Amit Lennon’s Silent Portrait of an Elderly Greek Couple

While holidaying in Greece in 2023, photographer Amit Lennon encountered an elderly couple on the outskirts of Poros town in the late afternoon. After swimming in the sea and searching for a dinner restaurant, he noticed the pair seated in their chairs. Unable to converse in Greek, Lennon “play-acted” his request to photograph them, ensuring they were aware of his intention. The couple nodded, adjusted their posture, and allowed him to frame them with his iPhone XR, creating a still image that Lennon describes as an “eternal moment” of quiet routine.

The Guardian

Lennon, originally from Israel and now based in London, characterises his portrait work as “always respectful and collaborative.” He emphasizes a non-verbal connection, preferring to make a fleeting yet conscious link with his subjects rather than capture them unnoticed. After the shoot, he thanked the couple with hand gestures and reflected that the scene resonated with memories of his own older relatives in Israel. He acknowledges the ambiguity of the couple’s reaction, noting they might have felt confused or pleased to be noticed.

The Guardian

The photograph highlights the interplay of natural light, colour, and the serene atmosphere of a Mediterranean evening. Lennon’s description suggests the image captures more than a single pose; it conveys a shared sense of peace that transcends language barriers. By documenting a moment of ordinary tranquility, the work invites viewers to consider the quiet dignity of everyday life in a foreign setting.

The Guardian

• “I’d been for a swim in the sea, then ambled through the outskirts of Poros town, looking for a restaurant for dinner that evening,” — Amit Lennon

The Guardian