This article shares some handheld images from an M.Zuiko 150-600 focal range test done recently at Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls. The objective of this posting is to illustrate how using the extreme focal lengths (i.e. wide and telephoto) of our zoom lenses can impact our compositions… depth-of-field… and the number of pixels on subjects.
Category Archives: Photography Techniques
Image Softness
Potential image softness is a concern shared by many photographers of varying skill levels, and who’s work covers a wide range of genres. This article covers some of the fundamental issues that may contribute to image softness, many of which can be addressed without the need to spend more money on camera gear.
Finding Visual Expression II eBook
We are pleased to announce the publication of a new 220 page eBook, Finding Visual Expression II. This eBook is a sister publication to the original Finding Visual Expression volume, and expands the number of subject areas covered to 30 in total (15 per eBook). Finding Visual Expression II is designed as a photographic resource which covers fifteen new subject areas.
A sample page from each topical area is illustrated in this article. The eBook’s Table of Contents is also featured in one of the images in this announcement article.
In-Camera Focus Stacking
2023 was a watershed year for me as I fully embraced handheld in-camera focus stacking technology as essential for my photography. This article shares some of my favourite focus stacked images from 2023 along with some commentary about the practical use of handheld in-camera focus stacking.
Auto Focus Considerations
This article discusses some basic auto focus considerations and was prompted by a few emails that I recently received from readers. Some of these emails had questions that were specific to the OM-1. Since I have never used this camera, and have no plans to do any kind of review on it, I’m unable to comment specifically on that model.
Importance of Shutter Speed
The importance of shutter speed is something that we can sometimes undervalue by attempting to use ISO values that are too low when creating photographs. We may read articles or view videos that are adamant that we should always shoot at low ISO values. While this can be appropriate in specific situations, using a low ISO and sacrificing shutter speed as a trade-off, can be problematic.
Handheld Moon Photography Test
This article shares a handheld moon photography test image that I created yesterday evening using my E-M1X’s Digital Teleconverter and M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter. I’ve never been very interested in astral photography, and as regular readers know, I hate using a tripod. The combination of those two factors has resulted in me pretty much ignoring moon photography.
Spoiled by Technology
Lately, I’ve been wondering more and more if photographers have become spoiled by the technology found in their camera equipment. Over time, we’ve been treated so well by camera manufacturers that many of us fail to really appreciate the incredible image making power of the gear we hold in our hands every day. There really is no such thing as a ‘bad’ camera system today.
Dragonflies Landing
This article shares a selection photographs of dragonflies landing and discusses technique, including the use of Pro Capture H to create these images. All of the photographs in this article were captured handheld during a short 90 minute visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG).
Insect Kit Field Test
This article shares some recent insect kit field test images and discusses the rationale behind this particular equipment set-up. I suppose when many people think of insect photography the first gear that comes to mind is a macro lens. While I do use a macro lens for insect photography quite often, there are occasions when a macro lens is not a particularly effective piece of kit.