For lifestyle photographer Amy Mikler, people will always be her favorite subjects. Among them, children and seniors hold a special place in her heart. “People will always be my favorite subjects, and kids and seniors are perhaps my two favorite people groups to work with. Possibly because they share some similar characteristics,” she shares. “I never know what they will say, they know how to enjoy life's simple pleasures, and often have a quirky fashion sense. They are also unapologetically honest and learn how to laugh at themselves, which keeps the set fresh and endlessly interesting.”

Having grown up surrounded by vibrant, full-of-life relatives, Amy understands that aging doesn’t mean slowing down. A few years ago, she put this belief into action with a “golden years” test shoot, built around the idea that laughter is a lifelong necessity. The result? A high-energy, joy-filled session where seniors enthusiastically took on cannonballs, dancing, and even water fights. “I’m not sure who laughed more—me or them,” Amy recalls.

In her commissioned work, whether photographing professional talent or real residents for clients like Erickson Living, Amy finds that every shoot is filled with engaging conversations, early arrivals, and the occasional bit of on-set flirting when more than a couple of single seniors are involved. No matter the project, she brings an energy that matches the enthusiasm of those in front of her lens, ensuring that every moment feels as vibrant as the people she captures.