How did they do that?Have you ever looked at an image online or in a gallery and gasped with wonder? When’s the last time your scrolling stopped and you were immediately drawn into a photograph? Or you flipped through a magazine and lingered on an image? What pulled you in and what story was it telling? Let’s begin with a simple fact: I am TERRIBLE at Photoshop. In the past I have made efforts, done tutorials online, and asked for personal assistance, but I remain completely inept at editing and creating art with the tools of Photoshop. Thankfully, I have the opportunity to create many effects in-camera that otherwise would be added in post-processing (such as using special brushes or overlays. Actually, that’s where my knowledge on the subject ceases!)
Enter in the magic of Lensbaby. Through the use of ingenious design and creativity, Lensbaby opens the world of creating compelling, unique art right in your camera. You don’t need an extended knowledge of post-processing software (or have invested a chunk of change in it!). By capturing extraordinary effects in camera you can spend more time photographing and less time sitting in front of the computer. WIN WIN! The opportunities are truly limitless.
● Texture
Lensbaby offers a variety of methods by which to add texture to your images. Some of their optics (in the Optic Swap System with the Composer Pro II or Spark bodies) include magnetic drop-in discs that fit in front of the lens and are secured with magnets. These discs are in various shapes such as a swirl, sunburst, star or flying birds to name a few. Through using these, the areas in the background that are lit become rich and painterly. Try it out with the Soft Focus II, Double Glass II, and Creative Bokeh Optics!
Lensbaby also has a great OMNI set that includes reflectors that are large enough to place entirely (or mostly) over the lens. Again this creates a background with lines or pops of light giving a painterly, marvel-filled vibe.
● Light
Speaking of OMNI, Lensbaby has created a wide variety of tools to place in front your lens while shooting to draw in unique areas of light. The system includes options for these reflective surfaces to be held with magnets in front of the lens or you can simply hold them. It’s always a creative joy to twist the OMNI and change the angles to experience what array of light you’re able to add to the image
And let’s take a moment to talk about flare. By shooting into the direct sunlight with Lensbaby you can create next-level images by directing the lens flare drawing the eye to your subject
● Vignette
Sure, there are simple tools (even on your phone!) that are enabled to add a vignette to your image. Personally I enjoy how a subtle darkness on the edges draws the eye to the subject while retaining a sense of mystery. The Twist 60 is a great option for this! In both its original setting and with the macro filters, the gentle vignette adds unique image- enhancing elements right in camera!
● Vignette
Sure, there are simple tools (even on your phone!) that are enabled to add a vignette to your image. Personally I enjoy how a subtle darkness on the edges draws the eye to the subject while retaining a sense of mystery. The Twist 60 is a great option for this! In both its original setting and with the macro filters, the gentle vignette adds unique image- enhancing elements right in camera!
● Selective focus/Blur
One of the highlights of a Lensbaby lens or optic is the opportunity for selective focus while adding unique blur. The manual focus aspect of Lensbaby allows for you to freely create. You choose the focal point to tell YOUR story. The Edge and Sweet Optics are both wonderful for storytelling in this manner. In the Composer Pro II you are able to move your focal point and plane of focus throughout the frame. One scene could tell countless stories based on your vision.
● Double Exposure
Do you want to add a sense of movement or element of wonder? Try out an in-camera double exposure. Try a close up with a pulled back element of the same image. Try layering an out-of-focus image of bokeh lights or intentional camera movement with a portrait or bloom. Lensbaby’s options for both crisp and dreamy images create a perfect combination for stacking images to add a depth to the story. The possibilities are truly endless
● Double Exposure
Do you want to add a sense of movement or element of wonder? Try out an in-camera double exposure. Try a close up with a pulled back element of the same image. Try layering an out-of-focus image of bokeh lights or intentional camera movement with a portrait or bloom. Lensbaby’s options for both crisp and dreamy images create a perfect combination for stacking images to add a depth to the story. The possibilities are truly endless.
● Make the flip
Have you heard of “Reverse Freelensing”? This technique involves removing your lens from your camera and flipping it around holding it closely to the camera body. You then move your body to focus. With lenses like a 35mm you can get a super close-up view. By tilting the lens slightly you can add “light leaks” which give a retro or film feel. Lensbaby’s dreamy qualities further add a creative edge to this technique.
Each time I pick up my camera I ask myself: what story will I tell and how can I tell it with compelling light, emotive depth, and intrigue? Grab some Lensbaby, an open mind and head out on your limitless journey of extraordinary creativity.
Want your shots featured by Lensbaby?
Be bold and shoot extraordinary! Make sure to tag your photos on IG with #Lensbaby, #ShootExtraordinary, and let us know what gear you’re using. 📸
Liz Willson
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 art
and vision through the lens.