Christopher Logan's First Impression of the New Petzval 58 Bokeh Control Art Lens

Years ago, a young Christopher Logan moved to Milan after obtaining a Photography degree from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Falling in love with the European aesthetic which would later manifest in his photos, he was commissioned by a number of fashion houses, further developing his craft. He is now based in yet another fashion capital – New York City – and is still immersed in the world of fashion.

With a Lomography Petzval 58 Bokeh Control lens mounted on a Canon 5d Mark II Camera, he peeks into the backstage of New York Fashion Week, producing stunning results. He talks about the experience in this interview.

What was your first impression of the new Lomography Petzval 58 Bokeh Control lens?

That’s an easy one, I thought to myself “I need this in my life!!!”

What camera setup/s did you use with the Petzval 58 Bokeh Control lens?

I shot with my Canon 5D Mark II camera body with no flash, and just used natural light backstage. I tend to shoot with slower shutter speeds backstage, that combined with the Bokeh control lens…. I was a kid in a candy store!

How was your experience shooting with it? Did you encounter any difficulties?

Well you need to know going into it that it’s manual focus, with shooting any type of action photography that can be tricky. I changed my mindset on how and what I was going to shoot. My work isn’t about about shooting 1000 images during one show. It’s getting special moments, and that may be just a handful. The non automation of focus allowed me to zero in on what I wanted to capture and truly tell a story that was all my own.

Tell us about the photos you took, and why you chose to photograph the subjects with the Petzval 58 Bokeh Control lens.

This is a collection of images that I shot backstage during last season’s New York Fashion Week SS15. I had the opportunity to take the lens out for a test drive for two days and I loved it! I prefer to capture special/off beat moments backstage. When there’s an army of photographers shooting one thing. You can always find me across the room shooting something that they are missing. I’m a storyteller, and the Petzval 58 Bokeh Control lens has elevated my work. I like to create dream worlds, without the use of post production. This lens creates such beauty and the true beauty is that you can control it.

Have you used the Lomography Petzval 85mm lens? If yes, how was your experience shooting with it?

How does the Petzval 58 Bokeh Control Lens compare with the Petzval Lens 85? Yes for the past two seasons I have used the Petzval 85 lens, I love it! My work stands out from the rest plus it’s my personal style of imagery that I like that create. It has opened many doors for me as well, designers, PR firms, models, agents have all approached me wondering what the heck it is and asking to see my work and to know more about Lomography! Both lenses are beautiful, I have been shooting a lot of portraits with the 85 and the clients love the results. I’m so looking forwarding to exploring more with the 58, it will be my go to lens I’m sure!

What do you like best about the Lomography Petzval 58 Bokeh Control Lens, andwhat do you think is its best feature or functionality?

I love being able to control the bokeh at a flick of the wrist, if I’m feeling a moment needs a little more pizzazz I can do it with ease, and I love the flexibility of that, I do love that fact that people come up to me asking what the heck it is! I’m typically quite shy so it’s been great as a conversation opener as well. I mean how many people are shooting with a brass lens these days?? It’s so cool!

Now that you’ve tried the Petzval 58 Bokeh Control Lens, what kind of projects, shoots, or subjects would you like to use it for in the near future?

I have plans on using the Bokeh lens on several fashion editorials and celebrity portraits in the coming months. I’m planning on traveling abroad this Summer and I think it will be the perfect companion, I like to keep my life simple. To take beautiful pictures and meet people. The Petzval 58 is a win win for me.

What advice would you give to first time users of the Petzval 58 Bokeh Control Lens?

Well, you will remember why you fell in love with photography in the first place, this lens opens up a world of new possibilities in all genres of photography and video. I would take an afternoon by yourself and just explore, and take time having fun with it. and lastly, make prints of the gems that you will create!

To learn more about Christopher Logan and his work, visit his website. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

written by Jill Tan Radovan on 2015-06-12 #people #christopher-logan #petzval-58-bokeh-control