The Golden Years

By Dean Bradshaw

Older men playing basketball on an outdoor court, one in a yellow jersey, the other in a blue jersey

After doing so many serious images of serious heroes, I wanted to turn that idea on its head. We’re bombarded with imagery of tough sports athletes from all the major brands, but rarely does anyone celebrate the weekend warrior. Who says you can’t be 75 to win the olympics.

Dean Bradshaw

Dean Bradshaw's The Golden Years: elderly man jumping rope and holding basketball

Two older men in athletic clothing sit on concrete steps with a basketball

Project Information

This shot’s for all of us.

The Golden Years is one of those projects that just makes you grin without even trying.

After years of shooting big, high-end campaigns, Dean decided to have a bit more fun and it shows. Instead of pro athletes and intense action shots, he turned the camera to a different kind of MVP. The weeken warrior who might be a couple decades past their prima but still show up, ready to play ball.

Yes, the compositions are perfect, the lighting and delivery feels like the setup you'd expect from Dean and a high-end sports ad, though what really makes it work is just how genuine and fun it feels.

It’s a light, joyful take on sports photography that reminds you why we ever fell in love with playing in the first place.