A Feline Sweet Sixteen: Honoring Bean
About a year ago, I had the honor of capturing a beautiful milestone. My dear friend, Jeremy, invited me into his home to help celebrate a lifelong companion. Salena—affectionately known as "Bean"—was turning sixteen, and Jeremy wanted photos that would forever honor her resilient spirit.
Turning sixteen is a monumental milestone. In the human world, we mark this age with drivers' licenses, high school dances, and big parties. But in the feline world, a sixteenth birthday represents something far deeper. Equivalent to roughly 80 human years old, a cat’s sweet sixteen is a celebration of a long and beautiful life. It stands as a heartwarming testament to years of exceptional care and serves as a quiet tribute to an unbreakable bond between a pet and their person. It is a milestone that reminds us to pause, look back at the years of shared companionship, and truly cherish the spirit of our aging furry companions.
The Evolution of a Lifelong Bond
While I had already known Bean for a couple of years, this session was extra special. Jeremy shared some backstories about her life—or what we lovingly called "Bean lore"—that I had never heard before, which brought so much extra warmth and meaning to the photos. Bean originally came into Jeremy’s life as a gift from a family member, meant to bring comfort during a difficult season of family troubles. She came from a breeder of pedigreed Himalayan cats who aimed to raise award-winning show animals. However, because Bean’s seal-point markings weren't deemed "perfect" by show standards, she was disqualified from competing. This detail really struck me because, in reality, Bean is easily one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen.
Despite Jeremy's initial resistance towards bonding with her, Bean slowly stole his heart with her gentle nature and quiet persistence. Bean is the kind of cat who simply enjoys being in the room with you. She doesn't draw too much attention to herself with loud vocalizations or mischievous play that requires you to engage. Instead, she quietly follows you around, happy to simply live life by your side. It seems she has always been an old soul. Jeremy even likes to joke and say, "I believe Bean is an ancient eldritch god sent to be my guardian." Bean has been walking alongside Jeremy through most of his formative years, ingratiating herself into unforgettable memories and becoming a calm and steady presence he can count on. Now every additional year feels more precious than the last. She has sat on his lap through heartaches, napped at his feet during stressful workdays, and greeted him at the door after long trips. Her blue eyes, akin to small galaxies, always there to witness the remarkable and the mundane.
The Quiet Beauty of a Senior Soul
Bean moves a little slower now, choosing the sunniest spot on the rug with deliberate precision. She requires a little more care too—physical therapy and acupuncture to alleviate stiff joints, a specialized diet to supplement her failing kidneys, and regular vet visits. But Jeremy keep her to a schedule with immaculate care and the benefits show. Despite Bean's age and genetic conditions, she is in high spirits. Migrating around the house with ease and maintaining a healthy weight. She greets family, friends, strangers, and even plays with her feline sisters. Every evening, she enthusiastically "hunts" her favorite toy. She proudly announces her "kill" by dropping it right at the threshold of Jeremy's office. Jeremy profusely thanks her for keeping the family fed. Bean then confidently saunters off to her favorite napping spot—right at Jeremy's feet.
As we concluded our session, I considered how lucky Bean and Jeremy were to have found each other. I thought about the profound joy of sharing your life with a small creature you've welcomed into your heart. While older pets require extra devotion, the bond forged through that shared vulnerability is incredibly deep and rewarding. Bean’s resilient spirit is a testament to the power of Jeremy's dedicated care and unconditional love. Happy Birthday, Bean, here is to many more peaceful afternoons in the sun.
Editor's Note:
Unfortunately, Bean passed away March 6th, 2026 at the age of seventeen. I am writing this blog in the aftermath of her death because she was such a wonderful subject to photograph. I am so lucky I had the opportunity to forever memorialize her within my portfolio. Although these photos are from her sixteenth birthday celebration, I continued to casually photograph Bean until the end of her life. Writing about her, even a little more than a year after these photos were taken, felt like an appropriate way to honor her. The camera loved Bean almost as much as we did. I'm glad Jeremy will have these images to remember her by.
You can view Bean's full gallery here.