Having decided to sell up and move house, I haven’t had a huge amount of spare time to concentrate on photography this week. Even so, when my latest toy, a Lensball, arrived from the Netherlands on Friday, I simply had to take it out and see what it could do.
The image here was taken in some nearby woodland. It was a very grey, damp day and this possibly didn’t help as some bright lights and colour might have produced better results. Even so, there is some great detail in this shot and I hope it has held your attention!
If you use Instagram, you may already be aware of the Lensball. They’ve suddenly become very fashionable.
It is a spherical-shaped piece of glass that turns everything upside down when you look into it. I have seen some stunning results when other photographers have used the Lensball and I will keep plugging away until I have produced some better quality images.
Thus far, I have learned that you need to have a really good object to focus on. You also need to be able to frame the image to give it context (something I haven’t done particularly well in the image above, truth be told). I have also discovered you need a great deal of patience to use it at night time!
I have linked this image to the #MySundayPhoto linky hosted by the splendid Photalife.com blog. Do click on the image below to visit the linky where you will find superb examples of photography taken by other bloggers.
39 thoughts on “Experimenting with a lensball”
I don’t think I’d ever heard of a lensball before. Im still not entirely sure I get it. Can’t wait to see more of what you do with it though. Wishing you the best of luck with your house move. #MySundayPhoto
I think the Lensball’s USP is that it can be used to liven up what would otherwise be a dull scene. It can make anything eye catching. Here’s hoping for a swift house move!
It looks fab. I have literally just spotted these on Instagram over the last couple of days.
They are indeed all over Instagram. They’re very cheap actually, worth investing in if yuo want a new toy.
I have never heard of a lens ball before it’s certainly a very cool look, I love how you keep trying different things with your photography #mysundayphoto
Thank you Nigel, I am certainly having a ‘photographic moment’ where I want to do everything!
Ooh I haven’t actually seen one of these in real life yet but they look very interesting and I love what you’ve captured. You’ll have to somehow get on your back and try and take a picture the right way round too at some point 🙂
Now getting on my back to explore clouds and the sky. There’s an idea! Watch this space. . .
I saw somebody using a device that was new and intriguing to me at the Colosseum last week and was wondering if it was what got some of those Insta effects. Does it work with mobile or big camera? Off to google.
PS Love the picture
Delighted to hear you liked the picture Catherine. It does work with phone although big camera is better.
What an awesome Nnew toy…I want one! Good luck with the house, hope you can get what you want for it!
Thanks Paul. it is a great toy although it takes a bit of playing to get used to it.
Wow, I’ve becer seen one of those before…i imagine the shits will be amazing! Great start!
Yeah, this was one of my first images. I’m learning how to use it and took a few more images in London yesterday as it happens.
Wow I’ve never even heard of a lensball but I love this shot. Look forward to seeing what else you can produce with it and hope the house move plans are coming along #mysundayphoto
House moving plans are moving along at a pace. Rest assured they will be blogged about! Glad you like the Lensball shot.
Oh I love this. I’ve looked at these several times over Christmas & love the effect they give. I’m interested to see how you get on, but I think this is an awesome image. I do love trees & think it looks magical x
I guess it does look a little magical, even if the weatehr conditions were, frankly, shocking for photography!
I’ve seen a few people using one and it’s tempting me to give it a try too.
I like the way it’s come out.
Thank you for linking up
My pleasure to link up and I look forward to you trying one out in the weeks to come Darren.
How clover and adventurous, a great result.
I did more adventurous shots, they just weren’t as clear as this!
I think it’s worked really well, like you, I’ve seen some stunning shots, good luck perfecting it #MySundayPhoto
It will take me a bit of time to perfect using the Lensball but I shall keep plugging away. Glad you liked it.
Lens balls are fantastic. I’ve had mine for about a year and only took about 2 photos with it. I always forget to take it out with me.
I look forward to seeing more results
They are a little on the heavy side so I can see why you don’t take it out much, That said, I think they could liven up an event at which there wasn’t much to photograph.
This looks fab! Enjoy your new toy x
Oh I certainly will Kim, I certainly will!
I tried this effect recently with a cheap marble I bought before Christmas so I could do a tree shot with it! I expect yours gives clearer results but it’s still fun playing, can’t wait to see what else you come up with.
The Lensball is incredibly clear. Whether it’s clearer than your marble I couldn’t say but I hope you have fun with the marble anyway.
Ooh a new toy. I’m really looking forward to seeing what you get from this #MySundayPhoto
I’ll let you know how I get on Kerri-Ann. Instagram would be the best place to see what I get up to.
Ooh I’m jealous. I’d love to try one of these. How do you keep them flat/from rolling away?
Oh there’s a question. It did come with a little stand thing but it’s useless. I’m going to buy another something more substantial because keeping it in place is proving tricky.
Very cool. I have one but have yet to play with it
mollyx
Best of luck when you do get to play with it. It does take a bit of learning.
Hi John, I’ve never heard of a lens ball, so many things to check out, only so many hours in the day! The effect is interesting and reminds me of looking through marbles as a child. I will be checking these out for sure!… Good luck with your house move.
xx
Loving the reflection here. #MySundayPhoto
Very glad to hear you liked it Helena.