Teo Kefalopoulos –An Introduction to Lensbaby Optics

TEO KEFALOPOULOS –AN INTRODUCTION TO LENSBABY

“I consider these optics to be key elements in themes that are all about transient memories, vague visions and introvert mood.”

Spellbound ©Teo Kefalopoulos

In Teo kefalopoulos’ work, minimalistic approach and isolation are obvious features, as is also a “dark”, “introvert” atmosphere. Teo’s intention is not to capture the moment through his camera, but to convey his inner vision of an alternative reality or as he puts it “to make a custom time frame, a time invariant theme”. To achieve this, he uses various shooting techniques, while on the same time avoids heavy photo manipulation (post-processing) as it “…disconnects the theme from the essence of experience and memory”.

Home ©Teo Kefalopoulos One of these techniques is the use of Lensbaby optics, which is a line of camera lenses that combine a simple lens with a bellows or ball and socket mechanism for use in special-effect photography. A Lensbaby can give effects normally associated with view cameras. The lenses are for use in selective focus photography and bokeh effects. Teo was kind enough to accept my invitation to answer some questions about these optics and show us some of his outstanding images.

Koresteia 1 ©Teo Kefalopoulos How did the need to use Lensbaby optics arise? I would say that these optics are probably the only hardware that can come close to the essence of a profound personal vision while shooting and not after the fact. Being able to transform a scene, to heavily manipulate the focusing and how the frame evolves while shooting is of immense help to me. I consider these optics to be key elements in themes that are all about transient memories, vague visions and introvert mood. They hold a special part in my heart when shooting as they can add to the emotions of living the moment in a way that can’t be done with software. They are specialty lenses, not suitable for everything but probably the best at what they do. They are just what I need when I decide to make unusual atmospheric themes, when the frame speaks more about emotions than technicalities.

Koresteia 34 ©Teo Kefalopoulos What is the effect you’re looking for when using Lensbaby optics? If you expect to see tack sharp and clean images, you should look elsewhere. These optics take the “blur” factor to another level. They have the ability to bend parts of the frame to extreme levels or even blur the frame in an unusual way. However, you have to remember that good results only come from choosing to shoot specific subjects, so you have to implement a certain “artistic philosophy” on their use.

Canopy ©Teo Kefalopoulos How easy is to use these lenses? Do you have any tips to share? The truth is that when I started using these optics, I was a bit disappointed by the outcome as they can be very tricky to use. They are full-frame manual lenses and are mounted on the camera body via a “tilt-shift” adapter that allows the optic to move freely around the frame. This lets you first select the point of focus and then use the manual focus ring to get a clean shot. My experience is that for properly focused handheld shots, you have to use a mirrorless system. The help of the EVF and some of its clever focusing features are more than helpful to take a decent shot.

Condemnation ©Teo Kefalopoulos

The best and most vivid results come when these optics are used wide open (large apertures). For this reason, I would recommend not to use them on sensors smaller than full frame if you want to experience all of their creative effect. Even though they are mostly used for portraiture, object close-ups and still life, I decided to take a different route, to use them for surrealistic landscape themes or when I need to put emotion on ruins, decay and anything that fits to the term “esoteric photography”. As my preference is to make black and white themes, my subjects have a strong relation to shapes, forms and patterns and this is where these optics will excel.

You can find more of Teo’s work on his site Monochromia.

All images and texts on this page are protected by copyright and may not be used, shared or reproduced in any way for any purpose without the permission of both Teo Kefalopoulos and George Digalakis. All rights reserved.