Portrait of a Lifetime: PDIG Collaboration for Allkin’s Good-To-Go programme

On 4 February this year, SUSS PDIG was privileged to collaborate with Allkin once again. We supported the programme by providing seniors with professionally captured portraits that honoured their identities. These photographs serve an important purpose, as they can be used for end-of-life arrangements, such as funerals or obituaries, while also serving as a beautiful commemoration of each senior’s legacy.

From the moment the session began, it was clear that this would be no ordinary photoshoot. “The photoshoot was incredibly lively and full of energy from start to finish,” shared Zeti, one of the PDIG members involved. “Even with language barriers, laughter became our common language. They shared stories, joked with us, and brought so much warmth to the space that it never once felt awkward or quiet,” she shared.

The warmth was felt by all, from seniors and Allkin staff to volunteer makeup artists and PDIG members. Yuan Ting, PDIG’s chairperson, who is doing this for the first time, shared that the experience was eye-opening. “They are actually very friendly and welcoming, making me feel comfortable, and they are really adorable, reminding me of my grandparents,” she recalled. “I realised they are very open to talking to you, making me feel very welcomed.” Some seniors even changed into traditional outfits mid-session, excited to have those captured as well, a spontaneous touch that made the portraits even more personal.

Behind the scenes, the team faced and navigated challenges to make it all come together. Pre-production required careful planning around the equipment, and on the day itself, figuring out the lighting was a challenge. “The light isn’t constant, so it was quite challenging to monitor where it hits on the seniors,” Yuan Ting shared. “But through trial and error, we managed to shift around and adjust to make sure everyone was well lit.”

The most rewarding moment was when the seniors saw their own portraits. “Many of them lit up when they saw their photos,” said Zeti. “Some happily asked for more shots, striking poses and calling their friends over, it was clear that being photographed made them feel noticed, celebrated and truly seen.” Photographing seniors with their siblings or spouses made the experiences especially fulfilling. “These weren’t just photos; they were memories being preserved. Knowing that these portraits could become keepsakes for them to revisit and cherish made every shutter click feel meaningful.”

For PDIG members, this experience went far beyond practising their photography skills. It introduced them to new perspectives through heartfelt conversations with the seniors, as well as a profound realisation that a single portrait can hold immense weight, encapsulating a lifetime of memories. We are thankful to Allkin for the opportunity and look forward to supporting future GTG programmes.