Opening a box of Lensbaby OMNI is like unwrapping and releasing endless possibilities. It immediately sparks my creative curiosity: How will I use these new magical tools with my vision and lenses to experience the world in a deeper, richer, more colorful and light-filled way? The OMNI Rainbow Pack expands on the vision of creating unique visual effects in-camera through three unique crystals, three rainbow filters as well as a variety of larger prismatic and translucent colored films. So how has this set enhanced my art?
Color
While I’m often drawn to color in my images I’m definitely not a color theory expert (if you are, you’re going to absolutely rock this set!). That said, I found the color options in this rainbow set absolutely intriguing. In an otherwise monochrome background, through the use of the colored films I was able to fill the space with vibrant shades, or through covering the entire lens transform the whole frame giving a retro or dreamy hue
The options allow for both complementary and contrasting colors which can also be shifted according to a slight tilt of the film (and the available light). And what about the rainbow? Yes, indeed, the rainbow filters live up to their names! When shooting into the sunlight you’ll experience vibrant color rays. With diffused or non-direct light the rainbow films add a subtle and delicate layer of gentle color
Layers
One of the most unique effects of the crystals is the capacity to “repeat” the scene or parts of the subject. Through this process layers appear and an almost kaleidoscope feel can emerge. The repetition has the capacity to create an element of wonder and also emphasize a particular element of focus. Through twisting the crystals in front of the frame with direct sunlight you can also experience the possibilities for glowing bokeh and a vibrant vibe.
Portraits
How about people? How can I include and incorporate this set into capturing portraits? The rainbow films (in both color and monochrome) can add rays of light and a radiating feel particularly when shooting into the sunlight. You can guide the rays to surround your subject or direct them from a particular portion of the image.
For these self portraits I used the OMNI with the Composer Pro II and added one crystal to each side (or top and bottom) of the frame to emphasize the feeling of being surrounded by light. The crystals’ repetitive qualities cause the eye to bounce around the frame with enhanced intrigue or mystery.
Interest
One of my favorite ways to investigate the capacity of a new OMNI set is to choose a single subject and gradually explore the various pieces gaining insight into their qualities. In this case I chose windows in the performance hall in which my children were preparing for a piano recital. The diffused light through the windows was a perfect fit to experience the filters and crystals’ effects. I highly encourage this method in order to embrace the OMNI Rainbow. Through moving the pieces in and out of the frame, twisting and turning them, covering a portion of the frame (and the whole frame) I was able to experience how the light influenced them while adding visual interest to the final images.
Check out my video for a behind the scenes and behind the camera view of these photographs.
What colorful vision is dancing in your mind? How will your photography and view of the world expand? The Lensbaby OMNI Rainbow pack is definitely a perfect choice to both ignite your creativity and also enhance your art and infuse it with color and wonder.
Elizabeth Willson
“I find creative passion by envisioning and capturing the world surrounding me and the light that permeates it with the dreamlike, magical, unique focus Lensbabys provide.”
Liz finds joy in light and life. Her inspiration comes from the beauty of the everyday moments, the blessings of God’s amazing creation. She lives in her hometown in south central Pennsylvania with her family where she practices occupational therapy in early intervention, runs, hikes, and bikes in the nearby forests and farmlands, and creates through photography. She explores and expands her vision through creative lenses and techniques to develop art with elements of depth, mystery, layers, curiosity, hope, and storytelling.
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