who needs a tilt shift - freelensing!

we all know tilt shift lens have beautiful results, but we usually can't afford them because they are more expensive then our cameras. buuutttt

i recently discovered freelensing thanks to megan emerick's beautiful work. so what is it, you ask? basically, it's like using regular lens, but with tilt shift lens result. if you don't know what tilt shift is....google it and you'll see :P

HERE, is an article explaining it all with tips and everything - do read it!

a bit of a snippet:

"Freelensing isn’t as simple as just popping off any old lens: some lenses work better than others, and capturing your subject takes a bit of planning. It’s easy to make mistakes! Fortunately, we’ve been around the block with freelensing and over time have made every mistake a person can make so you don’t have to. These Photojojo-tested techniques will have you snapping successfully in no time.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• An SLR
• A 50mm (or greater) lens
• Practice, practice, practice (also: practice)

FIRST, A WARNING

If you’ve been wondering, “isn’t this a little dangerous?” the answer is: yes!

Detaching your lens can introduce dust and moisture to the body of the camera; and just like getting the theme song to Blossom stuck in your head, once it’s in there it’s hard to get out. Mitigate the risk by exposing the interior of the camera and lens as briefly as possible. Don’t walk around around with them decoupled; only detach them when you’re ready to take your picture. And when you hold up the lens, make sure you don’t bump the mirror or sensor.

Another risk: dropping something. It’s much easier to drop the lens when it isn’t connected to anything! Before you head out, put a neck strap on your camera to reduce the need for equipment-juggling, and practice holding the lens in one hand while manipulating focus and zoom with your fingers.

TIPS FOR TILT-SHIFTING

This is our favorite look — and also the hardest to replicate. It’s going to take some practice and patience; but don’t worry. You pick things up quick.

How to Hold the Lens
It’s a simple enough idea: just hold your lens close to the body, and then hinge it ever-so-slightly to the side like it’s Nearly-Headless Nick from Harry Potter. Peer through the viewfinder and you’ll see what’s going on: if you tilt to the right, the left side of the frame retains the most focus, and the same for tilting left, right, or down.

Aiming that area of focus can be a bit tricky, though, since you no longer have the camera’s built-in AF to assist you. Very slight movements can produce dramatic changes in focus, so tilt with care......." (READ MORE ON THE FULL ARTICLE)

so sure, it's dangerous - but we're dangerous people right? *i asked about the dangers, and as long as you are careful and smart (ie, on a windy dusty day....) - you should be okay!*

i'm excited to try it out and see all the light leaks and blurs!

and here are some examples to get you inspired. i did not take any of the photographs, click on them to see their rightful owners!