Canon FD (nFD) 50mm f/1.4 Photoshoot

The Canon new FD 50mm f/1.4 is a great vintage lens to add to any collection. They can be picked up on eBay for $80 - $100 in excellent condition. I like to use my vintage lenses whenever I can as each one has a unique look and character to it. The area we shot in was DUMBO, Brooklyn and it was after 7PM so daylight was burning. I had my AD200 and softbox with me but I wanted to stick to the natural light for this shoot. I used my Canon EOS R with an FD to RF adapter (about $15).

With Loriann, my second most used model, we started with a tree covered path to get a sort of “woodsie” vibe as we made our way to the water front.

When shooting in DUMBO, I like to try to incorporate the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge into the background of photos. Most photographers and models (and brides) have done photoshoots in DUMBO so it can be challenging to try and go for a unique look.

We continued along to Pebble Beach where most people just chill and drink on the stairs leading to the water. It has a great backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the city. Jane’s Carousel provided some nice bokeh balls with it’s lights.

With daylight burning some more, we headed towards the pier by Jane’s Carousel. The railings have a nice lighting on the under side. I knew I could use this to my advantage. The colors of the sky and setting sun added a nice look to the photos as well.

I tried some leading line shots with the railing and lighting. I usually try to get this style in all my photoshoots. It can have a really nice effect depending on the set up and composition.

Taking advantaged of the lights on the railing and the setting sun, I had Loriann sit lower to get some of that lighting on her. It was fun playing around with the available light and not setting up my off camera lights for once.

A great shoot, as always. This was my second photoshoot with the Canon nFD 50mm and I really enjoy using it for portraits. The lens’s character adds a nice aesthetic to the final photo.