Welcome to the blog!

Here you’ll find creative photography tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal reflections from my journey as a Lensbaby artist and visual storyteller. Whether you're here to learn new techniques or explore fresh inspiration, I’m so glad you’re here.

CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY, GEAR & REVIEWS Ute Reckhorn CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY, GEAR & REVIEWS Ute Reckhorn

Lensbaby Spark 2.0 versus the Composer Pro: Are Both Worth Buying?

Just recently, Lensbaby came out with a new lens, the Spark 2.0. Since its release, I have gotten many questions about it and whether or not it is worth buying over the Composer Pro. I wanted to be able to explain more comprehensively to anyone who has questions, so here are my thoughts on the two lenses!

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GEAR & REVIEWS, CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Ute Reckhorn GEAR & REVIEWS, CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Ute Reckhorn

A Day Trip With the Lensbaby Velvet 28

In the following blog post I want to discuss how the newest Lensbaby lens, the Velvet 28, performs in the streets. Back in March, only a few days before the pandemic started and people in California were asked to stay at home, I spend a last day photographing people on the streets of Venice Beach. Now we all wear face masks on the rare occasion we leave the house and Lensbaby published the Velvet 28 a while ago. Nevertheless I want to share and discuss some of the pictures that I’ve taken at what now feels an eternity ago.

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CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY, GEAR & REVIEWS Ute Reckhorn CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY, GEAR & REVIEWS Ute Reckhorn

Lensbaby Hacks Part 1: 3 Easy Ways to Use Your OMNI Filters

Curious about Lensbaby’s OMNI Filters but unsure how to start? In Part 1 of the Lensbaby Lens Hacks series, I share three simple, creative ways to use these tools—whether you prefer handheld play or magnetic precision. Learn how to create light leaks, reflections, and dreamy streaks using intuitive techniques you can build on as your style evolves.

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5 Ways to Grow as a Photographer (and what I learned on my trip to Mexico)

Last summer I bought a new house and my photography was sidelined for a few months. Conversations with realtors and contractors and countless Ikea visits took over my life. You can imagine how excited I was when it was time to pack my suitcase and take off to Mexico. A jam packed photography workshop with the amazing Sebastian Suki Beláustegu got my creative juices flowing again. Here are some tips and tricks I learned over the course of my trip.

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CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Ute Reckhorn CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Ute Reckhorn

How to Capture Emotion

I tend to cry over the little things. Like about saying good bye to friends or about the fact that time has passed. Last month my daughter and I spent a few weeks in Germany. On our very last night we both were overcome by a sudden sadness. Our hearts felt so heavy because we had to say good bye to our German life for at least another year.

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CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Ute Reckhorn CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Ute Reckhorn

Photography as Therapy

Three years ago I moved from Michigan to Southern California. Like with every other move in my life, I did this with my family, for my husband’s career. And while I was extremely busy for the next two years, trying to help our kids adjust in their new environments, I hit an inspirational wall like I have never experienced before in my life.

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