Light Inspired

As a photographer, at times it’s the subject that inspires, draws me to capture. But ultimately, it’s how the subject appears that creates the vision. The shadows, the depth, what is seen but also what is unseen – they exist because of light.

Some images culminate in my mind by the addition of light. I have found the Lensbaby OMNI creative filter system to add a dream-like or reflective quality that I envision.

This system includes wands of various shapes that one places in front of the lens (either hand-held or through a magnetic ring system) to provide bokeh, color, and additional light. Here’s a few ways to use them to enhance the light in your images.

Shapes

One way these filters can be used is to replicate the shapes present in the subject. Here I used the crystal from the Color Expansion Pack to repeat the lines of the petals preparing to unfold.

Here you can see the crystals are on the right side of the image mimicking the shapes of the buds leading the eye back and then paralleling the buds.

Repetition

Another way to utilize this system is to create a simulated mirror effect which will add layers and depth to the image.

Here the crystal is on the bottom left of the image which creates a repetitive effect of the blossoms.

The seahorse crystal adds layers of petals leading the eye from the petals to the top right of the image.

Color

The Rainbow filter appears as if it’s a rectangular piece of thin plastic but when placed in front of the lens it creates a rainbow or multicolored effect.

The rainbow wand adds a magical and dreamlike feel to otherwise relatively monochrome images.

Light. It’s ever-present, ever-changing, ever-inspiring. It’s also essential for a photograph to exist. Taking the existing light and manipulating it by placing creative filters and crystals in front of the lens can enhance the story, mood, and wonder of an image. Give it a try! And comment below with any questions you may have! Here’s to being Light Inspired!

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Sharleen of Sharleen Stuart Photography

Please click here for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Growth images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_lightinspired. A new theme will be posted on June 6th.

Growth

How do you grow? What steps do you take to recognize, explore, and nurture the gifts within you?

Joining with other creatives in pursuing envisioning the world a bit differently has expanded my art. Surrounded by like-minded artists breaking the mold, I am freed to explore new techniques. Community promotes growth.

Here are a few ways to develop your personal vision and enhance your art.

Experiment with different filters. By placing various filters in front of your lens, you can gain unique effects. This process requires a bit of experimentation. Where do I place the filter? What effect will the filter have if I turn it at a different angle?

For this I used the Lensbaby Edge 50 with the OMNI stretch glass to get the blurred line effects.

With the Lensbaby Velvet 56 I placed the OMNI seahorse crystal to the right of the image to create a duplicating layered effect.

Change your aperture. Most of us tend to capture in the “safe zone”, an aperture that we are confident will apply the desired level of balance of focus and blur. How about taking your lens to its limit? Shift to the lowest aperture and see what you can create.

I took the Lensbaby Velvet 56 all the way to f/1.6 for a creamy glow on the tulips in the sunlight.

Flip your lens around. Yes. I mean actually detach your lens from the camera body! Quickly flip it around and hold it up to your camera tightly for a more macro effect. This is typically referred to as “reverse freelensing”. You may be amazed at the details you are able to capture!

I got down low (like laying in the dirt!) and flipped around the Lensbaby Burnside 35.

Shift your angles. Try looking straight up. I began observing the wonder of this view during my runs in the forest. At times I would stop and tilt my head all the way back to experience the trees extending into the sky. I found that it creates such a unique photographic effect with the layers and perspective.

Looking up at the about-to-bloom magnolia tree with the dreamy Lensbaby Velvet 56 at f/1.6.

Lower your shutter speed. Slowing down the action of the shutter creates a sense of movement. Any still objects will remain in focus while the moving objects will blur. This takes some getting used to the lack of crispness but you may find it adds an emotive element to your art.

This was a SUPER windy day. You can see the movement of my dress and hair in the breeze while the fence remains in crisp focus. The Lensbaby Burnside 35 has an amazing in-camera vignette option which I have turned all the way on. Shutter speed was 1/20 second while the aperture was at f/16. Side note: another way to really challenge yourself is to get in the frame – be bold, be you, be free. 🙂

So, how will you choose to grow? Surround yourself with people who affirm your gifts and believe in your spirit. Go out there, try something new, and create beauty! Your contribution to the world is valued and amazing!

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Lynne of Lynne Grant Photography.

Please click here for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Growth images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_growth. A new theme will be posted on May 6th.

Frozen

Of the countless times I’ve visited this lake, never have I experienced it like this: completely frozen. Amidst the frigid temperatures, the whipping wind, and snowflakes dancing through the air, we ventured across on foot. It took some bravery for some, “But what if I fall through, Mom?” And some trusting, “Will it hold?” A lesson in beauty and faith. An unforgettable experience.

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Ceri of Ceri Herd Photography.

Please click here for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Frozen images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_frozen. A new theme will be posted on April 6th.

Silver Lining

Though the clouds may roll in, darkening, dampening our days and spirits, the silver lining remains with light and hope. Throughout the pandemic I’ve been using photography to focus on gratitude, to shift my mind to hope. One of the incredible outcomes of the extra time has been opportunities for my children to explore and embrace music with freedom. With borrowed and purchased instruments and my dad (a retired high school instrumental music teacher) and their awesome Suzuki piano instructor guiding them, they have invested in creation in the face of uncertainty.

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Ceri of Ceri Herd Photography.

Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Silver Lining images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_silverlining.  A new theme will be posted on March 6th.

Details

Photography causes me to stop. Observe. Appreciate. Capture. Details otherwise overlooked.

Lensbaby Velvet 56 opens the opportunity to do so.

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I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Michele of Michele Tremblay Photo.

Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Details images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_details.  A new theme will be posted on February 6th.

Storytelling

A storyteller. A story capturer. A story creator.

In this case, one lens to capture pages from a story. One I’m living – on the inside or outside.

Lensbaby Edge 50. If you have questions on these incredible creative lenses, please contact me! And use my referral code: wwillson for an extra 10% off their holiday sale!

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I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Janet of Wired to the Moon.

Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Storytelling images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_storytelling.  A new theme will be posted on January 6th.

Traditions

For the past 12 years my parents have taken a long weekend in Fall and rented a cabin for our family – always a unique location within driving distance. This tradition, “cabin weekend” as the kids affectionately call it, is one of exploration and refocus. 2020 took us to Harpers Ferry, WV where the river certainly restores…

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I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Ceri of Ceri Herd Photography

Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Traditions images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_traditions.  A new theme will be posted on December 6th.

Colors

It is always incredible to me how light – the direction, the intensity, the timing – impacts color in such a dramatic way. The lenses and post-processing then further transform the scene.

We recently vacationed in the gorgeous state of New Hampshire. Our rental had a semi-private lake which the kids embraced as their own 😉 and naturally I thoroughly enjoyed capturing.

(And, yes, more than 6 images because, well, because. 🙂 )

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Lynne of Lynne Grant Photography

Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your New images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_colors20.  A new theme will be posted on October 6th.

New

When life as we know it relatively abruptly halted. When there were unexpected “ends.” Things, events, experiences we anticipated continuing, stopped. And it’s a certain challenge to not become consumed by what isn’t.

On March 16th I shared my first photo in a Facebook album titled “Finding beauty over fear.” In capturing and sharing one photo per day of the wonder of God’s creation I’ve come to envision life. Because, despite what it seems, life has not ceased. In fact, it continues to expand, to grow, to adapt, to morph, to bring forth abundant beauty.

I have begun to view what others consider “weeds” as pieces of art. A new perspective.

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Ceri of Ceri Herd Photography.

Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your New images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_new.  A new theme will be posted on August 6th.

Simplicity

Seeking simplicity.

When all else has been broken down and stripped away.

Here is the basic presence of peace and wonder.

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the talented Katherine of Cobert Photography.

Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Simplicity images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_simplicity.  A new theme will be posted on June 6th.