This week I was commenting in the Lensbaby Unplugged Group on Facebook on a post where someone asked a very simple question. They were struggling with the Omni and wanted to know the best way to use it. Depending on what you read into that, it’s not an easy question to answer. The ways to use it are probably limitless, but there are easy ways to learn how it works for you!
One of the first ways I’ll suggest is take one of the wands, or films and work exclusively with it in a variety of lighting situations and locations. You might want to start with one type of subject where you can control the light and place the Omni in various locations in front of your lens to see how it affects your composition. Then you can take that a step further and use that same wand across a variety of subjects, using the same formula of trying it in several locations in front of your lens. Using this method will how you which genres of photography or at the very least, which subjects you find work with that wand. Once you have a good feel for that wand, go ahead and try another one. You’ll soon be picking out your favorites and realizing that some work better in some situations than other do.
You can also pick one subject and try our multiple wands during the same session. Take a picture of each wand before you start so you’ll know which ones you used when you’re ready to edit. Remembering to take the picture takes some practice but if you go slow, you’ll start to learn how each wand affects your final results.
For both of these methods I would suggest using a stationary subject, rather than moving children, let’s say. You’ll want to try to move the wands ever so slowly around your lens, or rotating them without moving them around the lens. The results can change with the slightest of movements. It may even be impossible to get the same effect again, especially if your light source changes.
One issue I didn’t address is which lens to use. Well, that’s another piece of the equation that you need to explore. I would suggest using the lens that you’re most comfortable with first. If you have a fixed lens, I’d try that before a zoom. You don’t have to use a Lensbaby lens, but you can! You can certainly use a cell phone too! There are no rules for any of this. I like to shoot close to wide open so I’m adding to the blur or the bokeh. It also helps to hide the edges of any flat surfaces you’re putting in front of your lens.
As you’re shooting just remember that your results may not be the same as someone else who is using the same tool. It’s all about the light and that changes with every situation. You need to just try to have fun with it! Try another wand or again in different light if the results aren’t what you’d hoped for. For some Omni’s the result may be more subtle and others way more obvious. This is totally normal! Just keep in mind the type of shooting you do that would benefit most from those types of results.
If I can answer any other questions, please reach out! You can use the contact form on my website or message me on social media! I’m happy to help in any way I can! Ready to purchase an Omni? Use this link and the code WKUHLMAN at check out for a 10% discount ! The discount is not available on any new release but by using the link/code you’ll let them know I sent you!
