There is an incredible amount of excellent, creative photography to be viewed on flickr. It’s simply mind boggling to think about all the creative talent that’s out there.
Today I looked through hundreds and hundreds of different Lensbaby shots on flickr with the intention to make another ‘15 Fine Flickrs’ compilation. There were many beautiful images so it wasn’t easy just picking 15.
As I looked through the Lensbaby pool of images on flickr, however, there were also quite a few images that lacked zing. These images were plain or even downright boring. They fell short of including any of the three key ingredients that make up a good photograph. It was as if these images were preoccupied with the ‘effect’ of the Lensbaby and forgot all about good photographic craft.
As with any photographic tool (or technique) it’s important not to let oneself be swept away by the tool (or the technique) itself. It’s important to apply good photographic craft regardless of the tool (or technique). To me good photographic craft include one or more of the following three key ingredients for a good photograph:
1. Beautiful light
2. Strong design
3. Action or Mood
Irrespective of your photographic tool (or technique) always try to capture your subject in beautiful light.
Never compromise on strong and powerful image design as this is essential to keep the viewer’s attention regardless of how amazing your ‘effect’ is. In other words follow your usual instinct when it comes to composition and don’t let the ‘effect’ distract your image design. A poorly composed image with a stunning ‘effect’ doesn’t make a great photograph.
Action or mood are elements that can really elevate an image to greatness. If you can create an image where your subject is captured in beautiful light and then arranged within the frame with a strong sense of design and then add action or mood to your image, then you have a keeper for the top drawer.
So without further ado here are 15 fine flickr examples of Lensbaby images that include at least one of the above mentioned key ingredients for a good photograph.
Please enjoy, and if you have time click on any of the images to view more of the individual photographer’s flickr photos.
Photo by sparktography
Photo by rahuldlucca
Photo by daekxus
Photo by mike.wilson
Photo by silicapathways
Photo by schallkoerper (ronald)
Photo by minato
Photo by elenaerda
Photo by Laura Burlton
Photo by john curley
Photo by Kit_Z
Photo by aopho
Photo by thespeak
Photo by Myxi
Photo by Stephen Poff
As you can see you can create some beautiful effects with the Lensbaby (and its accessories) but remember to always apply good photographic craft and not let yourself be overwhelmed by the effect of a photographic tool or technique. The photographers above have all combined good photographic craft with the Lensbaby with stunning results.
Personally I started out with the Muse and then later purchased the Composer when it was released. If I was to purchase my Lensbaby today I would go straight for the Composer because of its ease of use. It’s definitely a fun tool to have in your gear bag.
You can check out all the details on the Lensbaby website.
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24. October 2009 at 9:20 pm
Hi Thomas – and thank you for all the advice re Lensbabies. My LB Composer arrived safely a couple of days ago and although I have played a bit with it, I haven’t had a chance yet to find the right kind of situation for a successful image. I totally agree with you that an image that works is rarely about the equipment or the technique that you use but more about good composition/light/mood, etc. Of the above examples that you gave us, I particularly liked the ones by Laura Burlton and aopho. Thanks once again.
25. October 2009 at 11:32 am
Hi Ingrid, that sounds like your new Lensbaby arrived pretty quick! You’re most welcome, I just hope you will have lots of fun with it and more than anything look forward to seeing your images!
It takes a little while to get used to it and find suitable subjects, but all the fun is in experimenting and then finding your Lensbaby style. I’m yet to shoot a lot more with mine. Of course Lensbaby have now brought out a new soft focus Optic which I’m falling in love it. Good that Christmas is coming up soon!
I obviously like all of the above images, but I agree with your comments on the two images you mention. In fact Laura Burlton has some amazing work on flickr when I looked through her flickr stream.
All the best.
26. October 2009 at 9:26 am
Wise words, indeed, Thomas. Laura Burlton’s use of the Lensbaby really enhances the mood of the shot.
I can’t wait to see your results, Ingrid.
I really *want* to buy a Lensbaby, I am trying to justify it to myself though!