EP 09 Conversation Behind The Scenes with Sarah Loveland

In this episode of Lensbaby Presents, host Liz Wilson talks with photographer and Lensbaby ambassador Sarah Loveland about creative street photography, embracing blur, and rediscovering the freedom to play. Sarah shares how a small Lensbaby crystal helped her move away from chasing approval and toward making photographs she genuinely enjoys.

From colorful walls and rain-soaked pavements to window reflections and passing silhouettes, Sarah explains what catches her eye when exploring a city. She discusses her favorite Lensbaby lenses, her hands-on approach to teaching, and why experimentation matters more to her than following someone else’s rules.

For anyone who has second-guessed their photographs or felt pressured to fit a particular style, this conversation explores finding confidence, making time for personal work, and sharing images because they mean something to you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• How Sarah’s childhood interest in film cameras developed into a photography career
• How experimenting with a Lensbaby crystal helped her reconnect with creative play
• Why a supportive photography community mattered while she built confidence
• How she uses the Sol 45 and Edge 50 to explore urban scenes and details
• Why starting with colors, textures, or reflections can help when a new location feels overwhelming
• How she incorporates people into street scenes using selective focus and motion blur
• Why she enjoys using the Twist 28 with off-center subjects, even without its signature twist effect
• How she tailors practical photography lessons to each person’s needs
• Why she makes space for personal photography alongside client work, teaching, and family life
• How she approaches competitions while staying connected to the images she loves.

Sarah also shares her enthusiasm for pink OMNI effects, puddle reflections, fog, and photographing city lights after dark. Plus, she reveals her ideal creative challenge: exploring any city with a Sol 45 and 24 hours to photograph whatever catches her attention.

Connect with Sarah Loveland:

Instagram: @sarah_loveland.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Sarah's Photography Origins

02:48 Science Meets Art: The Influence of a Scientific Background

06:00 Rediscovering Play: The Lens Baby Crystal Experience

09:10 Finding Freedom in Creativity: Overcoming Expectations

11:48 Street Photography: Tools and Techniques for Success

14:49 Capturing the Moment: The Art of Detail in Street Photography

18:00 Embracing the Unexpected: Tips for Street Photography

20:57 Rebel with a Cause: Using Lenses Beyond Their Intentions

24:16 Embracing Individuality in Photography

26:30 Encouraging Playfulness in Photography

29:45 Balancing Family Life and Creative Pursuits

32:41 Diverse Photography Business Ventures

35:41 The Importance of Personal Creative Time

37:50 Exploring New Equipment and Techniques

40:50 The Philosophy of Entering Competitions

43:51 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Art

46:42 Defining Extraordinary 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 their creative process, developing their vision, and finding their own way to shoot extraordinary.

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