The LensBaby is a lens that requires manual focus and manual manipulation of its angle and aperture. You place a disk into the lens to determines the f-stop (aperture), angle the lens to determine the focus point, and then focus using the focus ring. This creates a nice bokeh effect in the image, with much of the frame out of focus, so the viewer naturally gravitates to the subject.Some would argue that the same effect can be gained using software, but the LensBaby is fun and has its place.