A Photoshoot in the Woods with Emma Cortijo and the Nour Triplet V 2.0/64 Bokeh Control Art Lens

Photographer and director Emma Cortijo is used to testing Lomography products. She recently had the opportunity to try out our new creation, the Nour Triplet V 2.0/64 Bokeh Control Art Lens, a lens inspired by the work of the medieval scientist Hasan Ibn al-Haytham that allows photographers to control the level of spherical aberration in their photos. In this new interview, Emma gives us her first impressions of the new lens, and shares with us the hazy pictures she took during a photoshoot in a foggy forest.

Hi Emma, how was your experience shooting with the Nour Triplet V 2.0/64 Bokeh Control Art Lens?

I’d say that it's a lot of experimentation. There are many choices of bokeh shapes, many adjustments to be made on the lens and on the camera. Depending on the choice of setting, the results may vary greatly.

What did you like most about this lens?

What I liked the most about it was being able to create really unique images. I've never found a similar lens. It creates a "glow" effect in the lights that is almost impossible to achieve when shooting in natural conditions.

How did this lens help you in your portraiture work?

It allowed me to create and try new things, and to to work differently by taking my time. I think that with practice, and after the initial learning curve, it surely will be possible to use it at work, but I do think a lot of time is needed first to test it out and be completely comfortable with its features.

What do you think of the brass look of the lens?

I love the look of the Lomography lenses. They always make a huge impression!

In which situation did you use the lens? And in which situation would you recommend using this lens?

I was supposed to use it in direct sunlight, but I had to deal with the heavy fog that hit us that day and use my flash. For better results, I recommend making sure there are lots of light sources in the background, so that the bokeh shapes are most striking, and also experimenting with the lighting to get strong contrasts. Even without using the bokeh shapes, beautiful results can be achieved with the skin of the subject and with the lights in a dark environment.

How did you use the creative bokeh control function of the lens in your portraiture work?

I tested out several bokeh shapes. I like the arty and somewhat cheesy look they give to the images, I think it could bring a fun and light energy to fashion photos that often look very serious and stern.

What makes this lens different?

To me, the lens’ main asset is its experimental potential with the bokeh. It really inspired me and gave me new ideas! Also, I liked that it enabled me to take my time. In a world where everything is digital, and everything goes very fast, that appeals to me a lot. It brings me closer to my way of shooting film.

What makes a good portrait in your opinion?

To me, there are not really rules anymore. A few years ago, I surely would have answered: a very sharp subject and a blurred background. Now, I’m more focused on capturing the moment, I’ll sometimes take pictures without taking too much time to frame it, or start shooting when the model is still preparing and trying out her poses. At other times I’ll go for very static poses. To each their own.

This lens uses the over-correction or under-correction of spherical aberrations to produce these different creative bokeh looks. In your opinion, does beauty come from imperfection?

It’s very subjective, but I’d say I try to find beauty in everything and yes, I love imperfections! I’m very into soft focus and analogue photography, these are two things that often come out looking very imperfect!

This is not your typical full-frame mirrorless lens. What do you think of the Lomography Art Lenses range in general, and the idea of bringing historic references and character to the digital world?

I think it's very important to bring back technique and history. Nowadays, we are way too obsessed with performance and fast production. The artistic side of photography definitely has more appeal to me. And to get creative, you have to find inspiration in lots of different things, and sometimes dig into the past.

What is your personality? Soft, classic or bubbly?

I’d say I’m quite soft and romantic, I’m really into adding a romantic touch to my life and my art – while remaining truthful and making sure not to overdo it.

Thanks Emma for sharing your pictures with us! If you want to see more of her work, check out her Instagram page and her Website.

You can now find our Nour Triplet V 2.0/64 Bokeh Control Art Lens on Kickstarter.

written by leilawithani on 2023-10-21