EP 06: Conversation Behind The Scenes with Greg Yakubov

In this episode of Lensbaby Presents, host Liz Willson talks with Greg about how he uses photography, videography, the Lensbaby Composer Pro, Edge 80, Sweet 35, Sweet 50, Sweet 22, and the Omni Creative Filter System to turn everyday scenes into expressive, unexpected visual experiences.

Greg shares how his creative path began with comic books, animation, Photoshop, vintage Soviet lenses, and filmmaking. He explains why he approaches each shoot with a “what can I find out?” mindset instead of trying to control every outcome. From moving tilt-shift videos on the New York City ferry to experimenting with the Eiffel Tower’s night sparkle and Omni crystals in Paris, Greg reveals how curiosity, movement, light, and imperfection can lead to more memorable imagery.

If you are a photographer, videographer, filmmaker, or visual storyteller who wants to create images that feel more alive, this conversation will inspire you to experiment, trust your instincts, and make work that feels honest to your creative voice.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

● How Greg Yakubov uses Lensbaby lenses for cinematic photography and video

● Why the Lensbaby Composer Pro and Edge 80 are central to his creative process

● How to create expressive tilt-shift video using movement, distance, and architecture

● Why movement can make cityscapes, buildings, light, and street scenes feel more dynamic

● How vintage manual lenses shaped Greg’s understanding of focal length, aperture, focus, and lens character

● How to use creative tools without overplanning the final result

● Why wide-open apertures, blur, bokeh, and lens imperfections can become part of the story

● The difference between capturing a single photographic moment and building motion into a video

● How Greg thinks about editing, pacing, visual change, and storytelling in short-form video

● Why honest, personal creative work often resonates more deeply than work made to follow trends

Greg also shares his dream concept for filming a lightsaber duel at night in the rain, his process for finding dynamic scenes in New York City, and why he believes extraordinary photography and videography begin with creating something you have not seen before.

Connect with Greg Yakubov:

Instagram: @gregyakubov

Website: gregyakub.com

Explore Lensbaby and get 10% off with code PODCAST.

Chapters

00:00 Approach Creativity With a “Finding Out” Mindset

05:03 Meet Filmmaker and Lensbaby Ambassador Greg Yakubov

13:48 Discovering Lensbaby, Tilt-Shift Effects, and the Composer Pro

20:17 Creating Dynamic Tilt-Shift Videos in New York City

29:29 Experimenting With Omni Crystals and the Eiffel Tower at Night

35:24 What Video Can Do That Photography Cannot

41:27 Editing, Motion, Light, and Visual Storytelling

48:04 Greg’s Dream Shoot: A Lightsaber Duel in the Rain

54:30 Favorite Gear, Creative Rules, and Shooting Extraordinary

01:05:48 Where to Find Greg Yakubov

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, filmmakers, artists, and storytellers who are pushing creative boundaries and learning to shoot extraordinary.

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