Master Surreal Photography: In-Depth Review of the Lensbaby Creative Effects Kit
Discover how to capture truly unique, surreal photos with captivating effects using the Lensbaby Creative Effects Kit. Our hands-on guide shares expert tips and real-world results.
When the kit arrived, I was initially intimidated and set it aside until a family trip to Northern California during the holidays, providing ample time for experimentation.
The kit includes four interchangeable optics: Double Glass, Single Glass, Plastic, and Pinhole/Zone Plate. Each delivers distinct creative effects, and the bendable lens allows you to intensify the impact or shift the focal point anywhere in the frame.
On a cold, rainy day, my partner Scott and I packed umbrellas, drove to the apple orchards I photographed in high school darkroom classes, and after 30 minutes of Lensbaby tutorial videos, we were ready to shoot from the car.
Here are three standout optics from the kit, with examples showcasing their potential.
Double Glass Optic
We began with the Double Glass Optic, the most intuitive to master. Using an f/5.6 aperture disk, we experimented with lens tilt.
Straight-on focusing is straightforward, but tilting shifts the sweet spot—for instance, leftward tilt pulls focus to the left side.
Or rightward...
Ideal for portraits, this optic will become a staple in our kit.
Plastic Optic
The Plastic Optic initially frustrated me with its pervasive softness, clashing with my sharp-focus training from years of classes.
Retrying on a foggy San Diego day with an f/4 disk, I embraced the blur. Letting go unlocked its dreamy magic.
Flower shots mimic paintings—canvas prints could fool viewers. It evokes the ethereal visuals of What Dreams May Come.
Thrives in overcast or foggy light for a surreal, dreamlike aesthetic.
Pinhole/Zone Plate Optic
The Zone Plate demands practice for soft-focus mastery. Use sunny conditions or a tripod at f/19 (Zone Plate) or f/177 (Pinhole).
This versatile kit elevates any photographer's toolkit. We regret the delay in testing it. Have you explored Lensbaby lenses?
We received a complimentary Creative Effects Kit from Lensbaby for review. All opinions are our own, based on extensive testing.
