Photography That Leaves You in Awe

Photography That Leaves You in Awe

Photography That Leaves You in Awe

Artist Interview with Elizabeth Willson


Elizabeth Willson is a photographer based in the United States who finds that the most special photos are the ones that leave her viewers in awe. We had the opportunity to interview her and learn more about her process!

Elizabeth Willson with Lensbaby Sol 45

Q: Which is your favorite Lensbaby lens and why?

A: Oh, it’s so challenging to choose just one! The Velvet 56 is my overall favorite. I began using it for its macro capabilities capturing the natural world around me with an intimate view. As I further explored this lens, I found it to capture dream-like landscapes with an open aperture. It also captures a depth of shadow and adds a creamy element to portraits. When shooting into the light, it’s bokeh and rainbow flare are truly magical. The Velvet 56 is a remarkably versatile lens that I am always thankful to have on my camera.
 
 

Elizabeth Willson with Lensbaby Edge 35

Q: What tips do you have for beginners just learning how to use the Lensbaby Velvet 56?

A: When beginning with Lensbaby lenses I recommend starting with a commitment. Set a goal to use that lens every day for a week. If it’s a tilting lens, lock it in place in the center. Each day challenge yourself to investigate a different feature such as aperture and capture a different subject matter (such as landscape, documentary, macro, or portrait). The creative possibilities are truly endless and with that mindset, move forward day by day with a focus to discover them.

 

Elizabeth Willson with Lensbaby Velvet 56

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

A: I find the most powerful details are the ones that cause you to wonder, ponder, dig deeper, and place you in a state of awe. The art of observation is key in identifying and then capturing these. Often before I even open my camera bag I am watching, taking in the light and shadow, visualizing how I can capture the feeling of the moment and include the details that make it so rich.

Elizabeth Willson with Lensbaby Sweet 35

Q: What inspires you most?

A: Light. It’s always light. There are very few waking moments that light is not present. Its continual changing forms, hues, directions, intensity are both inspiring and challenging. The capacity for light to shift the look and feel of an image is powerful And to have the opportunity to utilize and manipulate the light within the camera through the settings, angles, lenses and effects to capture beauty and emotion is ever-inspiring.

 

Elizabeth Willson with Lensbaby Velvet 56

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

A: The most rewarding part of being a photographer is when an individual shares that my art has caused them to feel. Evoking emotion, providing a sense of hope or peace or vision all provide such value to my work. Each time someone purchases a print, it provides a sense of affirmation that I am offering a visual gift to the world. Ultimately I hope to help others see and embrace gratitude for the beauty around them.

 

Elizabeth Willson

Liz finds joy in capturing the light and life surrounding her. 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, practicing occupational therapy in early intervention, running trails in the nearby Appalachian Mountains, creating art and vision through the lens.
 

 

Follow Us for Your Daily Dose of Art!

Reading next

Capturing Simple, Everyday Moments
Driven by a Subject's Vision | Lensbaby

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.