Lensbaby Photography Techniques: A Bold New Edge for Creative Expression

Mastering Lensbaby photography techniques unlocks a new realm of creative possibilities for photographers. These innovative lenses are designed to transform ordinary shots into stunning works of art, featuring dreamy blurs, tilt-shift effects, and magical bokeh. Whether you’re capturing portraits, landscapes, or close-ups, Lensbaby photography allows you to express your artistic vision like never before.

In this blog, I’ll share my favorite Lensbaby photography techniques, showcase inspiring examples, and include my ambassador link so you can explore these tools for yourself. If you’re ready to unlock your creative potential, let’s dive in!

Rediscovering Creativity with Lensbaby

There’s something magical about stepping away from perfection and embracing the unexpected. Lensbaby lenses have been my go-to for capturing emotion and artistry, especially when I want to tell a story or evoke a feeling.

In one of my recent shoots, I used the Velvet 56 to capture soft, glowing tones in a portrait series. It created a painterly effect that drew viewers in, making the images feel timeless yet modern. These lenses allow you to approach photography with curiosity and joy—two essentials for true creativity.

Introducing the New Lensbaby Edge 35mm Optic

As a photographer who loves pushing creative boundaries, I was thrilled when the makers of Lensbaby invited me to be a beta tester for their latest lens: the Edge 35mm Optic. This release is a dream come true for those of us who’ve been waiting for a wider option in the world of Lensbaby photography techniques!

I already own a few of their amazing artistic lenses, and each one has proven to be a reliable source of inspiration, helping me power through creative ruts. No matter the project, these lenses never fail to deliver unique and breathtaking results.

Here are the Lensbaby lenses currently in my kit:

1. Lensbaby Velvet 56
2. Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Edge 80 Optic
3. (Edited to add): Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

Now, with the release of the Edge 35 Optic on 3/14/19, Lensbaby photographers can expand their storytelling capabilities even further. This lens allows us to achieve the signature slice of focus effect at a wider 35mm focal length, perfect for capturing more of the scene while still directing the viewer’s attention exactly where we want it.

With the Edge 35, you can achieve that sharp, precise slice of focus through your image in any direction—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. This control makes it easy to highlight key details, draw the viewer’s eye, and blur out distractions. It’s a game-changing addition to the arsenal of Lensbaby photography techniques.

Exhibit  A:

Putting the Lensbaby Edge 35mm to the Test with Creative Lensbaby Photography Techniques

In February, I had the chance to take the Edge 35mm Optic with me to Arizona for a photo session with my incredible and gorgeous friend Mary 😊. What made this shoot even more exciting? Days before my arrival, Mary welcomed an adorable new GoldenDoodle puppy, Waffles 🐶! Since she couldn’t leave him alone, we decided to keep the entire session indoors, giving me the perfect opportunity to truly put the Edge 35 to the test.

How the Edge 35 Shines in Low Light for Lensbaby Photography Techniques

Indoor sessions can be challenging, especially with low light and limited space. With the Edge 35’s lowest f/stop at 3.5, I was curious to see how well it could perform in such conditions. Plus, the 35mm focal length was ideal for capturing creative compositions within the tight quarters of Mary’s home.

The result? The lens did NOT let me down! The Edge 35 excelled in low light, producing sharp, beautifully focused slices of detail while softening the background in that signature Lensbaby way. It gave me the flexibility to experiment with unique Lensbaby photography techniques even in challenging conditions.

Here are the rest of the images from the session with Mary—by the way, she’s 15 weeks pregnant here! ♥️

Why Use Lensbaby Lenses?

Lensbaby photography techniques help photographers achieve what traditional lenses cannot:

• Dreamy Effects: From soft focus to surreal bokeh, the effects are unmatched.
• Artistic Storytelling: These lenses emphasize mood and emotion, perfect for narrative imagery.
• Hands-On Experience: Mastering manual focus enhances your technical skills and gives you full control over your shots.

To see how Lensbaby transforms images, check out my Lensbaby Portfolio for examples from my personal projects.

Lensbaby Photography Techniques You’ll Love

The Power of Tilt-Shift Photography

Using the Edge 80 or Edge 35 optics, you can tilt the lens to create a dramatic plane of focus. This technique draws the viewer’s eye to your subject while adding a sense of depth and movement.

Playing with the Sweet Spot

The Sweet 50 optic focuses on a specific area of the image, leaving the edges beautifully blurred. This is one of my favorite Lensbaby photography techniques for portraits and street photography.

Soft Glow with the Velvet Series

The Velvet lenses produce a dreamy glow that’s perfect for romantic portraits or ethereal still life. Experiment with backlighting to enhance this effect.

How Lensbaby Changed My Photography

When I first started using Lensbaby, it was a challenge to adapt to manual focus and embrace imperfection. However, these challenges quickly turned into rewards as my photography took on a fresh, creative edge.

One of my most memorable shoots was a springtime flower series using the Velvet 56. The images were full of texture, light, and detail that would have been impossible to capture with a standard lens.

Tips for Mastering Lensbaby Photography Techniques

• Start Small: Use one lens or optic until you’re comfortable with its quirks and effects.
• Experiment with Lighting: These lenses respond beautifully to natural and artificial light.
• Embrace Mistakes: Some of the most interesting shots come from happy accidents!

For more tips and examples, explore my Lensbaby Portfolio and get inspired to try something new.

Using Lensbaby for Unique Portraits

Lensbaby photography techniques are ideal for portraits that stand out. Whether you’re shooting professional headshots or intimate lifestyle moments, lenses like the Sweet 35 or Velvet 56 add an artistic flair.

For a recent session, I paired the Sweet 35 with a wide aperture to create dreamy, softly blurred backgrounds while keeping the subject sharp. The results were breathtaking and added a whimsical touch to an otherwise traditional shoot.

While I was on vacation in AZ, I tried to take the lens with me wherever I would go to experiment some more with it, as a result below, you’ll see some examples:

Adding Lensbaby to Your Gear Bag

If you’re ready to explore the world of Lensbaby, I recommend starting with the Composer Pro II and Sweet 50. This combination is versatile, user-friendly, and offers plenty of creative options. Use my ambassador link to browse their full range of lenses and optics.

All in all, I’m extremely impressed with how tack sharp the lens is.  Lensbaby, you never cease to amaze me ♥️

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Lensbaby lenses used for?
Lensbaby lenses are designed for creative photography, offering effects like soft focus, tilt-shift, and unique bokeh.

Are Lensbaby lenses hard to use?
They have a learning curve, especially with manual focus, but the effort is worth the artistic results.

Can Lensbaby lenses work with my camera?
Lensbaby lenses are compatible with most major camera brands. Check the specifications for your model.

Which Lensbaby lens is best for beginners?
The Composer Pro II with Sweet 50 is an excellent starting point for those new to Lensbaby.

How do I buy Lensbaby lenses?
Use my ambassador link to explore their range of products and get exclusive access.

Conclusion

Lensbaby photography techniques are more than just tools—they’re a gateway to rediscovering the joy of creating. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your artistic journey, these lenses offer endless possibilities for self-expression.

To see these techniques in action, visit my Lensbaby Portfolio, and don’t forget to shop using my ambassador link to begin your creative adventure today!