The art of Freelensing for creative photography

Photography has many rules and sometimes it's nice to break them all, don't you think? For me, the art of freelensing for creative photography is the permission to play with both light and blur to get a totally unexpected and magical image.

My first attempts at freelensing were just lucky shots among many more frustrated attempts. So I quickly gave up. But when my photographer friends started posting beautiful dream images, I was tempted to grab my camera and lens and try again.

I gave freelensing another go and have been addicted ever since. It's a perfect way to get those creative juices flowing and add some diversity to our photography portfolio and clients' work. Plus, there's no need for any extra gear to buy or invest in other than what you already have in your camera bag.

What is Freelensing?

Freelensing is a technique in which the photographer shoots with the lens detached from the camera body, creating a unique shot. With freelensing, you can manipulate the plane of focus to draw the viewer's eye to a specific area. Alternatively, you can have an entire shot out of focus, creating a very dreamy shot. It's a great way to play creative photo games.

Here are some things to consider when trying freelensing for the first time

1. Camera settings for freelensing

Before freelensing, you need to fine-tune your camera settings. With the lens still attached to the camera, set the aperture as large as possible, and adjust the shutter speed and ISO settings for the correct exposure.

You can figure out the widest aperture of your lens by looking at the lens specifications. Once the lens is detached, adjustments can be made to the camera settings. For maximum control, use the camera in manual mode so that you, the photographer, adjust all variables such as ISO, shutter speed and aperture.

Check your camera and lens settings. Some lenses automatically hold aperture when detached, while others don't. With Canon, the aperture stays wide open, so you don't need to do anything specific. With a manual lens, you may have to keep the aperture open manually.

Using live view can help you find the point of focus in the image as you move the lens. The dark border in the lower left of the image is part of the lens (the final image is without the lens in the frame).

2. Focal distance for freelensing

Before detaching the lens, turn the focal length dial on the lens to the infinity symbol. This sets the focal distance to the furthest point possible. Then you can detach the lens and hold it as close to the ring as possible.

Keeping your eye in the viewfinder, start tilting the lens slowly – up, down, left, or right until you see a composition you like. Remember that by its nature, freelensing is not perfection. You won't find a razor sharp image with freelensing, but that adds to the magic of creativity with this exercise.

3. Find focus

The beauty of freelensing for creative photography is that there are no rules. But one thing that can make or break a good creative image is focus. While a completely out of focus image is still very beautiful, having a focal point in the image adds to the magic. Along with light, composition, and color, focus draws the eye into that element of perfection while the rest is imperfect.

As you move the lens, try to bring one area of the frame into focus. Focusing in freelensing is difficult, so give yourself some time to get used to it and be patient.

Try multiple frames to find the point of focus. Play around with the focal distance of your lens to help you determine that focal area. Also, try moving in and out of the scene until you're happy with what you see.

As you decide on your composition and point of focus, consider the message, mood, and story you want to convey to the viewer.

4. Light and light leaks

Freelensing for creative photography can bring a lot of interesting images, but it's the element of light that makes them work. It can add glare and light leaks to your frame and give your picture an extra magical effect.

It's best to work with good backlighting when capturing light leaks and flares. I find the ideal time to be during the golden hour when the sun is straight up but slightly dimmer than other times of the day.

When you tilt and separate the lens from the camera, chunks of surrounding light can spill into the sensor, adding some cool light leak effects to the shot.

Play with light leaks and see how they affect the shot. You can control the direction and amount of light entering the frame by adjusting the size of the slit. Also be aware that too much light can ruin the image.

Some tips for freelensing.

If you have an expensive lens and camera, try freelensing indoors on a bed or soft surface while trying to manually hold the camera and lens in your hand. Maybe that heavy 70-200mm lens isn't the right one to try freelensing for the first time

I always shoot with the camera strap around my neck. That way, if for some reason I lose my grip on the lens and the camera, I focus on rescuing the lens because I know the camera is safe.

You can freelense your camera on a tripod, but this can limit your range of motion and framing creativity. But if you're just starting out, this is a safer option.

I hold the camera around the grip with my right hand and manipulate the lens with my left hand. I'm right handed so this plays well with the strength of my hands.

If your camera has live view, use it while moving the lens to find the perfect framing to your liking.

The distance of the lens from the camera and the distance of the camera and lens from the subject affect the plane of focus (just as in normal photography).

• When you are closer to the subject, less of the subject will likely be in focus
• When you are further away from the subject, more of the subject is likely to be in focus
• If you are far from the subject, move the lens closer to the camera body
• If you're close to your subject, you can move the lens further away from your body

• Moving the lens away from the camera body will cause light leaks to enter the frame. Live View will help you find the light leaks that work best for the shot you have in mind.

The best advice for successful freelensing for creative photography is to leave all the rules behind and shoot instinctively with your heart. Find that creativity and let the magic unfold.