In my journey to create more artistic and meaningful photographs, I have found myself drawn back to tools and techniques I once set aside. One of these rediscoveries has been my Lensbaby lenses and the optic swap system, a creative set up I originally purchased over six years ago when I was shooting with my Canon 5D Mark II.
At the time I was intrigued by the artistic possibilities these lenses offered, especially for my floral photography. The Composor Pro with its interchangable optics, like the Sweet 50 and the Soft Focus, promised a world of creative potential. However, the reality of manual focus lenses did not come easy for me.
I was so accustomed to the tack-sharp results from my Canon 50mm macro and the Canon 24-70 f2.8, I struggled to adapt to the softer, more interpretive focus of the Lensbaby system. Trying to achieve the same precision with a manual focus lens was frustrating, and instead of embracing the creative blur and directional effects these lenses were designed for, I found myself disappointed. In hindsight, I was striving for perfection when I should have been leaning into the artistry. Eventually, I put the lenses away, and there they sat, unused, for nearly four years.
A Fresh Perspective
Everything changed when I enrolled in a local photography course here in Geelong. One of our assignments required us to step outside our comfort zones and experiment with a genre of photography we had never explored before. I chose movement, a theme that interested me and felt completely different from my usual work.
Whilst researching ways to convey movement in photography, I remembered the Lensbaby lenses tucked away in the drawer. One of their unique features is the ability to create directional blur, which seemed perfect for the assignment. This rediscovery marked the beginning of a new chapter with these lenses.
Embracing the Creative Blur
This time around my approach was completely different. Instead of fighting for sharpness, I embraced the soft, dreamy qualities that Lensbaby lenses naturally produce. I focused on using their unique characteristics, like the sweet spot of focus in the Sweet 50 and the painterly effects of the Soft Focus optic, to create images that felt expressive and full of emotion.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, I realised that my frustration with Lensbaby lenses came from trying to use them like a traditional lenses. They aren’t meant for technical precision, they are tools for creativity, experimentation, and artistry. Once I let go of the need for perfection, I began to see their potential in a whole new light.
Revisiting these lenses has been a reminder of how much I have grown as a photographer. It’s also proof that sometimes, stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes can completely change your perspective.
Moving Forward
I’m excited to continue exploring what Lensbaby lenses can do. They’ve become an integral part of my artistic tool-kit, and I can’t wait to see where they take me as I delve deeper into techniques like double exposures, free lensing, and Intentional Camera Movement (ICM)
If you have ever felt stuck or frustrated with a piece of gear, I encourage you to revisit it with a new mindset. You might just find, as I did, that its the perfect tool for your current creative journey.
What about you? Have you ever rediscovered a piece of equipment or technique that transformed your photography? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your story!
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- For years, my flower photography was an indoor affair. I had the perfect setup – a cozy corner bathed in soft, natural light that produced consistent high-key floral portraits set against a white background.
