You are in for a real treat with this 50 Women Highlight. Meet Leigh Kilton-Smith.

The moment I met Leigh at a gathering, I knew I had to photograph her. Luckily she heard of the project and when invited, said yes immediately.

Women like Leigh are exactly why I started this project. I wanted to celebrate how remarkable we become through years of living, learning, and experiencing both the good and the difficult. There are four women in the project who are over 70, and I can tell you they have had the most fun in front of the camera. They bring an incredible vitality and a refreshing freedom from worrying about what others think. With that comes a radiance I find absolutely magnetic.

We need to see more examples of that.

From our very first conversation while planning her photoshoot, I knew this one was going to be fun. Leigh was all in, and she took the experience to another level. I hope you'll be as inspired by her as I am.

Leigh Kilton-Smith smiles while seated on a vintage bench in a blue embroidered dress during her 50 Women Project portrait session by Christine Harris.

What really matters to you?

I think, as I've gotten older and experienced more of my own evolution I've recalibrated away from Success and Love as what matters most. I've reached a level of success and been blessed to know Love but truly it is Trust that matters most to me. If I have Trust I can rest, exhale, my questions go quieter and I am instantly more present. With myself and others. And as long as I continue to question the stories that I tell myself, my own resistance, stay vigilant about my own trustworthiness my hope is for more moments of pure and beautiful Trust.

Leigh Kilton-Smith sits confidently on a vintage chair wearing a cream suit and wide-brimmed hat during her 50 Women Project portrait session by Christine Harris.

Leigh Kilton-Smith in Ivory | 50 Women Project

Leigh Kilton-Smith Reflection | 50 Women Project

“I Am Just Beginning.”
– l.k.s.

Leigh Kilton-Smith sits behind a vintage chair wearing a dramatic feathered hat and black heels in an editorial portrait for the 50 Women Project by Christine Harris.

What brings you happiness?

My husband, my Chosen Famileigh aka, my friends, my actors, the children at our orphanage, young people, animals, art, spicy food, New York, a great perfume, teaching, learning, England, road trips, naps, and Burning Man.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?

A complicated childhood that forced me, early on, to rise above so that I might see more clearly my way out. Of course, back then my thoughts were not so lofty, my goal was simply to play small to avoid certain consequences. I envy those who languished in childhood as a place of safety and love. I was old way before my time. The joys that many experienced in childhood I experienced in my 20s and my 30s and well, if I'm being honest, I'm still experiencing unspent joy at 70!

Black-and-white portrait of Leigh Kilton-Smith standing barefoot in a cream satin suit and wide-brimmed hat, smiling with arms crossed over her chest during her 50 Women Project session by Christine Harris.

What would you change if you could?

Gun accessibility, cruelty, hungry children, extremism of any sort, bad drivers, bad listeners, close talkers, bullies, art funding, health care and any loud cars. Oh! And entitlement. My own and others.

Leigh Kilton-Smith sits barefoot on a stool wearing a cream satin suit and wide-brimmed hat in a thoughtful portrait created for the 50 Women Project by Christine Harris.

What single word do you identify with?

FUCK

Black-and-white portrait of Leigh Kilton-Smith laughing while wearing oversized glasses and a dramatic faux fur coat during her 50 Women Project session by Christine Harris.

Thank you Leigh!

Leigh Kilton-Smith stands confidently in a blue patterned dress and feathered hat beside a vintage bench during her 50 Women Project portrait session by Christine Harris. — *More about Leigh:*

*Contact me at:*
*www.Leighkiltonsmith.com* - my silly website
and please visit our non profit that benefits the children at our orphanage in Tijuana, Mx.
www.friendsofelfaro.org
*thank you...*

Leigh Kilton-Smith

FUCK

Thank you Leigh!

Jackie Cole

Paula Hodgson