ORLANDO, Fla. – A picture is worth a thousand words. For 70-year-old Orlando resident Doreen Ratigan, a simple selfie represents “the joy of life.”
Ratigan was recently named the winner of The New 65+’s National Selfie Photography Contest, presented by Humana and Growing Bolder.
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Professional portrait photographer and Central Florida Resident Mike Dunn chose Ratigan’s photo for its ability to capture her fun personality in a single frame.
Tucked within hundreds of submissions, the bright orange butterfly perched on Ratigan’s nose and the surprised expression radiating from her wide eyes caught Dunn’s attention.
“There is so much personality, joy and silliness in this photo that I feel like I know this person,” Mike Dunn told Growing Bolder. “This photo captured a moment worth sharing with everyone. The expression and enthusiasm for life in Doreen’s photo is a great representation of The New 65+ philosophy that life is worth celebrating.”
Contestants 65 and older were asked to submit photos of themselves doing something they love.
“You had me at ‘selfie’ because I love to take selfies,” Ratigan told Growing Bolder. “I love to dress up. I love to take pictures of myself, other people, and different scenarios. It’s fun to share them and to show just the joy of life.”
The theme of the contest was set on showcasing how passions can drive people to live longer, happier and healthier lives.
Ratigan’s simplistic and energetic photo combined her passions for traveling, cycling, hiking, singing and volunteering and froze them in time.
“I love this picture,” Ratigan said. “It says, ‘There’s always a little girl inside of me that loves nature and loves to play, and you can still have fun no matter what age you are, even if you’re just playing with a butterfly.’”
Ratigan’s photo will be featured on the cover of Growing Bolder’s digital magazine and The New 65+ display at The Grand Ole Opry’s 99th birthday celebration in Nashville, Tennessee Oct. 12-13.
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