Nightski

Well, I finally got brave and got the composer pro with sweet 50 out again. I have studied the way some photographers use this lens and decided to give it another go. I had packed it up and almost sold it because I found it so difficult to use. Here are some observations that made it easier to use this lens. I would LOVE to hear the experiences and frustrations others have had. Please feel free to criticize this photo. I am learning. Your observations may help me see something I could do better. Any suggestions on how to use this lens effectively are welcome.
Shoot bigger flowers
Shoot bigger flowers with a good background of other flowers
Find your focus distance before tilting the lens

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jayway55 Loc: Philadelphia Area - USA

Pretty shot, Sandra. Love the colors and background. I have the Sweet 35, and to be honest, I haven't ventured into bending the lens yet. They say to practice with the lens straight ahead, and when you've mastered that, start moving the lens a little at a time taking multiple shots to see what you get. I think if your sweet spot was focused on the flowers on the upper right, the shot would be perfect. As I said, I'm surely no expert, just putting in my two cents. If you've taken multiple shots of these flowers, I'd love to see them. I think your composition is spot on and I love the details. Thanks for sharing.
Jane

angela k Loc: Long Island

Lovely shot, Sandra and I love the dreaminess that is created with this lens. The Sweet 50 in combination with the 8mm macro converter is my favorite to use. I like shooting up close and since the 50 does not get as close as I like, adding the 8mm is perfect.
Using a lensbaby is tricky.... I still delete a lot more than I keep, but what I did find, for me, is that it all depends on the color, shape and lighting of your subject. Flowers that have a lot going on, usually don't work for me. The simpler the form, the better.

Keep playing and you will learn to love the Sweet 50... I also have the Sweet 35 and that does allow you to get closer to the subject.
Don't sell any of your babies, you will learn to love them all!!!

angela k Loc: Long Island

oops...

Nightski

Thank you so much, Jane and Angela. You've given me a couple of things to think about. Yes, I do have more shots of this, but I think I will try again tonight and post that attempt. I think placing the focus could have improved the shot. I was at F2.5 which kept me from getting more of the foreground bunch in focus. It was windy and late so I was struggling for light and shutter speed. Also I forgot about using the macro converter. I have those empty tubes .. is that what you are talking about Angela? That would really help me with smaller flowers. Wheels are turning now .. thanks so much.

angela k Loc: Long Island

Sandra, I don't think those tubes will work on this optic.... the lensbaby macro converter are small and go between the Sweet 50 and the Composer Pro. If you google or youtube them, you will understand what I mean. It took me a while to figure it out and when you order them, I think about $50, you get an 8mm and a 16mm. If you stack them, they bring you right inside your subject... too close for me, yet I've done it. I prefer just the 8mm it's my perfect sweet spot!!

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

It's a beautiful shot, Sandra. Love the color and composition, great bokeh!

I like what Angela does. If a lens is being difficult, she puts it away for awhile. There is a learning curve with these, but we'll get through it. In the meantime, I think of it as an adventure because I have little idea of what the pictures really look like until I get them on the computer. I take a whole bunch of pictures, and delete a good part of them sometimes.

I remember reading something about taking more than one picture of a subject, that with each shot, I adjust the lens/optic a little. That way, one of them is more likely to turn out well.

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Sandra, Don't give up on this lens. As good a photographer as you are, you will get it. I would recommend that you go to lensbaby.com and sign up for free lensbaby university. The folks that make them explain quite well, things you need to know. I use the converter with mine and you have to unscrew the front section and drop it inside the lens. The university will show you this. I have studied a lot of Clemons remarks and she usually shoots at 4 with sweet 50 and also I believe 5.6. So I am trying, not to copy here, but to learn what is best from her. One very important thing for me is the tripod which frees my hands to forcus and move the tilt. Also my tilt was to tight so according to I believe university tips, I loosened mine a bit and it is much better now. I try to wrap finger tips around the tilt and camera and gently move. They stress only a little movement is needed. Think I have a bit of tansy in garden. Will try to shoot it if it cools off a bit and see what I can do with it. Don't give up. There are a treasury of beautiful photos waiting for you. Sandy

Nightski

Thank you.