Take 1: Magda Stolte
Many photographers take photos of their daily lives and everyday moments, which can sometimes feel mundane. Using the Lensbaby Double Glass II optic can help make everyday moments look more unique and magical and add a sense of movement to every image.
My children like to explore our backyard and spend time outside whenever the weather allows; that means we're either walking in our woods, looking at what's growing in the garden, or simply swinging on the swings. I love capturing these moments because the optic gives a sense of movement, even when the subject is static. The bokeh distorts lines on the edges, giving a sense of flow while converting every light part in the background into the bokeh disc shape of choice. In the 3 images of my daughter on the swing, the bokeh disc was the bird, which is one of my favorites to use outdoors. In some instances, you can see the birds flying through the sky.
When the subject is in motion in the photograph, the bokeh that the Double Glass II creates enhances the movement and creates more interest. I like to capture my kids when they play on the swing set. It was so fun to see the results of the different bokeh shapes surrounded
by the center of focus. The movement in the trees almost mimics the movement of the subjects, and it helps tell the story.
"When the subject is in motion in the photograph, the bokeh that the Double Glass II creates enhances the movement and creates more interest."
Even subtle movements in everyday moments can be enhanced by the movement in the bokeh which Double Glass II creates. The two photos below show that the rose disc creates a fun and pretty movement in the sky. The movement is paralleled by the motion of the subject’s hair.
Take 2: by Sarah McEachern
The Double Glass II optic (DGII) can also be used for crazy and energetic kiddos running around like maniacs, my son’s constant state. It turns a chaotic moment into a more peaceful, calm, but still joyful one with the blur and interest created by the bokeh discs. It also takes a skatepark or the beach or just a plain old park and turns it into a beautiful background for your images.
Sarah McEachern with Lensbaby Double Glass II
Sarah McEachern with Lensbaby Double Glass II
This lens is also perfect for creating a movement where none exists, particularly when using the bokeh discs. I’m partial to the slots disc as I love how it works with dramatic and harsh noon light sources. Occasionally my son does stand still, and this lens makes him standing, with a scooter, contemplating a launch into a giant bowl and potential death, look beautiful and not like a shot of dirty sneakers and grey concrete.
The DGII also enhances already beautiful environments, such as a southern California beach. So, despite my son’s best efforts to run straight at my camera with the hopes of ruining my shot, this lens helps me thwart that goal and still capture an amazing shot. And don’t let the fact that it’s a manual lens intimidate you into avoiding action shots. It’s not difficult to capture a running kid with a little practice. Lensbaby lenses, in general, and the DGII specifically, do not have to just be used for still photos; they take rad action shots as well, so don't be afraid to try them out on a moving target.
Sarah McEachern with Lensbaby Double Glass II
The DGII is such a cool lens for generally capturing running kids, swinging kids, and just kids in motion. It enhances both the movement and environment they are in and elevates your photos of what might be a rather ordinary moment. After all, Lensbaby lenses help you turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and what’s more ordinary than crazy kiddos in motion?
Sarah McEachern with Lensbaby Double Glass II
Sarah McEachern with Lensbaby Double Glass II
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Magda Stolte
Magda Stolte is a hobbyist photography who likes to take photos of her kids, everyday life, self-portraiture, and nature. She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family.
Sarah McEachern
Mom of one, military wife and veteran. Photography is the only thing keeping me sane these days.