Every year, I try to figure out how to improve my photography in between Fall and Spring. One thing is to take lessons at the Leika Academy. I can do it on Zoom, and I’ll do that after Christmas.  The classes are expensive but incredibly useful. I am driven by the idea that I need to work to improve in everything I do, which makes me a little crazy.

I think this new lens will do that.

Another thing for my photography is to search for equipment I can afford to use with a Leica camera; that’s a challenge since I can’t afford anything new that Leica makes, and Leica used camera lenses are very hard to find.  I love love everything they make. Leica glass is unique.

I got a used and somewhat beat-up Leica 60 mm Macro lens, perfect for flower photography or specific portraits. I have a 60-day trial. The first photo I take with a new lens is always Maria, but first, I focused on some dried flowers in the bathroom.

All of these photos but one (Zip) were taken inside the house in the early afternoon with meager light. The portrait of Maria was deliberately overexposed in the kitchen light. I like it.

The lens is new to me, and I haven’t figured out how to focus it. I must use the tripod often unless I’m in bright light outdoors. I’m drooling at possibly using this lens on my garden bed.  That will wait until next Spring, but we have some flowers inside the house – Maria did that for me – and I’ll start seeing what the lens can do. I got a good sneak preview today..

I can get closer than ever before, and with better detail,  the Leica glass makes a big difference, even in an old and used lens. There is just nothing like it. Today, I’m shooting inside, using the flowers and plants Maria brought into the house. It will take me a while to figure this out.

I see my flower and other photos as a thank you to the good people who have followed me and my struggles on the blog for some time. The flowers are not watermarked or copyrighted; use them however you wish. They are a gift to you for supporting me. They are free, of course.

 

Some shots came from the dried flower bouquet in the bathroom. It’s a challenging environment light-wise.

 

The Cyclamens looked great with this lens, soft, clear, and with a great backdrop.

 

Poppy seed in the bathroom bouquet of dried flowers

 

This new lens can do many things; I’m just figuring out the strengths and weaknesses. It’s a very creative lens with lots of possibilities. I must be patient and see what it can and can’t do.

Maria’s sewing pins. I love the rich color and the details.

Zip outside, waiting for our afternoon meeting. He manages to stick his nose in everything.

Shamrock, indoor flower.

 

I tried the new lens out on St. Joe in the yard. The 60 mm did well. It can work on landscapes and portraits.

Hens in the cold wind, keeping one another warm

Zip sticks his nose into everything.The 60 mm responded well.

This is one of my first photos with the 60 mm lens. I love the process of getting a new lens; it changes the way I take photos and the things I can do with the camera. This keeps me growing. I never imagined loving photography as much as I do. I’m grateful for it. Taking portraits of Maria is a beautiful thing to do. She christens every lens and lifts my heart with her beautiful face. This is us.