Young woman from Leavenworth, Kansas
What it is:
Carte de visite (CDV) measuring 2.5 x 4 inches.
What I know about it:
Photographer is J. A. Mason of Leavenworth, Kansas. Otherwise undated and unidentified.
Comments:
Such an interesting combination of elements here. I go back an forth on whether these elements (that hair, her face, the lighting, her unmatched jewelry) are individually attractive, and whether they add up to an appealing whole. I wish I could see what is hanging from the chain, assuming that’s what’s going on behind her hand. I’m guessing it’s a cameo, but I’m not used to seeing them attached to such a heavy rope of metal like that. On a very minor note, Kansas is abbreviated “Kas.” here, which strikes me as unusual. All the references I looked at show old-fashioned abbreviations of Kansas to be “Kans.” or “Kan.” or even the current “KS”, but I didn’t see any listing “Kas.”
Pics of Then 
Not the most attractive picture, but I have a feeling she could be lovely — I just want to loosen her hair. But I love the mood. Something’s on her mind, for sure.
I agree. Certain styles are just wrong for people who would otherwise look quite appealing.
One of the original “painfully uncomfortable and unnatural poses invented by photographers to look casual” sittings. Nobody rests their head *near* their hand. Hope J.A. Mason is not still in the photography business. 😉
LOL, yeah, I can just picture him going “That’s perfect, now hold it” with her thinking “Whaaaaat??”