Since I first saw a LensBaby, that quirky little wannabe lens, I was fascinated. I’m not sure why I fount it to be intriguing. Perhaps it was the unpredictable results, but every time I went to Photography Show, I always happened to find my way to the LensBaby booth. Recently I attended “The Photographic, Video and Digital Imaging Show”, sponsored by Henry’s School of Imaging and once again, I was drawn to this weird little lens. Shortly after, there was a presentation called, “Bend the Rules with LensBaby”. I was sold. It was time to step away from the perfect super crisp L-Series miracle of engineering, zoom, crystal clear optics and mind numbingly fast auto focus, and delve into a world of fixed focal length, aperture disks and manual focus.

My first attempts were not stunning by any means. The LensBaby does require some patience. Waiting for the autofocus to wake up is futile. , but I’m having fun. I found the F4 aperture ring to be the better choice for closer shots. I haven’t quite tried any landscape type shots yet.

While the results so far have not been news breaking, I did discover why the urge to buy this lens was so compelling. It’s a fixed focal length and it’s a manual focus. This means I have to go back to basics. For years, I’ve been looking for the perfect shot. The reality is, every shot I take, is perfect. The lenses I use are the best lenses available. The optics do not get any better. The auto focus is blindingly fast and dead accurate. Is doesn’t get any better. The only real talent I need is my ability to get to the right place and a ‘media pass’ usually gets me to where I want to be. So I always come away with the perfect picture. Yes, a certain amount of creativity is necessary, but it’s not rocket science.

With the Lensbaby, my true creativity is set on fire. I’m suddenly free of the must have latest and fastest and more optically perfect rat race syndrome and I’m able to create whatever I want to create.