All rights to this photograph is reserved the photographer
This is just a simple picture I took of my sister, shortly before her wedding day. The reason it is special is because it captures her spirit and character. She is looking up, but not in a proud way, I feel its in a resilient way. She has been through much in her life, well, all our family have, and whenever one would think she can’t take much more, she comes back, stronger than ever. She is lit simply by a lamp in an otherwise dark restaurant and thankfully, I had my Leica with me to capture what is now my favourite picture. I recently started to develop my own black and white film. This was my second roll and it came out better than I imagined.
The facts: Leica M7, Summilux 50mm 1.4 ASPH on Ilford HP5 Plus 400 handheld at about 1/15.
Why I use a Leica:
I shoot Leica because photography is my passion and after a few incidents reminded me in no uncertain terms of just how temporary this life can be, I decided that if I am going to record the time I am here, I am going to do it with the best photographic tool that exists and that tool is the Leica rangefinder. I suppose its the history of it, the iconic photographs, the precision engineering and optics…the list goes on. What really does it for me though, is the images that come out of it. Each one is special in its own way and every now and then, extra special. I guess that is why I am sending this picture in.
Stephen James Bartels is originally from South Africa but now lives in London, England. Please visit his Flickr photostream for more great Leica shots.
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Beautiful use of lighting. This could be an iconic photograph in itself. Well done!
The feeling that comes through to me is of a very proud and dignified person. Your sister should love this portrait, taken at happy and momentous time of her life.