When the first snowflakes start to fall and the towns light up their decorations, I love to take an evening to wander the streets, camera in hand, and soak in the atmosphere. There’s something special about walking through the crisp winter air, the smell of pine and cocoa drifting from nearby shops, and hearing distant laughter as people enjoy the season. 

We sometimes finish the evening by stopping somewhere cozy for a mug of hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Doing this slows down the rush of the holidays for me and lets me (and my family) really enjoy the magic of this time of year. Everyone out and about seems to be in good spirits; smiling, greeting one another, and sharing the holiday joy.

Over the years, I’ve found that the perfect lens for capturing this kind of magic is the Lensbaby Trio 28. This little lens has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for holiday walks and street photography.

First, it’s lightweight and easy to carry, which makes it perfect for strolling through decorated streets or exploring outdoor markets. I’ve taken it on many trips over the years, and it always performs beautifully.

The Trio 28 gives you three creative options in one compact lens: Velvet, Twist, and Sweet.

Each one has its own personality. The Velvet optic gives your photos a dreamy, glowing look that’s perfect for soft light displays. The Twist adds a fun, vintage swirl to the background, which works beautifully for lights or Christmas trees. And the Sweet lets you direct your viewer’s attention right where you want it with a soft blur around your focus point. Depending on the mood or vibe I’m going for, I’ll switch between these options. Sometimes, I even shoot in between two settings for an extra creative, mixed effect. It's a fun way to experiment and get something totally unique.

Last year, our evening walk through a nearby town was absolutely perfect. Snowflakes were

gently falling, the streets were lined with twinkling lights, and the Trio 28 gave my images the

most beautiful nostalgic feel. The photos looked like something straight out of my childhood; full

of warmth, character, and that classic holiday glow. One of my favorite stops that night was the

local ice skating rink. Hearing the laughter of skaters, the scrape of blades on ice, and the faint

sound of holiday music playing in the background made it feel like stepping back in time.

So, the next time you head out to photograph holiday lights, grab your camera and give the Trio 28 a try. It’s a lens that invites you to play, to see the world a little differently, and to capture not just what you see, but what you feel. I promise you’ll love the magic you create.