Lensbaby Artists April Milani
Lensbaby Artists is a virtual exploration of a gallery featuring the work of talented Lensbaby photographers. Each short video celebrates the work and story of a different Lensbaby artist. Follow the series to get to know these inspiring shooters.
Meet April Milani
https://lensbaby.wistia.com/medias/hqvcv2jzzf?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
I am a visual opportunist who uses photography as my medium to capture beauty. I am to convey emotion. I preserve moments long after they would be forgotten in our everyday lives. I am a military wife, homeschooling mom of two wild boys, taking one move at a time, saved by grace. I am human. I make mistakes. I am not afraid to go out and try something new. Even if I feel I have failed, Ive still won because I didnt let fear stop me. My saying this year is: Dont feed the fears.
April's winding career in photography brought her to a moment when she needed something new.
Working with models had limits. I always needed to wait until they had time, and they couldnt always convey the story I was trying to tell. I needed a change, so I took the next step that was needed to continue my journey: self-portraits.
Every time used normal lenses to create my self-portraits, something was missing. It was not working. Could it be that I had missed my time to be in front of the camera? I was 40 and had been photographing 20-something models. Getting in front of the camera was harder than I had thought. I found myself slipping into a bit of depression and self-pity.
But for me, defeat is never an option. One day, after shooting my safe shot, I grabbed my Edge 80, my tripod, and my 10-second timer. It was magic! Those little optics were me. Lensbaby is a true reflection of who I am. I realized I am perfectly imperfect.
The image above
April's Kit
Lensbaby gear
Twist 60: I love this optic with the Macro Converters.
Sweet 35, Sweet 50 and, as of yesterday, Sweet 80: I use these for portraits of all kinds.
Edge 50 and Edge 80: I use these for everything! There is no part of my photography that these two optics don't cover.
Velvet 56: I use Velvet 56 for macro and for dreamy portraits.
Circular Fisheye: I use the CFE for family fun!
Pinhole/Zone Plate: I use these when I'm feeling nostalgic.
Double Glass: I use this optic when I want to go abstract.
Macro Converters: For macro!
Cameras: Canon MarkIII and Canon Rebel 35mm (film)
Camera Bags: Mountainsmith, Borealis AT and Lowepro 22AW
Tripods: Vanguard, Alta PRO 263AT
Lights: Fovitec Studio PRO, Impact reflector stand and reflector
Misc: Backdrop stand and Costco stepping stool
Learn from April Milani
Registration is open for April's newest, online workshop: See Through A New Paradigm.
Also, check out April's upcoming online, Lensbaby workshop.
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