Rose in the Forest

Leica M9 + Leica Summarit 50mm f2.5

My mother-in-law is 83 years old and she is exceptionally beautiful. These are some photos I took of her in the forest when we were testing my husband’s M9.

It was only my second time using Gary’s camera, so I wasn’t entirely familiar with the settings and don’t remember exactly how I shot this, but it was something like f2.5 and 1/200.

I am happy enough with these as test-shots, but as far as portraits of Rose I can definitely do better. I will give some thought as to the settings and light source next time. But here I was just trying to get a handle on the controls.

Colour version. I preferred the black and whites initially, but now this one is growing on me. The pinkish colour of the coat is surprisingly true to life.

I love the dappled light in the background created by the harsh sunshine. But I am already planning a ‘proper’ photoshoot in my mind’s eye, on an overcast day with diffused light. Maybe on the beach, wearing this same coat and a pale-coloured blouse instead of the dark one beneath it, for a very soft creamy photo…