We live in a world that seems to constantly demand speed.

Photography is no exception: increasingly precise autofocus, impressive burst modes, algorithms that recognise people, animals and even eyes. Everything is designed to help us not miss the shot. I, too, appreciate these technological advances and make use of them, yet I have realised that what I am really looking for in photography is not always precision and haste. I’m looking for time. I’m looking for that sense of presence that allows me to truly observe, without rushing, letting the image take shape first within me and then through the viewfinder.

I find Lensbaby lenses and vintage lenses perfect for this kind of photographic approach, not least because they allow me to bring my vision to life. Lensbaby lenses are marketed as creative lenses, offering distinctive bokeh, selective focus and dreamlike images. Personally, I find that description reductive. When I attach a Lensbaby to my camera, I’m not simply choosing an aesthetic effect; I’m choosing the way in which I wish to tell the story of a scene. Every lens in the Lensbaby range has its own personality. Some create a more delicate atmosphere, others emphasise movement, whilst others isolate the subject with a softness that almost looks painted. Even before I start taking photographs, the choice of lens already says something about my intention. It’s a creative decision that arises before the shot is taken – sometimes I don’t even have a clear idea of what I want, so I head out without any expectations and play around with a Lensbaby and the light. On these occasions I have fun, and there’s no shortage of surprising results! However, manual focusing, finding the point of sharp focus, composition and controlling the blur all take time. Time which, rather than being a constraint, becomes a gift. Every photograph arises from a dialogue between me and the subject. 

I stop. I look around. I breathe. 

I shift the camera slightly, adjust the focus, and reassess the light. I’m not simply looking for a beautiful photograph. I’m looking for the one that expresses what I’m feeling in that moment.

Mindfulness invites us to bring our attention to the present moment, without judgement. For me, taking photographs with a Lensbaby is very close to this experience. There’s no room for autopilot; every choice requires presence. Every image arises from slow, deep observation. In that moment, I stop chasing the result and let myself be guided by the experience of observing. And perhaps this is precisely why, when I return from a photographic walk, I bring home fewer photographs, but greater satisfaction.

One thing I particularly love about Lensbabies is that no two are alike. Before I head out to take photographs, I often ask myself which Lensbaby matches my mood. Am I looking for ethereal images? Do I need a touch of delicacy? Or perhaps some dynamism? And so I take with me the lens that best reflects who I am at that moment. It’s a process similar to that of a painter choosing a brush before starting to paint. Technique takes a back seat. Emotion comes first. Over time, I’ve realised that slow photography isn’t simply about taking fewer photographs; it means valuing every single shot. Along this journey, Lensbabies have become precious travelling companions for me. They remind me that not everything has to be perfectly sharp to stir the emotions, that beauty can also lie in the nuances, the imperfections and the areas intentionally left out of the frame. And above all, they remind me that photography isn’t just about recording what we see, but about telling the story of how we choose to look at the world. Perhaps that is precisely why I keep coming back to Lensbaby lenses. Because every time they invite me to slow down, and every time – by slowing down – I manage to see something more.

I’ve bought several Lensbaby lenses, and each one has its own character. There isn’t one that’s absolutely the best: there’s simply the one that, at that precise moment, best captures what I want to express. For my floral photography – particularly for my FloralFineArt project – I almost always find myself choosing the Velvet85, the Velvet56 and the Sweet50. I love their delicacy, the softness with which they capture my subjects. When I turn my attention to landscape photography, however, I feel particularly in tune with the Sol45, the Sweet35 and the Sweet22. These lenses invite me to interpret the landscape rather than simply describe it, leaving room for emotion. I enjoy taking portraits with the Velvet85 at f/4, and I’ve taken some of children with the Edge80: I think they’re marvellous! Of course, I don’t limit myself to these: I also like to take other Lensbaby lenses with me and let myself be surprised by what they can offer in different situations.

There are days when I prefer to pick a lens I’m less familiar with and treat myself to the pleasure of experimenting. These are surprising moments, when I discover new ways of expressing myself: a way to keep learning and keep my curiosity alive, without which – at least for me – photography would lose some of its magic.

If you have any questions about these wonderful lenses, please feel free to contact me. You can also have a look at the website via this link: