Capturing the Beauty of Nature with Lensbaby

Artist Interview with Nita McGrew

Nita McGrew is a professional photographer based in the United States who is drawn to capture the awes and wonders of nature around her. We had the opportunity to interview her and learn more about her process!

Nita McGrew with Lensbaby Edge 80

Q: When did you start taking photographs? Why did you continue?

A: I started taking photographs seriously in 2011. I continued taking them because I had found my passion.

Q: Which is your favorite Lensbaby lens?

A: My favorite Lensbaby lens by far is the Edge 80 Optic. This gorgeous lens is so versatile and creative and it enables me to shoot extraordinary in a way I couldn't have imagined. It literally lives on my camera.

Nita McGrew with Lensbaby Edge 80

Q: What tips do you have for beginners just learning how to use the Edge 80 Optic?

A: Take your time as there is a pretty steep learning curve, be patient with yourself and enjoy the process while you learn. Also, try out as many lenses as you can until you find the Lensbaby that was made just for you.

Q: What professional photographers have influenced your work, and how do you incorporate their techniques into your photographs?

A: While I do have my favorite photographers, I'm not sure there is any one specific person who has influenced my work. Perhaps there is an element of some combined mosaic from all of them.

Q: What is the most difficult part of being a photographer?

A: As an artist and nature photographer, the Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be very challenging in that it has limited my movement so much.

Nita McGrew with Lensbaby Edge 80

Q: What was that journey to and through photography like?

A: I am a self taught photographer and began my journey by learning the basics shooting on analog cameras. Moving into digital photography opened new windows of possibilities, however I am still an avid film photographer.

Q: What details do you believe make the best photographs? How do you go about focusing on them in your work?

A: I think utilizing basic photography technique and skills first, and then building upon that by using your own individual creativity and imagination, produces the best photographs. For me, this is the process.

Q: What inspires you most?

A: Nature inspires me most. The possibilities are endless outdoors and whatever my mood or state of mind might be, those possibilities can change how I see something and how I choose to share that vision.

Nita McGrew with Lensbaby Edge 80

Q: Tell us your favorite quote!

A: "Where there is a woman there is magic. If there is a moon falling from her mouth, she is a woman who knows her magic. She can share or not share her powers. This woman is a consort of the spirits." ― Ntozake Shange

Q: How would you describe your photography style?

A: Evocative, emotional and deeply personal.

Nita McGrew with Lensbaby Edge 80

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer?

A: The most rewarding part for me of being a photographer, is having the ability to bring to life this creative thing that lives in me and to be able to share it with the world.