Slow Street Photography in Paris with the Lensbaby Twist 60

Jan 16

When I visited Paris, I knew I wanted to capture more than landmarks—I wanted to photograph a feeling. I had signed up for La Vie Enchantée, a creative photography workshop led by Catherine Just, and spent five dreamy days immersed in light, movement, café culture, and community. Paris invited me to slow down. And the lens I chose for this experience—the Lensbaby Twist 60—couldn’t have been a more perfect match.

A Different Approach to Street Photography

Most people associate street photography with fast-paced observation—reacting quickly, catching fleeting moments. But that’s never been my way. I prefer to move slowly, to absorb the energy of a place before lifting my camera.

Using a manual lens like the Twist 60 adds to this approach. There's no autofocus to rush you along. Instead, every frame requires presence. You dial in your settings, turn the focus ring with intention, and wait for the moment to unfold.

The Twist 60 rewards this patience. Shot wide open, it creates a beautiful circular bokeh that surrounds your subject like a quiet halo, pulling attention into the frame. It doesn’t just document—it transforms. And that’s exactly how Paris felt to me: transformative.

Wandering the Streets with Purpose

As I wandered through the autumn-colored streets, I found myself seeing differently. The narrow alleyways, café tables, reflections in shop windows—each moment became more meaningful when captured with care.

Instead of chasing action, I waited. Instead of clicking quickly, I lingered. The manual focus slowed me down just enough to see. Not just look, but see. And in doing so, I began to feel as if I was dancing through the city with my camera—light became music, and I was listening with my lens.

The Magic of the Twist 60

This lens does more than just create an interesting blur. It enhances emotion. Its swirly background effect feels like it’s pulling the edges of the frame inward, giving the subject a sense of centrality and calm—perfect for storytelling in a city so full of life.

While it may not be as soft and dreamy as the Velvet series, the Twist 60 has a bold, painterly character all its own. It’s perfect for street portraits, layered scenes, and visual storytelling with atmosphere.

From Paris to the Lensbaby Blog

After returning home, I shared my reflections and images from Paris on the Lensbaby blog. Being featured there was a reminder of what I love most about photography—not just the images we create, but the way they reflect who we are and how we see the world.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to explore a slower, more mindful way of taking pictures, I highly recommend trying the Lensbaby Twist 60. It asks you to be present. To move with intention. To embrace the imperfect and the unexpected. Whether you’re photographing the streets of Paris or simply wandering your own neighborhood, this lens can help you find beauty in the waiting.