This past year has been a challenge in so many ways. Some days it feels like a triumph to just get out of bed. Other days, a spirit of resiliency takes over and it makes me want to do all the things.

Taking photos ALWAYS lifts my spirits, especially when I am outside in the woods or on the beach. I have been doing my best to keep getting outside this past year. Strangely enough, the purchase of lens for my camera has motivated me more than anything to not only get up and out of bed, but to look forward to creating art.

This winter, I bought a little lens from a Portland company called Lensbaby. It wasn’t my first Lensbaby lens but it was the first one for my full frame camera. With its fixed aperture and manual, sweet spot of focus only, it challenged me to work a little harder and learn a new skill. It also helped me to loosen up a little while taking photographs. I am so grateful to this company for this inexpensive tool that has helped me so much during a crazy and challenging time!

I take this lens with me pretty much wherever I go now—neighborhood walks, visits to the park and to the Aquarium yesterday (which was loads of fun)

These are a few of my shots from visiting the Aquarium yesterday morning.Shooting in low light with lots of reflections was a new challenge. I am definitely going to bring my Sol45 lens back again to practice some more. That will definitely get me out of bed in the morning:)

I am so thrilled that I was chosen to be an ambassador for Lensbaby. If you are interested in learning anything about these lenses, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line. You can also use my special code: WJEN for 10% off anything on their website.