Bend That Baby
Jul 26, 2017 14:45:14 #
...to get the full Lensbaby effect! Compose your shot as usual with lens straight, recompose to place your subject where you want it to be, and then bend the lens so that the sweet spot will be on your subject. Refine focus as needed. I used the Composer Pro with sweet 50 optic, my favorite combination. Please try the downloads.
Jul 26, 2017 16:21:04 #
This is so easy for you to say... I have a heck of a time with the bend, but that's my problem!! lol...
Fantastic set, Donna and thanks for taking the time to explain what you did!! I'm guessing this was taken without a macro converter and what was your aperture set at??
I think I shot at that distance once, I really enjoyed these and I might have to give it another shot! It really showcases the subject!!
Fantastic set, Donna and thanks for taking the time to explain what you did!! I'm guessing this was taken without a macro converter and what was your aperture set at??
I think I shot at that distance once, I really enjoyed these and I might have to give it another shot! It really showcases the subject!!
Jul 26, 2017 16:41:06 #
angela k wrote:
This is so easy for you to say... I have a heck o... (show quote)
No, it's not easy but worth the trouble to learn IMO, Angela. I had a mental block on the bending part at first, because I was trying to bend the lens without focusing straight ahead first. No converter, because the converters are for close focus, and I think my aperture was set on f/4. Glad you like these. They're the first of my Meaher Park lensbaby shots..so I'm afraid there's more to come.
Jul 26, 2017 17:06:29 #
Dixiegirl wrote:
No, it's not easy but worth the trouble to learn IMO, Angela. I had a mental block on the bending part at first, because I was trying to bend the lens without focusing straight ahead first. No converter, because the converters are for close focus, and I think my aperture was set on f/4. Glad you like these. They're the first of my Meaher Park lensbaby shots..so I'm afraid there's more to come.
I will try again... so you focus straight first on your subject, then you move over and tilt the lens still on the subject?? That's my mental block... I think I might find some how to videos for this!!
Looking forward to more of your Maeher Park Baby adventure... bring them on!! And also post in gallery!!
Jul 26, 2017 17:27:15 #
angela k wrote:
I will try again... so you focus straight first on your subject, then you move over and tilt the lens still on the subject?? That's my mental block... I think I might find some how to videos for this!!
Looking forward to more of your Maeher Park Baby adventure... bring them on!! And also post in gallery!!
Looking forward to more of your Maeher Park Baby adventure... bring them on!! And also post in gallery!!
No, I'll just use the cabins as an example. I focused on the cabins with the lens straight ahead and not bent. I didn't want the cabins in the middle of the picture, so I turned the camera until the cabins were where I wanted them in the upper right. Only then did I bend the lens until the sweet spot of focus was on the cabins. Sometimes you have to turn your focus ring a bit, and sometimes you don't.
Jul 27, 2017 06:00:44 #
Thanks for the wonderful demo, Donna. I haven't jumped into bending yet, since I'm so hung up on my Velvet 56. I think the novelty is wearing off, so I'm ready for a new adventure. I recently got a Soft Focus optic, and it's time to take it out for a spin.
How do you know how far to bend the lens? Trial and error and taking multiple shots? So much to learn and I love it!
How do you know how far to bend the lens? Trial and error and taking multiple shots? So much to learn and I love it!
Jul 27, 2017 10:09:33 #
I like these Donna. Have not used the lens much for more of a landscape shot but once the weather here is cooler, I hope to be more out and about. Anxious to try it around waterfalls, the mountains. May I intrude on your comments to Angela. Not sure if she uses tripod but I find it totally necessary for my shooting. It frees my hand to do the bending and focusing of the lens. Makes it " hugely" easier. Also I adjusted the tightness. Mine was too stiff. I do recommend the Lensbaby University at Lensbaby.com. It is free and has good information.
Jul 27, 2017 14:17:25 #
jayway55 wrote:
Thanks for the wonderful demo, Donna. I haven't jumped into bending yet, since I'm so hung up on my Velvet 56. I think the novelty is wearing off, so I'm ready for a new adventure. I recently got a Soft Focus optic, and it's time to take it out for a spin.
How do you know how far to bend the lens? Trial and error and taking multiple shots? So much to learn and I love it!
How do you know how far to bend the lens? Trial and error and taking multiple shots? So much to learn and I love it!
That's it exactly, Jane. Trial and error and taking multiple shots. My problem at first was trying to bend the lens too far. Usually it takes just a very slight bend to find the sweet spot. I'm far from being an expert at anything and didn't intend to imply by posting this that I had it all together where lensbaby photography is concerned. When I bought my first lensbaby, almost all lensbaby photography was centered on 'the bend'. I think now that they've come out with the Velvet 56, etc., the focus has shifted to more traditional use instead.
Jul 27, 2017 14:20:30 #
CSand wrote:
I like these Donna. Have not used the lens much f... (show quote)
Thank you, Sandy, and you're absolutely right about using a tripod. I didn't use one for these, but I can't function without a tripod for closeups especially. My hands are way too shaky.
Jul 27, 2017 23:54:49 #
This is something I have a problem with, Donna. Thank you so much for the demonstration/explanation! These are gorgeous shots. 
I'm trying to get that sequence set in my head... focus on subject centered, move camera so the subject is where you want it in the frame, bend the lens to put that focus on the subject again, refine focus if needed and shoot. I too have had a mental block!
I'm trying to get that sequence set in my head... focus on subject centered, move camera so the subject is where you want it in the frame, bend the lens to put that focus on the subject again, refine focus if needed and shoot. I too have had a mental block!
Jul 28, 2017 16:29:22 #
CathyAnn wrote:
This is something I have a problem with, Donna. T... (show quote)
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your lovely compliment, Cathy. You have the sequence exactly right. It's focus straight ahead, move to recompose, bend lens and refine focus. Sometimes it helps me to move myself to refine focus rather than to turn the focus ring. I noticed when I took these that I don't seem to have quite as much trouble refining the refocus after the bend with the Sweet 50 as I did with the Sweet 35. I don't know why....
Jul 28, 2017 16:59:22 #
Dixiegirl wrote:
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your lovely compliment, Cathy. You have the sequence exactly right. It's focus straight ahead, move to recompose, bend lens and refine focus. Sometimes it helps me to move myself to refine focus rather than to turn the focus ring. I noticed when I took these that I don't seem to have quite as much trouble refining the refocus after the bend with the Sweet 50 as I did with the Sweet 35. I don't know why....
That is curious. I'll try to remember to make mental note when I use either one with the Composer Pro. You have to know that my saying that is a case of "famous last words." lol!
Jul 28, 2017 17:09:06 #
CathyAnn wrote:
That is curious. I'll try to remember to make mental note when I use either one with the Composer Pro. You have to know that my saying that is a case of "famous last words." lol!
LOL It might be just the opposite for you, Cathy. Let me know what you find out??
Jul 28, 2017 18:39:12 #
Dixiegirl wrote:
LOL It might be just the opposite for you, Cathy. Let me know what you find out??
Will do, Donna!
Jul 28, 2017 18:51:32 #
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