A while back, I saw a photo my friend Gary Alan Brink posted of the Fallasburg Bridge in Lowell, MI. It featured a car driving through the covered bridge, creating for quite the night scene. I had long been a fan of the bridge but had only ever photographed it during the day. I wondered what I could capture after seeing his inspiration. I decided to bring my Lume Cubes along, thinking that I could light paint the bridge, similarly to how this barn shot turned out. But upon arriving at the bridge, there was one problem — there was no easy … [Read more...] about Creating one-of-a-kind landscapes with Lume Cubes
Olympus
Weekly Wrap-Up: January 20-26, 2019
The Weekly Wrap-up compiles interesting articles published this week on Photofocus. This week, we dove into the new Olympus OM-D E-M1X, learned about the aperture setting and how it affects exposure, checked out five awesome photo accessories, learned about the new Lume Cube Air and explored Shutter Priority mode. … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: January 20-26, 2019
An in-depth look at the Olympus OM-D E-M1X
Early this morning, Olympus revealed its new flagship camera — the OM-D E-M1X. There’s quite a bit of hype over what this camera can do, and I was lucky enough to have a pre-release copy that I used for about five weeks. Being that several camera manufacturers introduced mirrorless cameras last year, many expected Olympus to embrace the full-frame mirrorless market. But as I discussed with them at the PhotoPlus Expo back in October, Olympus is 100% committed to the micro four-thirds mirrorless realm. The E-M1X shows how Olympus has invested … [Read more...] about An in-depth look at the Olympus OM-D E-M1X
Olympus announces E-M1X, flash, super telephoto lens and more
Click here to read my in-depth review on the new OM-D E-M1X. Olympus has announced the E-M1X, the latest in its line of OM-D cameras. Sporting a built-in vertical grip and features like Handheld High Res Shot and Live ND mode, Olympus is clearly gearing this camera toward working professionals. The E-M1X is seen as a parallel offering to the E-M1 Mark II, Olympus’ flagship camera for the last few years. It features the same 20.4MP micro four-thirds sensor and has a very familiar look and feel, with the added benefit of a vertical … [Read more...] about Olympus announces E-M1X, flash, super telephoto lens and more
Photographing high school football with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, part three
Editor’s Note: We welcome Bob Panick to Photofocus. Bob is an enthusiastic amateur photographer based in the Detroit area. Bob shoots a variety of subjects including sports, landscape, nature and automotive. Bob has little to no interest in being a professional photographer and shoots for his own enjoyment. Bob learned photography back in the 70s, got away from it and came back about 10 years ago. You can check out his sports-related work at https://photos.panick.com/. Click here to read part one and part two. Pro Capture Pro Capture is a … [Read more...] about Photographing high school football with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, part three
Photographing high school football with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, part two
Editor’s Note: We welcome Bob Panick to Photofocus. Bob is an enthusiastic amateur photographer based in the Detroit area. Bob shoots a variety of subjects including sports, landscape, nature and automotive. Bob has little to no interest in being a professional photographer and shoots for his own enjoyment. Bob learned photography back in the 70s, got away from it and came back about 10 years ago. You can check out his sports-related work at https://photos.panick.com/. If you haven't read part one, please click here. More settings Exposure … [Read more...] about Photographing high school football with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, part two
Remembering 2018
With the new year just hours away, we thought it'd be fun to recap 2018. Between covering the full-frame mirrorless trends, photography conferences like WPPI and PhotoPlus, reviewing the latest camera gear and helping you with camera and post-processing techniques, our team had tons of interesting articles that caught your interest! Below are our top 10 most viewed articles for 2018. We hope you had a great 2018, and we can't wait to see what's in store for 2019! Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash … [Read more...] about Remembering 2018
Photographing high school football with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, part one
Editor's Note: We welcome Bob Panick to Photofocus. Bob is an enthusiastic amateur photographer based in the Detroit area. Bob shoots a variety of subjects including sports, landscape, nature and automotive. Bob has little to no interest in being a professional photographer and shoots for his own enjoyment. Bob learned photography back in the 70s, got away from it and came back about 10 years ago. You can check out his sports-related work at https://photos.panick.com/. I’ve had a few people asking questions on photographing football so I … [Read more...] about Photographing high school football with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, part one
Photographing advertising with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
This is the final article in a four-part series discussing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Click here to read my previous article, discussing the use of the camera for portraiture. In addition to corporate events, I also shoot some corporate promotional — also known as advertising — photography. These images are used on a wide array of mediums, including websites, brochures, mailers, billboards and more. Corporate advertising That's right — I said billboards. Despite having a 20-megapixel sensor, my photographs have ended up on … [Read more...] about Photographing advertising with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Photographing portraits with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
This is the third article in a four-part series discussing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Click here to read my previous article, discussing the use of the camera for landscapes. In my final article, I'll discuss using the camera for advertising. I photograph a lot of different types of portraits. Just a few weeks ago, I was hired to photograph the downtown tree lighting, which involved me taking photographs of Santa, Mrs. Claus and guests at a rapid pace. But I've also shot several corporate portraits, and a few family portraits as … [Read more...] about Photographing portraits with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Photographing landscapes with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
This is the second article in a four-part series discussing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Click here to read my first article, discussing the use of the camera for events. In future articles, I'll discuss using the camera for portraiture and advertising. While my bread and butter might be event photography, in my spare time I photograph landscapes and travel imagery. Everything from long exposures to walking the streets, I love to photograph it. Landscapes (and some cityscapes) When I started out doing nighttime long exposures with my … [Read more...] about Photographing landscapes with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Weekly Wrap-Up: Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2018
The Weekly Wrap-Up is a compendium of some of the articles published this week on Photofocus. This week, we explored new gear, showed you a few different lighting techniques, talked about exhibiting and showcased Olympus' flagship camera. We also gave you some great Cyber Monday deals. Still looking for some savings and ideas? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide! … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2018
Photographing events with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
This is the first article in a four-part series discussing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. In future articles, I'll discuss using the camera for landscapes, portraiture and advertising. Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to win an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and I've since made it my camera of choice. After photographing exclusively with it for nine months, I feel like I've got a good grasp of the capabilities of the camera. I couldn't be happier with my Olympus system. I now have a second body for backup purposes, plus a plethora of … [Read more...] about Photographing events with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Early Black Friday savings from Olympus
Cyber Monday Specials from B&H. Click this link to go shopping! Olympus is offering some great deals on its cameras, lenses and various accessories! In addition to the deals below, Olympus is offering 2x rewards on purchases made through Dec. 19, 2018, on getolympus.com, as well as free 2-day shipping on orders over $50. To learn more and see all the Olympus Black Friday deals, visit getolympus.com. Note that freebies mentioned are only guaranteed to be available through getolympus.com, but pricing will be honored by other authorized … [Read more...] about Early Black Friday savings from Olympus
Weekly Wrap-Up: Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2018
Welcome to a brand new feature — the Weekly Wrap-Up — a compendium of some of the articles published this week on Photofocus. Flickr to end 1 TB of free storage, limit free accounts to 1,000 photos Flickr has announced massive changes to its account offerings, taking effect this coming January. In April, SmugMug purchased Flickr, which sparked a “months-long effort to listen to its members and understand what Flickr needed to thrive and evolve.” Read more... Exclusive: What’s in store for Olympus? This year at PhotoPlus Expo, all the rage … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2018
Exclusive: What’s in store for Olympus?
This year at PhotoPlus Expo, all the rage was around mirrorless. Canon, Nikon and even Panasonic have joined the likes of Sony, introducing full-frame mirrorless cameras. But this begs the question — what's in store for Olympus, a long-time mirrorless manufacturer using a micro four-thirds format? The micro four-thirds format was released by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008. While there's been a handful of other micro four-thirds cameras made since its introduction, Olympus and Panasonic have been the heavyweights. With Panasonic's … [Read more...] about Exclusive: What’s in store for Olympus?
Themed shoots and why they matter
The daily grind can sometimes get you! More than once, after an editing binge for days on end for client work, my mind wanders over to my safe place — that beautiful land of themed shoots where I'm calling all the shots and no one even needs to like the output. Honestly, in the middle of the busiest months, I'll try my best to sneak my favorite models, make-up artist and stylist into the studio and collaborate on something totally spontaneous and creative. It almost always starts with a simple conversation about themes we've always wanted to … [Read more...] about Themed shoots and why they matter
What does a “professional” camera really mean?
Last week, Tony and Chelsea Northrup posted a controversial video on YouTube that tried to define what a professional camera was. It centers around sales for all of the camera manufacturers. It makes some good points about how higher-end cameras can enhance a photograph. That being said, for the most part making a great photograph is not about the camera — it's about the photographer. While there are certainly cameras geared more towards professionals, including features that pros tend to take more advantage of, it doesn't mean that you … [Read more...] about What does a “professional” camera really mean?
The age of the mirrorless camera starts now
Full-frame 35mm cameras. Medium-format cameras. Micro four-thirds cameras. These are formats. There are only two types of digital cameras themselves — Single Lens Reflex and Mirrorless. The evolution of cameras has evolved over the past 100 years, and we're about to enter a new generation, with Nikon and Canon both getting ready to reveal full-frame mirrorless camera systems. While the mirrorless system has been around for 14 years, it has only recently started taking off. The first mirrorless camera was made by a company which is more … [Read more...] about The age of the mirrorless camera starts now
Creating One-of-a-Kind Fireworks with Olympus Live Composite
Editor's Note: We welcome Jamie MacDonald, an Olympus Visionary and Vanguard Pro living in Michigan. With a focus on nature and wildlife, Jamie says his motivations are to connect viewers to the emotional state he was in when his images were created. Learn more about Jamie and follow his adventures at jmacdonaldphoto.com or on Instagram. One of the most under-promoted features of the Olympus brand of cameras is the Live Composite function. It has many uses, but especially during fireworks season. But before you dive headlong into using … [Read more...] about Creating One-of-a-Kind Fireworks with Olympus Live Composite
Quick Tip: Sunny Day? Mirrorless Shooters, Review the Photo in Your Viewfinder
One of the best advantages to mirrorless cameras is its electronic viewfinder. This not only gives you an accurate preview of your shot before you click the shutter button — it also allows you to preview your images through the viewfinder, not just the screen on the back. This is great for sunny days, allowing you to check exposure and focus without the need for a loupe. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Sunny Day? Mirrorless Shooters, Review the Photo in Your Viewfinder
Answering the Question, Which Camera Should I Buy?
If you're just getting into photography, there are several things to consider when buying a camera. Why do you want a camera in the first place, and what's drawing you toward photography? While the question of "which camera should I buy?" may be a simple one, the answer is anything but. What to Ask Yourself Once you've decided you want to get into photography, it's good to know what you like to photograph, and how you like to do so. For instance, do you enjoy capturing scenes on the street? Are you the person at the restaurant table that … [Read more...] about Answering the Question, Which Camera Should I Buy?
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: How To Make Super-High-Res Photos with MFT Cameras
When it comes to the micro four-thirds system, one of the biggest complaints I hear is that you're limited by the sensor. And while you can certainly make that argument, for me it's more about my needs and usage. But for the times when you do need a larger photograph, both Olympus and Panasonic now offer high-resolution shooting modes in their top-of-the-line cameras, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII, E-M5 MkII and the Lumix DC-G9, which create an 80-megapixel photo. How it Works Both cameras work the same way in terms of how high-resolution photos … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: How To Make Super-High-Res Photos with MFT Cameras
It’s Not About the Camera — It’s About Evolving as an Artist
When I first ventured into photography, I started out with a Nikon D5100. From there I upgraded to a D800 (thanks to winning a Photofocus contest on Twitter) and later a D750. Last year I made the tough decision to go mirrorless, ultimately purchasing a Panasonic Lumix GH5 and eventually, a G9. Now I've made another switch. And it's not because I was dissatisfied with my Lumix gear — quite the contrary, in fact. My Lumix system was awesome, and one of the best decisions I've made to switch to them. But after a week of tough thinking, I've … [Read more...] about It’s Not About the Camera — It’s About Evolving as an Artist
Great Savings on Used Gear Week of 02/12/2018
(Editor's Note: Our friends at MPB.com have some really great deals on select used camera bodies and lenses. MPB is a great place to sell your used gear that's lying around taking up space.) Save on cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment by buying used. Sell cameras and lenses you are no longer using at MPB.com. … [Read more...] about Great Savings on Used Gear Week of 02/12/2018
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Mirrorless Cameras Lead the Way in Innovation
When I switched from Nikon to the Panasonic Lumix system last spring, I was nervous. I had used Nikon for more than three years. It was my bread and butter — I knew it inside and out. And it worked great. But one thing it wasn't was innovating. I started to feel like it was holding me back — specifically with its video capabilities. As the demand for video from my clients started to grow, I knew that I needed to think about making a change. Fast forward nine months later, and I couldn't be happier. With my new Lumix G9 in tow, along with … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Mirrorless Cameras Lead the Way in Innovation
Black Friday Specials from MPB
Actually, it's really Black Wednesday! Today through Monday, November 27, 2017, save big on the following used items from MPB.com. Click any photo to go to its deal page. A full list of the deals is at the end of this post. Quantities are limited so click early and save! Limited Quantities--Click early to get the gear $400 off Blackmagic URSA V1 $50 off Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lenses $75 off Canon EOS 70D bodies $75 off Fujifilm X-T1 bodies$500 off GoPro Omni Kit $200 off Nikon AF-S 12-24mm f/4G … [Read more...] about Black Friday Specials from MPB
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Olympus’s New f/1.2 Pro Lenses
Olympus have announced three pro-level lenses, and they all boast a wide aperture of f/1.2. Let's take a brief look at each and check out sample pictures from Olympus Visionary Tracie Maglosky. M.Zuiko ED 45mm f/1.2 Pro This new 45mm f/1.2 lens is the most interesting to me. As a medium telephoto length, it should be terrific for portraits and landscapes. It focuses closer than 16 inches, so it's a respectable close-up lens, as well. The very wide f/1.2 aperture is attractive for both low light performance and soft bokeh in the backgrounds of … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Olympus’s New f/1.2 Pro Lenses
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The Wrong ( Or Right) Reason to Buy Mirrorless
I was out making pictures with three other photographers, yesterday--just a random assortment of friends--and all of us were using mirrorless cameras and that's the first time I've been out with a group and no one had a DSLR. We took a short hike to a waterfall and as we walked everyone remarked once that they loved how much lighter their mirrorless systems are, which is always a big selling point. But I think getting into mirrorless because it's lighter would be a mistake. It's Not About Weight We're photographers, not adventure racers … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The Wrong ( Or Right) Reason to Buy Mirrorless
Stories from the Set-How Jamie MacDonald uses Olympus Technology
Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even season professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Olympus Visionary and educator Jamie MacDonald shares a story on how the newest technology from Olympus has influenced his photography. In this … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set-How Jamie MacDonald uses Olympus Technology
