Nightski

I can't remember my settings and they aren't in the metadata because this manual focus, manual aperture lens does not talk to the camera. I'd love to hear from people who have the Velvet 56. I like the effect this lens has. This one is taken pretty wide open if I remember right. It exaggerates the effect of the lens. It shoots pretty sharp images when you close it down a bit. I guess what I am most interested in is what types of subjects have worked best for people using a lens like this, and also thoughts on this image as well.

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jayway55 Loc: Philadelphia Area - USA

Beautiful shot, Sandra! I just love it, so dreamy and serene! I don't have the Velvet 56, but I'm pretty sure Dixiegirl (Donna) has it. If you get a chance, check out her posts. I have the Sweet 35 and Single Glass optics and it's fun playing with them and seeing what they can do. I love shooting them wide open to get the maximum effect, but that's just me. I like to go all out! Please post more when you can because there are a few of us that have Lensbabies.
Jane

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

This is really lovely. Would enjoy seeing more velvet work as I too have this lens.

Nightski

Thank you Jane. I will definitely go look at her work.

Nightski

This is so cool. I've found fellow Lensbaby enthusiasts.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Interesting effect. It's certainly dreamy appearing. I'm not sure I'm all that fond of the effect, but it is attention getting, and keeping.
--Bob

Nightski

You might like the effect better, Bob, if the person wielding the Velvet 56 was more adept at it. Certain subjects work better with it than others. Then when you find a subject you like, you have to pick the right aperture for that subject. I think what the lens does well is to isolate an area in a photograph. I like this subject because it has a clear subject (the bridge) and a strong setting (the autumn colours). I was excited to find a couple other Lensbaby users on this thread as I think it would help me to see what others are doing. The Velvet 56 takes beautiful flower images. I've seen some that are stunning. The trick seems to be getting the area of focus in the right place. The lens does offer an all over soft effect, but I think you can tell that part of the bridge is in focus. I haven't used it at all this winter because it's very hard to adjust manual focus and aperture with winter gloves on.