EP 10 Conversation Behind The Scenes with Simon Rooke

In this episode of Lensbaby Presents, host Liz Willson talks with photographer and Lensbaby ambassador Simon Rooke about colorful coastal photography, imaginative framing, and finding fresh possibilities close to home. Simon shares how he transforms familiar beaches, boats, and beach huts into expressive images using Lensbaby lenses, OMNI filters, and unexpected props.

From miniature birds and a dollhouse window to handwritten messages in bottles, Simon takes us behind the scenes of his creative process. He explains how he combines perspective, selective focus, reflections, and editing to bring his ideas to life, and why his guiding philosophy is to keep creating, even when inspiration feels out of reach.

For anyone looking to see familiar surroundings differently, this conversation explores making the most of the time, light, and equipment you already have while creating photographs that reflect your own vision.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• How a single photograph sparked Simon’s Lensbaby journey
• What draws him to the colors, textures, and stories of his local coastline
• How he uses OMNI filters, sunglasses, and a miniature window to frame his subjects
• Why he brings toy birds and figures along to create scenes when inspiration needs a starting point
• How he uses wide-angle lenses and close focusing to place small subjects within a larger setting
• How he approaches photography during the middle of the day around work and family commitments
• How Lightroom adjustments help him shape light, color, and the viewer’s attention
• Why he sometimes waits for a passerby to bring life to a coastal composition
• How his message-in-a-bottle photographs combine creativity with encouragement
• Why experimenting with equipment you already own can open up new creative directions.

Simon also shares his enthusiasm for flexible mirror sheets from the OMNI Reflections pack, his love of photographing boats and crab traps, and his dream photography outing: exploring the Florida Keys with a Trio 28. Along the way, he reflects on the encouragement of the Lensbaby community and the importance of trying an idea before deciding it will not work.

Connect With Simon Rooke

Instagram: @simonrooke200

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Simon Rook and Photography Journey

02:52 The Lens Baby Experience

05:59 The Impact of Environment on Art

08:50 Creative Techniques in Photography

11:57 Framing and Perspective in Photography

14:56 Capturing Life: The Role of People in Photography

17:54 Patience and Process in Photography

29:51 The Vision Behind Creativity

32:47 Messages in a Bottle: Spreading Positivity

37:57 The Philosophy of Trying

41:55 Exploring New Creative Avenues

45:54 Speed Round: Insights and Inspirations

52:50 Shooting Extraordinary: The Art of Photography

Connect with Elizabeth (Liz) Willson: 

Website: elizabethwillsonphotography.com

Instagram: @Elizabethwillsonphotography

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethwillsonphotography

Subscribe to Lensbaby Presents for more conversations with photographers and artists exploring creative techniques, developing their vision, and finding their own way to shoot extraordinary.

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