Over the last couple of years the Lensbaby family of selective focus lenses have increased in popularity with many photographers. The bendable lens really lets you “see in a new way.” However, since the Lensbaby contains no electronic parts, it can’t talk to your camera. You are in manual territory on focus, and with some cameras, metering and exposure as well. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the Lensbaby learning curve, here are 5 quick tips to help you get off to a good start with this fun little lens.

FOCUS
1. You must clearly see what you are trying to focus on.
If the camera’s diopter is adjusted for your eyes, then what you see in the viewfinder will more accurately reflect what the camera also sees. To adjust your diopter, look through your viewfinder at a blank white wall and slowly turn the diopter adjustment dial until the lines in the viewfinder are at their darkest.

2. Make the in-focus area larger.
It’s best to start out using a medium aperture ring of f5.6 and up. The smaller the aperture the greater the area that remains in focus. A large “sweet spot” is easier to keep in focus.

3. Keep the focus in the center.
In the beginning, resist the urge to bend the lens or you’ll be left wondering where the “sweet spot” went. As you practice with your Lensbaby, slowly bend the lens outward more and more. You’ll soon develop a feel for where to look in the viewfinder based on how you’ve bent the lens.

EXPOSURE
4. Learn the Sunny f16 rule and a perfect exposure will be your reward.
Some camera’s light meters will not work with the Lensbaby. If you have one of these cameras, the Sunny f16 rule can help you figure out a starting shutter speed. At f16 on a sunny day your shutter speed would be the reciprocal of the ISO. If you are shooting at a lower aperture, for example f5.6, then you can increase the shutter speed since more light will be coming in with the large aperture. Easy, right? At least it’s a good guesstimate.

5. Learn to love the histogram and the clipped highlights warning screens!
Check your guesstimate for exposure using these two screens. They will help you adjust shutter speed and ISO as necessary in order to get the best possible exposure. Look for a nice bell shaped histogram with few, if any, points at the very ends of the graph. Also, make sure there are no flashing warnings for clipped highlights.

Above all, get out there with your Lensbaby and practice! I highly recommend leaving the lens on your camera for a week or two and practice taking random shots through out the day. You will begin to develop a feel for what the exposure should be based on various conditions and you will grow to love manual focus.

I also highly recommend Corey Hilz’s book Lensbaby: Bending your perspective. It really goes into greater depth on the topics I’ve touched on here and also includes lots of beautiful Lensbaby pictures by various artists: a true feast of inspiration!

Any other tips that you would include? Post a comment and lets share!