Notes from my studio

Notes on photography, light, and the creative life. Technique mixed with honest reflection — and the occasional reminder that getting stuck is part of the process, not a sign that you should stop.

Ute Reckhorn Ute Reckhorn

The Lensbaby Optic Swap System: When Imperfection Becomes the Point

I still remember the first time I picked up a Composer Pro. Something in me relaxed. The pressure I had been carrying — to be sharp, to be correct, to get it right — just lifted. I stopped trying to control the image and started making it instead.

That shift didn't come from a technique or a tutorial. It came from a lens that made perfection beside the point.

Read More
Ute Reckhorn Ute Reckhorn

The Power of Empty

Discover the transformative power of negative space in photography. Dive into the art and science behind this often-overlooked technique and learn how it can enhance composition, evoke emotion, and elevate storytelling in your images.

Read More
Ute Reckhorn Ute Reckhorn

How to Create Bokeh in Photography: A Guide for Beginners

Delve into the world of creative composition and the fascinating shapes that bokeh can take, from soft rounds to out-of-center wonders with lenses like Lensbaby. Learn the art of playing with light, whether it's capturing a subject bathed in sunlight against a darker backdrop or skillfully shooting into the sun during the golden hour.

Read More