Club 55 is a photographic series I have been working on for the last thirteen years; it is a documentation of senior league bowlers at Granview lanes in Vancouver. The project began as a self-directed assignment I began while attending Emily Carr University and has continued as my relationship with the group grew stronger. Each bowler has their own story and their own reason for being a part of the bowling league.  Several of these bowlers have been a part of the project from the beginning while others joined in along the way. Each year I change the colour of the backdrop to differentiate the year they were photographed.

I was drawn to this subject because of the people, their faces, their gestures, and their interaction with the camera. So often the older generations in our society aren’t seen, they retire and, as they age, they fall from society’s radar. By viewing this series of portraits, the observer becomes closely acquainted with a colourful and diverse group of people who are full of character and vitality.

My goal was to document as many of these incredible people as possible over a ten year span, my intrigue continues into its 14th year. My process is simple; I setup a small studio at the alley and photograph anyone interested in having a portrait.  Many of these individuals have never had a formal portrait taken of them.  A week later I return with prints for each person who got involved at no cost to them.  It has now become something they look forward to each year and are excited to see me arrive with my equipment. This project could not have succeeded without the openness and generosity of Granview Lanes on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, for accepting me and my ideas and helping to make this project a success.