System and method for processing images using computer-implemented software objects representing lenses

A system and method for processing images employs virtual lens objects as image processing elements in a computer-implemented scheme. Each lens object represents one or more image processing operations defined by user-specified lens attributes. The operations may simulate actual physical lens behavior, or they may be abstract operations with no real-world analogs. The user may specify various types of operations for each lens object, and may add, delete, and modify lens objects and lens attributes to experiment with various configurations. The system and method apply the lens objects to a source image to produce a transformed image for output on a screen or printing device.