in love with creative and honest family photography
I am in love with this simple, sweet maternity session from Meghan Boyer, shot all on film with her Mamiya 645 proTL with Portra 400. There is something so romantic about a couple expecting, and I’ll keep my words to a minimum and let these beautiful images speak for themselves.
I was drawn to these images because of Egle‘s eye for dramatic light. There is a slight air of mysteriousness to the images in this session, fitting because of the mystery and miracle of pregnancy.
From Egle:
The client booked me for a maternity photosession. It was very exciting as I was expecting myself and naturally, my feelings, emotions and preoccupations about pregnancy shine through the images. We spoke a lot about how we were feeling, what is ahead for us. It’s all mixed feelings. Happiness about the new baby and worrying about being able to cope as a mother. Dreaming what they will be like and feeling anxiety about the birth experience.
The photoshoot took place first in Samantha’s home, where her cat that time was still the boss. Samantha loves the nature and later on we went for a walk to her favorite place, Lago Origlio.
We connected in our story. Our babies were born just 9 days apart. I am full of joy and happiness that my baby girl has brought me. Looking back most of my preoccupations were unnecessary and now watching the pictures I keep wondering how this photoshoot would have gone had Samantha contacted me now rather than a couple of month ago…
This week’s technique post is all about broadening horizons, certainly mine. I’ve used a Lensbaby before, but not extensively, and I love the way Deb Schweldhelm incorporates them into her work. Deb wrote up some great info for us to share with you about using these fun lenses.
From Deb ~
OPTICS:
There are a number of optics to choose from and it’s important to know what each offers. I will share on the ones that I am familiar with and have used.
The Sweet 35 has a 35mm focal length and you can change your aperture on the outside of the optic (similar to a regular lens).
The double glass has a 50mm focal length. To change apertures, you have to swap internal rings using this magnetized tool. I have the f/4 ring in my double glass optic and never swap it out.
The Edge 80 has an 80mm focal length and again, you can change your aperture on the outside of the optic.
How to decide which optic to purchase? Start by exploring your work and see what focal range you tend to shoot at (35mm, 50mm or 80mm). I’m guessing that Lensbaby will eventually release a 50mm that has an outer aperture selection ring, so if that’s what your heart is set on (50mm with the ability to easily change aperture), you might want to wait.
Most of the images below were shot with the Composer and double glass optic with f/4 aperture ring. I purchased the Pro not long ago and and now keep a different optic in each lens. I prefer the double glass optic but it is because it’s the optic I started and am most comfortable with. Additionally, I prefer the 50mm focal length.
TIPS:
The key to learning the Lensbaby (like most things in photography) is practice, practice, practice. Know that getting good focus is not easy and that it takes patience. The more you bend, the tougher it is to nail focus so I recommend that when first starting with the Lensbaby, photograph without bending the lens (this will allow your sweet spot to be in the center). As you learn to nail focus, begin to bend. Also, be very conscious of exposure when shooting with Lensbaby, especially if switching between the Lensbaby and a regular lens, which I often do. So much less light comes through a Lensbaby than a standard 50mm lens.
You can find my Lensbaby interview here and pro spotlight HERE.
We also had several submissions for Lensbaby photos, and wanted to share a few with you:
Thanks to everyone that submitted, and don’t forget last week’s homework assignment!
