A small lens
A small lens made for CCTV cameras has become my favorite lens to use on flowers.
My favorite lens for macro photography is a small CCTV lens. Despite its modest origins, this lens delivers a unique aesthetic that I haven't been able to replicate with more expensive gear. It leaves a soft, pleasant vignette around the edges of the frame, drawing the eye inward, while remaining surprisingly sharp at the center—perfect for capturing the intricate textures and patterns found in nature. I especially love how it handles light and contrast, lending a subtle dreamlike quality to the images.
One of my favorite captures using this lens is a close-up photo of a Texas Dandelion. This single image has gone on to inspire and serve as the foundation for two distinct digital art pieces. Using artificial intelligence for enhancement and style transfer, I was able to explore two different artistic directions. One version was transformed with an oil-painted look, adding depth, bold brush strokes, and a rich, classical feel. The other took on the delicate, fluid qualities of a watercolor, softening the lines and imbuing the flower with a gentle, almost ethereal glow. Each version brings out a different emotion and perspective, proving just how versatile a single photo can be when combined with creative tools and vision.
Collage of three images showing the original photo taken and two edits done with artificial intelligence.
