I recently spent an afternoon of street shooting in Denver with my DSLR and Lensbaby Composer Pro II and Edge 50. This was my first time shooting with this combination as I am still very new to the Lensbaby family. Street photography has always been a passion of mine and I have found over the years that it is something that grounds me and brings me back to reality. Before this, I had not picked up my camera in a while due to being burned out. Even as a creative I think it’s important that we take a break from time to time and recharge our creative energy. I decided my best course of action going into this was to play around, have fun, and if I happen to get great shots then great. I put zero pressure on myself going out to shoot.
The first thing that I have to mention about the Edge 50 optic is that you MUST make sure that you have it locked into the Composer Pro II. I think there is a misconception that these two entities are one in the same when they, in fact, are not. I failed to secure the optic into the CPII initially and if not for my cat like reflexes that thing would have hit the ground. So, note to everyone reading this: make sure that your optic is secure before you head out on your adventure.
I learned photography on a completely manual system. So shooting with Lensbaby was very much like going back to my roots. Lensbaby lenses do not have any electronic components. They are 100% manual lenses. Thus, you must shoot in manual. The upside of this is huge if you need practice like I clearly did. How’s that go? Sunny 16?
Knowing that I had to bring my full attention to not only the camera but the lens as well put my photographer brain into overdrive. Controlling your aperture, shutter speed, ISO, manually focusing, and having the ability to tilt the Composer Pro II and create a slice of focus is a lot to take into consideration when you are shooting at moving targets. As I began shooting I simply had to remember to be patient with myself and my gear.
You would be hard-pressed to find a photographer who could grab a Lensbaby system and nail a shot on the first try, but that’s the fun in it. The not knowing! There is something about being in full control and allowing myself to make mistakes without repercussion that brought me back to my roots. The feeling of nailing a shot is so much more enthralling knowing that I did it completely on my own without the help of auto focus or shutter priority.
As I continue to shoot with the Edge 50 and become more familiar with this lens I will share more of my street photography and my experiences.
More information on the Composer Pro II and Edge 50
Find me on Instagram @michaelmakespictures
Check out my favorite photos from my adventure below (Click to enlarge):