ABSTRACT

Self-Assignments If you’re looking to push your creativity and find

new ways to use your Lensbaby equipment, try

a self-assignment. Choose an optic or acces-

sory you don’t use much. Then go out for an

afternoon and use it for all the photos you take,

regardless of the subject. Do you have the Soft

Focus Optic but don’t use it much? Have you

tried stacking the macro filters together? Ever

used a small-aperture disc or no disc at all? Use

self-assignments to move yourself away from

what you’re comfortable with. They offer a way

to focus on using a particular piece of equip-

ment or on a specific subject. They’re an oppor-

tunity to photograph in a way that’s outside

what you normally do. It can do wonders for

your creativity. By making yourself focus on one

optic or accessory, you give yourself the chance

to get to know it better. You can learn what

subjects/situations it works well for and what

it doesn’t. You may find it’s your new favorite

accessory or that you truly can’t stand it! Know-

ing your equipment enables you to choose the

right option for the subject or the effect you

want to create.