I got a chance to spend two days shooting with the new Sony a9 last week and I used it under all manner of conditions from shooting landscapes to portraits to macro to street photography. Let me share with you a bunch of pictures and my first impressions, and then links for the GH5 firmware update that dropped this week. I was using exclusively Lensbaby lenses, and especially the brand new Velvet 85, Sweet 80, and Twist 60. Any of the focus effects are a result of those lenses, not the a9. Overall It's a pretty good camera. The last time I … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Sony a9 First Impressions & Lumix GH5 Firmware Released
Lensbaby
Portrait Tips: Run Away & Zoom-In
You've got to try this technique for your portraits and you'll find a great impact on your compositions. Zooming-in makes stuff appear closer, and so we usually use it for things that are far away that we can't get closer to, like football players playing a game, or far-off wildlife. But in this case, you should put your subjects far away on purpose and then zoom in. Zooming-In Makes the Background Smaller and Closer Not only does zooming-in make your subject appear closer, it also makes the background appear larger. That means that a small … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Run Away & Zoom-In
Portrait Tips: Practice the 3 Be’s
I’ve heard Joe McNally say, “If you want more interesting pictures, stand in front of more interesting stuff.” I’ve also heard it said, “If you want to make better pictures, become a better person.” I find that is true whether I’m photographing my neighbor, a long time client, my own family, or a complete stranger. And I’ve got three Be’s for how you can implement it. 1. Be Interested Being interested doesn’t mean acting interested so you can take a picture. It means changing your mind so that you’re interested in what your subject is … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Practice the 3 Be’s
Photofocus Products of the Year – Levi Sim
Editor’s Note: It’s time for something new. In the past, Photofocus has made it a practice of acknowledging a specific camera and/or lens as the “camera/lens” of the year. This year several of us are putting together a list including camera and lens choices along with a few other pieces of gear that we think you’ll like. While it’s not designed specifically as a holiday gift guide, this list does happen to be a resource for photographers (and their friends/family) who want to get the ball rolling on their holiday shopping. A few things … [Read more...] about Photofocus Products of the Year – Levi Sim
Announcing The Winner Of The Photofocus Lensbaby Contest
Thanks to Fuji and Lensbaby, we recently ran a contest that offers a brand new Fuji X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56 to one of our lucky readers. The prize drawing was held and Andy Coates (@agitatedlight) from New York, New York was our winner. When we asked Andy how it felt to win Andy said, “It was a little surreal, I had forgotten I'd entered the competition so a fantastic surprise to hear I had won.” Andy says he had one of the original Lensbaby lenses but since it was a Canon mount he didn’t use it much due to the cameras’s … [Read more...] about Announcing The Winner Of The Photofocus Lensbaby Contest
Get creative with this lens – My quick Lensbaby Composer Pro review
There are very few additions that you can make to your camera bag that spur your creativity as much as a Lensbaby lens does. I’ve bought my first Lensbaby for my full frame DSLR in 2006. Today, 10 years later I still enjoy using my (latest version for APS-C Fuji X-Mount) Lensbaby Composer Pro Sweet 35 lens. But the lens has really grown up compared to the early version from 2006. Instead of the flexible rubber tube that you had to manually turn and hold in place with your fingers, the new versions come with a flexible stepless locking … [Read more...] about Get creative with this lens – My quick Lensbaby Composer Pro review
How to Manually Focus a Lens
In this video, Photofocus Publisher Rich Harrington and Author Levi Sim show you multiple strategies for manually focussing a camera. They'll walk you through options like zooming on live view, focus peaking, and more. Plus you'll learn how to get proper exposure when shooting in manual mode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWVlvAAsPs0&feature=youtu.be Want to win a Lensbaby Velvet 56? Check out our latest contest. … [Read more...] about How to Manually Focus a Lens
Time is Running Out to Win a Fujifilm X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56
Have you entered our latest contest? Time is running out to win a great hand strap and a new camera. Enter before July 1. We've got a new camera contest thanks to our friends over at Lensbaby. You can win a new Fujifilm X-T10 and a great Lensbaby Velvet 56 to put on it. This is the perfect combination for street photography or travel. Details Welcome to the next Photofocus contest. This contest starts May 1, 2016 and ends July 1, 2016. The winner gets: Fujifilm X-T10 Lensbaby Velvet 56 Enter Here Enter the contest here. a … [Read more...] about Time is Running Out to Win a Fujifilm X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56
How to Use Manual Focus Lenses
My first digital camera was a Nikon D90, and, as with the other 23 changeable lens cameras I've owned since, it was intended for autofocus. You're just supposed to put the focus point where you want to focus and let the lens and the camera do the work. This usually works well, unless it's too dark or your lens is manual focus only. I used to be scared of soft focus when using manual focus lenses, and I was jealous of the marvelous options in manual focus lenses, like terrific wide angles from Rokinon/Samyang that are both sharp and … [Read more...] about How to Use Manual Focus Lenses
Lens Review: Lensbaby Twist 60
This new Twist 60 lens from Lensbaby has my full attention right now. There are always new lenses boasting extreme sharpness or wide apertures or super telephoto, but Lensbaby steps aside from the sharper-faster-longer race and makes tools that actually help me be more creative. In short, it's a marvelous hunk of metal and glass, it's affordably priced, and I think you'll love it too. Keep reading for the reasons why. Petzval for the 21st Century Petzval was a scientist in the 1800's who created a new lens design, and it made big … [Read more...] about Lens Review: Lensbaby Twist 60
Always Photograph Flowers This Way
Flowers are magical. The first thing I photographed with my first camera was a flower in my yard. It was the perfect subject because it was beautiful, colorful, and it didn't move around. I sat there practicing on it every day, trying out all the camera's settings and learning how they affected the pictures. Today, I still love photographing flowers, and I've got one tip you should always use when photographing flowers. Find the Backlight Flowers are colorful, but they are also translucent. When light shines through a flower's petals, a … [Read more...] about Always Photograph Flowers This Way
Win a Fujifilm X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56
We've got a new camera contest thanks to our friends over at Lensbaby. You can win a new Fujifilm X-T10 and a great Lensbaby Velvet 56 to put on it. This is the perfect combination for street photography or travel. Details Welcome to the next Photofocus contest. This contest starts May 1, 2016 and ends July 1, 2016. The winner gets: Fujifilm X-T10 Lensbaby Velvet 56 Enter Here Enter the contest here. a Rafflecopter giveaway Thanks for entering. More Details All general Photofocus contest rules apply. Photofocus Contest … [Read more...] about Win a Fujifilm X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56
7 Tips for Dad-tographers
We’ve all heard about ‘mom-tographers’ or ‘momtogs’ who are taking over the photo industry and putting professional photographers out of work. They are credited with making pictures of their own families, and then making pictures for their friends and extended families, and often starting a business and flooding the market with adorable, highly desirable photographs with creativity and fresh perspectives bursting out of each frame. And good for them. The industry needed a kick in the pants, anyway. But this article isn’t for momtogs. No, this … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Dad-tographers
Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
I really enjoy close-up photography, so when my daughter had a dance recital recently, I had ulterior motives for buying her a bouquet of flowers. Right after she was in bed, I set about photographing her flowers. In this case, I wanted to put a new lens through its paces, and this lens is uniquely qualified to photograph closeups of tulips. The Lensbaby Edge 50 is both marvelous as a closeup lens, and its tilt feature makes it ideal for focussing on long things and maintaining sharp focus. The Edge 50 Optic Firstly, the lens is a marvel. It's … [Read more...] about Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
Photofocus Podcast December 5, 2015 — Tim Grey & Lensbaby
This week we catch up with professional photographer Tim Grey to learn about conveying emotion and feeling within photos. Then we sit down with the inventors of the Lensbaby lenses to learn about their cool products. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Tim Grey Tim Grey is regarded as one of the top educators in digital photography and imaging, offering clear guidance on complex subjects through his writing and speaking. Tim has written more than a dozen books on digital imaging for … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast December 5, 2015 — Tim Grey & Lensbaby
Using the Lensbaby Velvet 56 on a Fuji X-T1
I've been a fan of the Lensbaby line of lenses for quite some time. If you're unfamiliar with the brand, they have a wide collection of manual-focus lenses that introduce blur, distortion, and other elements into your photo. I would say that their main customer is a portrait photographer, but that should not stop any type of photographer from trying them out. They are definitely unique lenses, and worth looking into if you want to try something new. Recently, Lensbaby recently let me play around with their new Velvet 56mm lens on my Fuji … [Read more...] about Using the Lensbaby Velvet 56 on a Fuji X-T1
Why I REALLY Love The New Lensbaby Velvet 56
I just was not prepared for this. Ive used Lensbaby products for 10 years and really enjoyed them, but Ive always relegated them to the specialty lens category. But I have to say I find myself reaching for the new Velvet 56 more often than not. Its no specialty lens. And whats really telling about my constant use of this lens is that I have THREE (count em THREE) additional lenses that cover the same focal length - and every one of those lenses is stellar. I have the Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R, the FUJINON XF 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, and the Fujinon … [Read more...] about Why I REALLY Love The New Lensbaby Velvet 56
Lensbaby Circular Fisheye 5.8mm f/3.5 Lens – First Look
The Lensbaby Circular Fisheye 5.8mm f/3.5 Lens is the newest fisheye in the Lensbaby lineup. It fits most modern cameras, including my beloved Fuji X-T1. This is a speciality lens. Its not something youre going to use all day, every day. Its for those fun times when you just want to experiment. In my opinion, its not something youd use IN PLACE OF a traditional fisheye lens. Its something youd use IN ADDITION TO a traditional fisheye lens. At 5.8mm (times .5 on my Fujis APS-C camera) its EXTREMELY wide. In fact its more than 180 degrees. So … [Read more...] about Lensbaby Circular Fisheye 5.8mm f/3.5 Lens – First Look
Photofocus Podcast April 25, 2015 — Kevin Weinstein, A New Lightroom, and A New Lens from Lensbaby
This week's podcast catches you up three different ways. First get inspired by photographer Kevin Weinstein as he shares practical advice about being a working photographer. Then get a quick update on the new Lightroom CC as well as discover what new lens was just released by Lensbaby. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Kevin Weinstein Kevin graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute with a degree in photography and went on to earn a Masters degree in photojournalism from the … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast April 25, 2015 — Kevin Weinstein, A New Lightroom, and A New Lens from Lensbaby
Guaranteed Smiles: Lensbaby Composer Pro Review
There are very few things you can buy that will make your photography better. The truth is, you just have to practice more. The good news is, I can practice more--I've got a lifetime to do so, and so do you. But if I can buy a tool that will help me have fun while practicing, then that might just be worthwhile, and I'd say that the Lensbaby Composer Pro system is just such a tool. Lens-what? LensBABY. They've been making lenses for years, and they're made right here in Portland, Oregon, USA. The distinctive thing about Lensbaby lenses is that … [Read more...] about Guaranteed Smiles: Lensbaby Composer Pro Review
Lensbaby Spark Mini Review
I have always been fascinated with the Lensbaby concept. There's nothing like it. It's a totally, truly unique and original product. I have the luxury of knowing Craig Strong - the product's inventor. He's a real photographer who came up with this idea not to become rich, but to improve photography. I think he may have ended up achieving both but either way, if you've never seen a Lensbaby now is the time to try one. There are some people who think you can accomplish similar effects in post - but in my opinion the Lensbaby line is about SEEING … [Read more...] about Lensbaby Spark Mini Review
Last Lensbaby Winner
On June 30 we ended our Lensbaby giveaway by picking our last winner. And the $400 Lensbaby package goes to: @BrittMiscast Britt Miscast - congratulations. Let us know whether you use Nikon or Canon and where to ship the lens and we'll take it from there. Didn't win? There are still chances to get great gear free. Go to the Photofocus OPEN CONTEST page to find out what's available. Thanks. … [Read more...] about Last Lensbaby Winner
Lensbaby Winner – June 2012
If you're paying attention you know we're giving away one Lensbaby a month here at Photofocus. One of the three was given away last month and this month the winner is Heather Webb - @ - If you'd like to enter here's the info - https://photofocus.com/2012/04/01/want-a-chance-to-win-a-free-lensbaby/ … [Read more...] about Lensbaby Winner – June 2012
Lensbaby Edge 80 Mini Review
Today, Lensbaby is announcing a new product. It's called the Edge 80. It's part of the Lensbaby Optic Swap system. It's an 80mm f/2.8 flat field optic that offers the look and feel of a tilt/shift lens minus the shift/perspective correction.) The new optic works with the Lensbaby Composer Pro (my personal favorite) or the Composer, Muse, Scout and Control Freak. Think of Lensbaby lenses as cameras and the optics that work with them as lenses. You mount the Composer Pro and then an optic. In this case, the Edge 80. The new optic brings the … [Read more...] about Lensbaby Edge 80 Mini Review
Lensbaby – Fisheye and Soft-Focus Optic Review
Guest Post by The Lensbaby Composer is a selective-focus lens available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Olympus. It features an Optic Swap System, allowing you to change to options such as a pinhole, a Lomo/Holga-like plastic effect, single- or double-glass, wide-angle and telephoto without buying a new lens--you just pop the center of the lens out and switch. The Composer is small and portable--about the size of the average 50mm prime. Lensbaby's latest additions to their optic system are the Fisheye and Soft-Focus. For this review, … [Read more...] about Lensbaby – Fisheye and Soft-Focus Optic Review
Lensbaby Winner – November 2009
If you notice the Lensbaby banner on the bottom right side of our Photofocus.com home page, you will also notice we're running a monthly contest to giveaway one Lensbaby Composer. The winner for October is Sandy Redding from http://gazeinwidewonder.blogspot.com/. Congrats to Sandy. We'll be picking a November winner too so please be sure to enter. … [Read more...] about Lensbaby Winner – November 2009
And Our September Lensbaby Composer Winner Is…
If you look at the right side navigation bar here at the Photofocus.com site, you'll note a banner ad for our Lensbaby Composer giveaway. The only way to enter the contest is to click that link and fill out the form on the other side. We promised to give one away in September and one in October. Well here is the lucky winner of our September giveaway... Congratulations to Richard Ittermann! We've contacted Richard by e-mail to let him know he's the winner. Maybe you'll be the lucky October winner! Thanks to Lensbaby for all their support of … [Read more...] about And Our September Lensbaby Composer Winner Is…
Lensbaby Composer Winner
Thanks to the fine folks at Lensbaby, I'm giving away a free Lensbaby Composer to one of my Twitter followers. We ran a random number generator on a database of all followers as of 2:00 pm PST today. We assigned each follower a number and then the RNG picked a winner. Congrats to @adamthemiller. Thanks for following me. You're the winner of a Lensbaby Composer. Lensbaby will send you your prize directly. Please provide me with your contact info by sending me an email through [email protected] And if you didn't win, don't worry...I'm always … [Read more...] about Lensbaby Composer Winner
Lensbaby Composer Mini-Review
Lensbaby introduced the Composer at Photokina. It's a completely new lens, based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers selective focus photography with greater precision than previous Lensbaby models. I've been using Lensbaby products since they launched. (Long before there even was a TWIP.) For those who unaware of the concept, all Lensbaby lenses (old and new) provide photographers with a way to control depth of field (area of focus) by bringing one area of a photo into sharpest focus surrounded by graduated blur. By bending the … [Read more...] about Lensbaby Composer Mini-Review
Lensbaby Announces The Composer
I've been following Lensbaby literally since their first day in business. It's a company founded by photographers. They NEVER seem to let up. They've just announced a completely new lens, based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth selective focus photography with unparalleled ease. The new Composer retains its position after being bent and is easy to use even with one hand. Photographers no longer have to squeeze the lens to focus, but can simply tilt the lens to a desired angle and then focus with a traditional barrel … [Read more...] about Lensbaby Announces The Composer
