The Magic of Prism Photography: Tips and Techniques for Creative Images
Light has always been one of my favorite creative tools—but learning to bend and reflect it through a prism changed everything.
When I first picked up a prism, my early attempts were frustrating and far from impressive. But everything shifted when I had the chance to beta-test Lensbaby’s OMNI Creative Filter System. That experience reignited my passion for reflection and refraction techniques and opened the door to new creative possibilities. I finally embraced the magic of prism photography—not just as a technique, but as a way to add emotion, surprise, and depth to my work.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite tips and creative ideas for using prisms to create images full of light, movement, and dreamlike energy. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your visual language, prism photography has so much to offer.
After weeks of experimenting with prism photography, I finally captured this image that left me completely hooked. Taken with the Lensbaby Multicolor Crystal .
Getting Started: Essential Tips for Prism Photography:
1. Choose the Right Prism
Not all prisms create the same effects. Some split light into vibrant rainbows, while others produce abstract patterns or mirror-like reflections. Experimenting with different types will help you find the look that best suits your artistic vision.
➡️ My go-to choice is the Lensbaby OMNI Creative Filter System—a versatile, lightweight option designed for photographers who want a hands-free and controlled way to work with light and refraction.
2. Experiment with Angles & Positions
The way you hold and position the prism in relation to your lens drastically affects the results. Move it closer or farther away, tilt or rotate it, and watch how the light dances and interacts with your subject. There’s no wrong way—just playful exploration!
3. Play with Light Sources
Prism photography is all about manipulating light.
Natural sunlight can create vivid, crisp effects
Artificial lighting can result in softer, moodier images
Try shooting at different times of day to see how the light influences your images.
4. Stabilize Your Shot
Holding a camera and a prism at the same time can be tricky!
A tripod can help keep your composition steady
The OMNI System solves this by attaching optical elements hands-free, so you can focus fully on your creativity
5. Enhance with Post-Processing
Prism effects can be amplified beautifully with a few tweaks in post. Adjust contrast, saturation, and exposure to highlight light trails, color bursts, and reflections.
Creative Ways to Use Prism Photography
Prism effects can elevate different photography styles. Here are some ideas to explore:
Portrait photography
Use prisms to introduce dreamy reflections or rainbow flares around your subject, creating a poetic, surreal atmosphere.
Adding light leaks and streaks, as seen in this portrait, can introduce an intriguing element and transform an ordinary headshot into a visually captivating masterpiece.
Landscape photography
Inject a sense of magic into natural scenes by bending the environment—reflect clouds, double the sun, or enhance flares for cinematic vibes.
The landscape is painted with a spectrum of colors. (Taken with a Lensbaby Crystal.)
Consider how unremarkable this picture would appear without the captivating light sparkles produced by a prism.
Still life photography
Add texture, movement, or layered light to otherwise simple compositions. A small shift in prism position can completely transform a scene.
By incorporating reflected light into this scene, I was able to infuse a magical quality into the image, enhancing its overall impact.
Troubleshooting: Avoiding Unwanted Reflections & Glare
Change your angle to avoid strong light bouncing into the lens
Use a lens hood or block stray light with your hand or a card
Try different prism sizes and shapes to suit your style
Final Thoughts: Unlock Your Creativity with Prism Photography
Prism photography is an exciting and intuitive way to experiment with light, reflection, and emotion. Whether you’re photographing people, places, or small objects, prisms offer endless ways to expand your vision and storytelling.
The more you play, the more you'll discover—and the more personal your results will become.
Let’s Keep Exploring Together
Are you ready to dive deeper into creative photography?
Join my free Facebook group, Develop with Light, where photographers come together to share inspiration, tips, and monthly challenges.
Looking to expand your creative toolkit? Use my exclusive code WRECKHORN for 10% off any Lensbaby product.
✨ Happy experimenting—and keep exploring the magic of light!