This is a follow up from last week's lensbaby creativity post. Infact I wanted to share some creative lensbaby flower images with you using various parts of the optics system. Abstract and macro go hand in hand. But add a lensbaby optic and you'll gain a whole new dimension to your photography. Flower photography is what I specialise in so you can just imagine that the lensbaby is rarely off my camera body.
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I still like some degree of sharpness in most of the images and usually, I'll use the Canon Lensbaby composer pro with double glass optic (affiliate link) and the aperture rings f4 and f5.6. I'll also use the +4 and +10 macro filters (affiliate link) stacked on top of each other. Sometimes there are barrels of Kenko extension tubes (affiliate link) in the stack too! Indeed there could even be a wide-angle optic stacked on the very top! Phew, that's quite a package!
If you use the Lensbaby on your full-frame camera the focal length will be 50mm. If you use it on an APS sensor DSLR then your images will be 75mm.
All the images below were taken handheld using an APS sensor DSLR with no cropping. You don't want to crop your images if possible as you're cropping away all that gorgeous blur. So getting your composition right in the frame is paramount from the outset.
Lensbaby flower images - Extension Rods
Even the smallest of details can be picked up in the sweet spot. All you need to do is bend the Lensbaby over the area you want to be the sharpest and then manually focus. All the rest of the details in the image will bend and blur softly into the background.
Abstract
Or you can go for the very abstract soft and dreamy approach. In fact, this where it's all about colour, flowing lines and soft blur.
Lensbaby flower images - Using the Telescopic Optic
With the orange ranunculus flower I used the double glass, +4 and +10 macro filters and the telescopic optic.
Consequently this turns the lens into an 85 mm rather than a 50mm. That's 120mm on an APS sensor dslr.
Lensbaby flower images - Using the Plastic Optic
Dreamy photos are what I'm best known for and the best optic I've found for creating that is the plastic optic.
The images have an ethereal look to them straight out of the camera.
So far only this decaying tulip flower has been my subject. But I can just imagine how adding a texture to this image would give it an even greater painterly feel.
The possibilities as you can see are just endless when it comes to swapping the optics!
Nina
Fantastic sharpness and details! The dreaminess and softness is beautiful both with the telescope and the wide angle – wonderful pictures!
edenhills
These are amazing! I have to say, I'm impressed with your technical knowledge as this read like a foreign language. It made me realize how much I still have to learn.
Gardening in a Sandbox
Good post Rosie. I took a Lensbaby course with Lensbaby guru Kathleen Clemons last year and I know the system does take some practice. I am still working away at it. Your photos are beautiful. Valerie
abrianna
Lovely shots. I'd like that creativity myself, but a lensbaby won't fit on my camera body that I got a few months ago.
I'll have to be creative in other ways.
Deborah Coombs
I am a true beginner and still need to learn this language. Your images are beautiful and indeed dreamy. I am amazed by the detail with the lensbaby and the individual pollen beads. I've never even seen that with my eye!
Adrienne
the pollen detail, and the sheer petals of that last flower are stunning! Such a great set of shots!
patricia
Amazing—-I, too, need to learn the language. But after seeing your photos, I am going to make the effort. The flower season is coming on strong. I need a challenge.
alicia
I would love to have just have one day with you! I marvel at these photos and all of these filters and gizmos boggle my brain. Perhaps I need to visit a camera store. (I haven't found one since moving here.) Your photos are beautiful and inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing. My favorite is definitely that last ranunculus shot with the double glass and filters. Just breathtaking!
Shannon
Wow amazing photos! I'm just got my first real camera (Canon T1i)so I'm still practicing with the kit len. I'm hoping by this time next year I will know what you mean and be able to do it. I'm going to save a copy your post so I can try it.
Kristi {at} Live and Love...Out Loud
Rosie, these are all so awesome! I especially love the orange ranunculus! Gorgeous work and fabulous tips!
Thanks so much for sharing these in the Nurture Photography Challenge! I can't wait to see what you come up with for our new theme: Ivory/Dream!
P.S. Sorry for stopping by so late. Unfortunately, there was a death in my family and I just didn't feel up to visiting blogs right away. I hope you'll understand. 🙂