treasure the ongoing dialogue around this project, whether in newsletters, studio conversations or talk around town. Hearing and sharing these stories has been an incredible experience—because everyone has a story worth telling.

Ultimately, I plan to compile these photos and stories into a book and take it on the road, engaging in discussions with gatherings of women. I’m already envisioning the next 50 Women Project, photographing women abroad in their own spaces.

x Christine Harris

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