Gail Crafton, Sally Nickel and Suzy Eads, of AC Photos in Linwood, are using photography to bring joy, dignity and lasting memories to seniors through their outreach program, Enchanted Portraits.
Longtime members of the senior community themselves, the three women created the program to serve fellow seniors living in nursing homes, assisted living communities and long-term care facilities. The goal is to brighten residents’ days while helping families create meaningful keepsakes to share with loved ones and friends.
Crafton said she especially enjoys seeing seniors feel carefree and youthful during the sessions.
“It is a time that will be cherished forever, and together we create beautiful memories while feeling confident, celebrated and truly special,” Crafton said.
Enchanted Portraits by AC Photos provides free whimsical portrait sessions designed to restore dignity, joy and treasured memories — one photograph at a time.
The sessions feature storybook themes with vintage-inspired elegance, including crowns, jewels and flowing capes set against floral backdrops, transforming each portrait sitting into a magical experience. Participants are encouraged to smile, laugh and become the stars of their own fairy tale-inspired portraits.
For many families, organizers said, the portraits become some of the most meaningful photographs they have of their loved ones.
The service is offered free of charge to seniors living in care communities as a way of giving back to a generation that has spent a lifetime caring for others. Staff members at participating facilities have praised the program for boosting morale, encouraging social interaction and creating memorable moments for residents.
The group hopes to continue expanding Enchanted Portraits throughout the region with the support of community donations and volunteers who believe every person deserves to feel beautiful and remembered.
“For families, caregivers and residents alike, Enchanted Portraits is proving that magic does not disappear with age,” Crafton said. “Sometimes it simply needs someone willing to capture it.”
The idea for the program began when Nickel discovered similar services on Facebook offered by photographers across the country.
“She asked, ‘Why not do this here?’” Crafton said.
From there, the creative process quickly took shape. The trio has been developing the program since January 2026 and now volunteers its time creating special memories for seniors throughout the area.
Following each portrait session, participants receive a certificate naming them “Queen for a Day” or “King for a Day,” along with a gold rose to commemorate the occasion.
In addition to serving care communities, AC Photos also offers Enchanted Portraits sessions to the public for a $20 fee. Sessions are available at the studio in Central Square, and mobile sessions are offered for parties of six or more.
Gary Mazin is a long time Ventnor resident. He has a love of writing, reading comic books and watching movies. He is a published author and is a graduate of both ACCC and New York Film Academy.
