As a follow up to our recent article, Hi Res Cactus Images, this posting features some Floral Showhouse macro images of flowers. All photographs were captured handheld with an Olympus OM-D E-M1X and an M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro lens, using the Handheld Hi Res Mode.
NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.
Macro photography is one of those things that can become addictive. Virtually anything around us can become a potential subject for this type of image.
Being able to capture high resolution macro images handheld has further increased my enjoyment of this genre of photography.
I certainly appreciate the skill set of photographers who have mastered the art of in-studio macro photography. They use their specialized gear to create absolutely stunning work.
I’ve never had the patience for complex studio set-ups and I tip my hat to the folks who have that virtue!
My style has always been more free-wheeling and experimental. That’s one of the reasons why the Olympus OM-D E-M1X is such a good fit for me. Much like my Nikon 1 gear, the E-M1X provides an incredible amount of creative freedom. Albeit for different reasons than my Nikon 1 kit.
I love the challenge of looking at small details around me and finding a particular shooting angle that enhances subject separation. As I was capturing these Floral Showhouse macro images, I couldn’t help but be fully engrossed in the experience.
When photographing small details, sometimes all it takes is a very small shift in a shooting angle to achieve the desired degree of subject separation.
Handheld Hi Res macro photography does take some practice. It is important to determine the right personal technique. For example, I regularly compose images from the rear screen of my camera rather than using the EVF on my E-M1X. I always shoot in Manual mode with an auto-ISO setting, and use single point auto-focus.
Creating this selection of Floral Showhouse macro images of flowers is one of those situations where camera gear can make a difference. The combination of the Handheld Hi Res Mode on my Olympus OM-D E-M1X, and the camera’s 7 stops of IBIS, is a game changer for me. Many people have asked me, “How effective is the IBIS on the E-M1X?”
Well… it’s good enough that the Handheld Hi Res macro image above was captured one handed as I reached out over a flower bed. My E-M1X captured this photograph with only one attempt. That’s more than good enough for me.
Technical Note:
Photographs were captured hand-held using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were produced from RAW files using my standard process. Photographs are presented as 100% captures without any cropping.
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Tom,
I love macros. Too often, we landscapists are caught up in the big picture that we can neglect to notice the small details that make up the total image. Macro photography can make us appreciate these tiny things, sort of the cells or atoms that make up the whole.
Also loving the creamy bokeh of the images you shared, particularly the rose cactus and purple flower. And wow, taken handheld to boot (can leave the tripod more often at home)! That Olympus is really something special.
Happy holidays!
Oggie
http://www.lagalog.com
Hi Oggie,
Like you, I enjoy exploring the details around me. I find that their intricate structures are visually fascinating.
I’ve always been more of an exploratory and experimental photographer, so I love being able to pursue ideas for images as they pop into my old, porous brain. The E-M1X allows me to do that better than any other camera that I’ve ever owned. The IBIS performance of the E-M1X simply boggles my mind. After more than six months I haven’t had the need to use it with a tripod even once thus far. It is difficult to describe the feeling of absolute freedom that this wonderful camera produces. Many people have criticized the camera for its relative size and weight. Once in hand the E-M1X feels assured and balanced… never large and heavy.
I have an upcoming article that features some handheld macro images of butterflies captured with the STF-8 Twin Macro Flash. One of my favourite photographs in that article was captured holding the E-M1X with one hand.
Tom
Can you do both at the same time?
Hi Ed,
I don’t believe so.
Focus stacking produces a composite jpeg file which is the primary reason why I haven’t done much with this capability… I’ve never liked shooting in jpeg.
Tom
Why not focus stacking?
Hi Ed,
No particular reason… just haven’t decided to experiment with that function yet.
Tom