Soft 122/365

I'm still experimenting with the LensBaby 56 Velvet manual focus lens. It's definitely a learning experience - the lens gives such a range of effects, from the all-consuming blur/softness at f/1.6, through a more gradual glow at f/2.8-4.0, all the way to a cinematic grain at f/16.0. What I've found really tough to achieve so far is the pin-sharp focus on the target, whilst allowing the softness to come in towards the edges to give that atmospheric glow I'm after. Perhaps in a studio with a tripod, composed lighting and perfectly still conditions that would be straightforward, but in the real-world of limited time, breezy conditions and hand-held shooting, that's proving beyond me! At the moment, artfully soft just looks like out-of-focus, at least to my eyes! No #photographerrefusestogiveitba... award just yet! 📷 Panasonic Lumix G9 + Lensbaby Velvet 56 56mm, ISO 200, f/2.8