A Quick Guide to Gorgeous Glass Ball Photography

Glass ball photography is a fantastic way to create compelling images, the kind that will leave your audience both wowed and curious.

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But how do glass ball photos work? How do you set up beautiful images? And how do you use a simple crystal ball to capture such striking effects?

In this article, I share everything you need to get started, including a lensball recommendation, plenty of tips, and even a few crystal ball photography ideas.

Let’s dive right in.

How does glass ball photography work?

Glass ball photography, also known as crystal ball photography, uses refraction to capture unique images. A crystal ball (lensball) is placed in front of a scene; the scene is then refracted in the ball. Thanks to the magic of physics, you end up with an inverted image in the ball, which you can then capture with your camera.

As the photographer, you have ultimate control over your lensball image. For instance, by repositioning the ball (and by repositioning the camera with respect to the ball), you’ll capture different perspectives. You can also adjust the aperture for shallow depth of field effects (where the ball is framed by a blurry background), and you can change the distance from the camera to the ball for an interesting close-up effect. I discuss these techniques in greater detail below.

1. Consider flipping the upside-down image

Thanks to refraction, the image inside a glass ball is flipped. Which means you have two options:

1. You can leave the inverted image and incorporate it into the composition. For instance, you can juxtapose the flipped image with the real scene in the background.
2. You can rotate the image during post-processing, so that the ball’s image appears right side up. Here, you may want to blur out the background with a wide aperture; that way, the flipped background isn’t obvious.

As you’ll see throughout this article, I use a mix of techniques. Sometimes, I like to keep the inverted crystal ball image. Other times, I flip the image for a less disorienting effect.

By the way, if you want to create a sharp, right-side-up image but you don’t want to do any rotation in post-processing, there is another option:

You can use the ball to photograph reflections. After all, reflections are naturally upside down, but the ball will invert them for a normal-looking result.

2. Get on a level with your subject

It might be tempting to put your glass ball on the ground and shoot into it, but this will actually cause significant distortion, plus it will create less compositional impact.

Instead, I recommend getting your ball up off the ground and on a level with your subject. The key here is to ensure your subject is centered in the ball, so feel free to move the setup around until you get the composition you’re after.

Note that you’ll want to keep your hands out of the frame, so you can either get up close and only photograph part of the ball, or you can perch the ball on an elevated platform, like a rock, a car, or a bench.

Of course, there are exceptions to this advice. Sometimes, it pays to place the ball on the ground, especially if you plan to photograph puddles or leaf beds.

3. Fill the glass ball with your subject

Unless you get close to your subject, it will appear very small inside the ball. So do what you can to close the distance, until your subject looms large in the ball (and consequently the frame).

This might involve careful planning or even some creativity. The ball is like a wide-angle lens, so try to think about your shot as if you’re photographing it at 16mm or so. Would the scene fill the frame at 16mm? If so, you’re golden!

4. Choose the correct lens

Yes, you can do glass ball photography with literally any lens, from ultra-wide to super-telephoto. But if you want to maximize the impact of the ball, I’d really recommend using a macro lens (or a telephoto lens with significant close-focusing capabilities).

Thanks to a macro lens, you can get close to the ball, which does two things:

1. It lets you increase the size of the ball in your shot (in other words, you can get close for lots of detail).
2. It helps you create strong background bokeh, which is key if you want to flip the image and keep it natural looking (discussed in Tip 1).

A wide-angle lens can work, too, but only if the scene allows it. I recommend experimenting with a macro lens and a wide-angle lens to determine the effect you like best.

5. Choose the correct aperture

The aperture influences the depth of field (i.e., the amount of the scene that’s in focus).

Set an ultra-wide aperture, and you’ll end up with a beautifully blurred background and a sharp foreground. Set an ultra-narrow aperture, and you’ll end up with a crisp foreground and a crisp background.

Neither is obviously better than the other; it just depends on the effect you want. If you’d prefer to create a blurry background (for example, you want to flip the image without a disorienting result), you might try using an aperture of f/4 or so. This will generally blur out the background while creating a sharp image inside the ball.

But be sure to review the image on your LCD afterward to make sure you get the result you want. If you go too wide, even the ball will be blurred, and everything will become an out-of-focus mess. Also, the depth of field depends on other factors as well, such as the distance between the lensball and the camera, so experimentation is always a good idea.

6. Find a safe place to position the ball

This is very important, especially if you are photographing from a high vantage point. Balls are, well, balls, which means that they like to roll, and you certainly don’t want your crystal ball rolling off a bench (or worse, a building). Best case scenario, it’ll end up with scratches – and worst case scenario, it’ll smash and you’ll need to buy a new one.

That’s why I recommend putting the ball on a flat surface, and a crevice is better (if you can find one). Place the ball carefully, then let it sit for a few seconds. Even if the ball seems stable, keep your (or a friend’s) hands nearby, and watch it like a hawk, especially on windy days. You do not want the ball to blow off in the middle of a photo!

If you can’t find a good resting place, you might just ask a friend to hold the ball for you. Or, with some practice, you can hold the ball yourself (though this is always tricky; unless you’re working with a tripod, you’ll need to hold the ball in one hand while focusing and firing the shutter with the other!).

7. Make sure your subject is well-lit

Pretty much every photo can benefit from a well-lit subject, but it’s especially important for crystal ball photography.

Why? A strongly lit subject will shine through the ball while minimizing reflections. (Yes, those pesky reflections that come from in front of the ball and can show unwanted elements such as the camera lens!)

That’s why I recommend you photograph with the sun behind you and striking your subject directly. Alternatively, you can photograph during the blue hour or at night, but aim to photograph buildings with brightly lit facades.

(On the other hand, reflections can create interesting effects, so don’t be afraid to try out different lighting scenarios if you’re feeling creative.)

Glass ball photography vs standard photography

Are you wondering whether it makes sense to pursue glass ball photography? After all, do you really want to play around with a lensball when you could be capturing a beautiful wide-angle shot of the same scene?

In this section, I’ve put together a quick list of pros and cons – which will help you decide whether crystal ball photography makes sense for you.

Glass ball pros

• A glass ball is cheaper than a lens and allows you to create a unique fisheye effect
• A ball offers flexibility; you can move it to different positions in your scene
• You can use a large aperture in conjunction with the ball to create bokeh
• Scenes created with a crystal ball often have a more artistic feel
• The ball creates a natural frame for your scene

Glass ball cons

• Larger glass balls are heavy to carry (in an already heavy camera bag)
• You need a macro lens to get the best results
• The edge of a glass ball produces distortion
• Getting a sharp image inside the ball can be difficult
• The image in the ball is upside down, which gives you another problem to contend with

In fact, here’s a quick illustration of a crystal ball effect. First, we have a standard wide-angle image of a scene:

And here’s the same scene, but shot with a glass ball:

What do you think? Which shot do you prefer? The choice to use a glass ball is yours to make, though I highly recommend trying it out. Personally, I feel the pros majorly outweigh the cons (plus, you’ve made it this far in the article, which means you know all sorts of helpful tips!)

If you find crystal balls too heavy to carry all the time, you can try scouting scenes in advance, then returning for a second visit with only the equipment you need to get your photo.

Glass ball photography: final words

Well, there you have it:

Plenty of tips to get started with crystal ball photography. You will, of course, need a crystal ball – which you can buy easily on Amazon for around $27 USD. Once the ball arrives, head to a local landmark and start experimenting. The list of subjects really is endless; you can start with a lone tree, a church, or even a cityscape scene.

Now over to you:

Have you tried lensball photography? Do you think you’ll start? Share your thoughts and images in the comments below!

Lensball photography has become a top hit among photographers searching for new creativity in their imagery. They are lightweight, easy to travel with, and work on many surfaces!

The company is the world’s best Ball Lens supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Lensball photography including tips, tricks, brands, communities, and fun techniques for your photos.

What is a Lensball and How does it Work?

A Lensball is basically a glass sphere or crystal ball that photographers shoot through to create a fisheye lens look, but for about a fraction of the price. By shooting through the glass ball it becomes a natural frame for your subject.

But keep in mind, the scene will be an upside down image inside the ball. The ball uses something called refraction to bend the light passing through. The result is a mini version of your scene within the ball because the Lensball has a denser mass than air.

How does Refraction Photography Work?

Refraction happens when light passes through an object of denser mass, as the light passes through, it becomes bent. This is why Lensballs or a crystal ball works so well at refraction. They are made from high quality glass that easily lets light pass through and keeps your image sharp and in focus.

You may not know it, but you are already a refraction photographer. To prove this, simply take off the lens front and rear caps. Look through your lens and you will see the image is upside down and projected through the concave glass just like crystal ball photography.

Crystal Ball Photography vs Lensball Photography

So what is the difference between a crystal ball and a Lensball? Well, not much honestly. Lensball became a coined term for crystal ball photography.

Some genius rebranded a crystal ball for photographers and the rest is history. You can buy either and capture these types of shots and scenes. When it comes to the world of camera lenses, lens balls and crystal balls are just much cheaper versions of wide angle and fisheye lenses. Lensball range from 20 dollars to 100 where camera lenses can be up in the s.

How do you Use a Lensball and What is Lensball Photography?

As discussed earlier Lensball photography is simply shooting through a glass ball to magnify and frame your scene in a different way instead of using your everyday camera lens.

They make for the perfect photography accessory because they fit easily in your camera bag and are light in weight.

How do you Take a Picture with a Lensball?

Think of a Lensball as a magnifying glass for your photos. You will want to place the ball on a flat even surface or have yourself or a friend hold the ball in front of your camera lens. There are many photography techniques that can be applied here, but the most important thing to remember is to try to keep your horizon line even.

Results vary based on the size of your Lensball and how far you are from the scene, but you will want to focus your camera on the center of the ball. Remember your image will be upside down inside the ball but this can be fixed later in editing software or with the techniques below.

If you don’t like the upside down look of the image inside the Lensball; consider using more bokeh so it’s not obvious in the photos. Another option is to try and only shoot the reflection since the reflected image will be right side up.

Also, make sure your scene fills the Lensball. Practice by checking with a wide angle lens, if it fills that glass you’re good. Furthermore, when it comes to focal length, use a macro lens or a telephoto lens with macro capabilities so that your images inside the ball are sharp and easy to focus. Start with an aperture around f/4. The focus should be on the Lensball, not the background. It’s important to use manual focus.

Take your time! Remember, your ball is made out of glass, so it can easily break. Make sure you place it somewhere steady before shooting, even a little wind can easily knock the ball over and could crack or scratch your new investment.

What kind of Photos can you Take with a Lensball?

So you may be asking, what are the advantages of Lensball over a wide angle lens? Well for starters, you are able to move the ball around to different surfaces and completely change your frame.

Another thing to consider is you are creating a more artistic feel to your photos which is fun to experiment with if you are feeling bored with your photography.

Lensball Photography Tips and Ideas

1. Place your Lensball in front of a bouquet of flowers or another nature element.

2. Take your Lensball close to your favorite local landscape. The best way to keep your Lensball in place when working on a hilly surface is to place it in a crack in the street or hold it yourself for your photo.

3. Place your Lensball on the beach close to the water for a magic sunset or sunrise photo.

4. Capture a famous landmark photo.

5. Experiment with texture and abstract photography.

Lensball Products and Reviews

Which Lens Ball is the Best and Where to Purchase Your Lensball?

When it comes to buying a crystal ball you have a lot to consider, especially regarding sizing and quality. But these were some of the top-rated balls we found online.

Amazon: Is full of a variety of crystal balls ranging in pricing and delivery options. If you want to compare brands and powerful reviews. These are our top picks.

• Amlong
• OmyLens
• Lensball Pro
• MerryNine K9 Crystal Ball
• Neewer 100mm/3.94inch Clear Crystal Ball Globe

Refractique: Offers a variety of photography tips and boasts some of the best Lensballs in the world. They offer flawless scratch-free, ultra-polished crystal balls that are designed in the US. The result is flawless shots. All their balls come with a starter guide to show you the technique way to your best images.

Which Size Lensball Should You Get?

Sizes vary a lot when it comes to choosing a ball, keep in mind the size of the ball will change the weight in your camera bag as well. Most balls come with a size option of 60mm or 80mm. As a photographer, you have to choose what you prefer, but we found most liked the 80mm size because it was big enough to frame the scene well, but not too heavy.

You can find balls up to 100mm to 120mm in size which is great for composition if you want your ball to be a more dominating subject. But, it’s important to remember the smaller the ball size, the more your photo will become distorted. This is why an 80mm size is an excellent starting point for image quality and a lighter ball.

The 60mm size is generally referred to as the Lensball pocket and the 80mm size is called a Lensball pro. The 80mm will offer you the most versatility while the 60mm is better for travel and creating a tighter frame.

Accessories

Lensball Stand– For holding the ball to keep it safe and steady with a flat base.

Tripod Mount– To keep an even horizon line in your photo, a tripod mount is an easy purchase for your ball.

Microfiber Cloth– Just like your camera or your , glass gets dirty. Avoid smudges and scratches by using a microfiber cloth to clean your ball and keep your image quality to its maximum.

Use a Sock– If your ball did not come with a protective box or cover, a sock works just as well to protect your ball for future photographs.

Battery Operated Holiday Lights– If you are shooting at sundown, a string of brightly colored lights can add fun bokeh effects.

Safety Considerations

Fire- A Lensball acts as a magnifying glass, so be aware that when it’s placed in the sun it will magnify that light source and can create a fire in your home. This has happened to people and should be considered. Keep the ball in its box at home. This problem is less worrisome for images shot outdoors but can hurt your eyes if you place the sun behind it and into your face.

Cracking- Remember whichever ball you decide to purchase, it is made of glass and therefore breakable. So try to keep it in the box for safekeeping in your camera bag.

Online Community

Consider joining an online community of photographers. These are some of our favorite communities to share tips and find excellent shots taken with a crystal ball.

Pinterest: This is a great place to get started if you are looking for image ideas. Pinterest is flooded daily with all types of crystal ball photography and will open your mind to all sorts of new possibilities.

YouTube: If you are a visual learner, YouTube is the place for you. There are tons of videos from people showing you the latest tips and exactly how to create them by video. Also, if you are struggling with which ball to buy, YouTube is full of video reviews as well. Simply type the brand you are considering and learn what others are saying.

Instagram: Head on over to the Lensball official Instagram to see the latest and greatest in images. From patterns to holiday decorations, to self-portraits there are endless ideas happening to get you started.

Conclusion

So do you think it’s worth the extra money? We think the pros outweigh the cons! Lensballs are creative, inexpensive, conversation starters that have taken over the Instagram world. Even more, they are a great tool for smartphone users too.

If you really want to get inspired join one of the many online communities for ball owners. You can share your favorite images and even exchange a shot list or create an image challenge with your peers. Creative photography is the ultimate goal.

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