A New Year, New Project

Abstract HB2

Happy New Year!

With the beginning of 2016, we all have a lot of resolutions and such we wish to accomplish in the  coming 12 months. I've set a few. All are in different aspects of my life. Some for personal sake, some professional, and some creative.

I've always been a fan of abstract art. Looking into a painting or other work of art and exploring what my eye and mind see in the piece. So one of my projects for the year is a "Made on iPhone" project.

Those who know and follow me understand my philosophy on cameras and gear. Mostly, the camera doesn't really make any difference in one's creative endeavors. And many know my love for pushing my skills with limited equipment or seeing what I can achieve with something that others would claim isn't worth using. My iPhone is always with me and I am continually shooting photos that push my skills and the camera's abilities.

For 2016, my Made on iPhone project is creating abstract photography from everyday moments. I have shared a few already but to start. The image you see here is known as Abstract HB2. Shot in camera using the iPhone and processed using VSCO.

Please follow this series and give me your feedback! Happy New Year! Go out and create a project of your own to experiment and creativity for 2016.

The Lizard King

Lizard on a Sago Palm — Mexico Beach, Florida.  

Not a bad shot for a 25mm lens. A recent acquisition, I found the Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 to be a pretty impressive little lens.  

Like a lion stalking its prey, it was a tough shot to get. A 25mm lens is rather wide for this semi-macro photography; I had to slowly sneak up on this little fellow. He happily posed for me for a few moments. 

Shot on Olympus OM-D E-M5 with M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 lens and edited on iPad. 

Mirrorless, More than a Curiosity

Gagan Sadana, Image courtesy of Mirrorlessons.com

I've been shooting with my Olympus E-M5 since 2012. Many who know my collection of gear find it unexpected that I don't shoot with my Nikon setup, in which I have much more invest, nearly as much as my Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system.

Its DSL-ish form factor and diminutive size, most MFT cameras give many photographers pause. The sensor isn't 35mm, it isn't big, it makes little sound, and it doesn't have the backing of the biggest names in photography like Nikon or Canon. But, I found it to be so much fun to shoot with that I carry my camera with me everywhere and shoot much more because it isn't as conspicuous.

Mirrorlessons.com interviewed a photographer who's switch to the Panasonic GX7 has change his life as a photographer. His street photography has been enhanced by its small size and 20mm pancake lens (a legend in the Micro Four Thirds community) giving him freedom and stealth. It is a worthwhile read is you're curious about mirrorless and MFT cameras or thinking of using such a system.

“ You chose the Lumix GX7 as your main camera. How did you first discover the MFT system? What are the features on this series of cameras that you find particularly useful for street photography?

I came across an MFT camera (Lumix GX7) last year while I was attending a workshop by Panasonic. As a DSLR user, MFT was straightaway impressive, but I particularly liked how quiet and compact the MFT cameras are. Yes, I have captured great shots using my DSLR but I didn’t realize what I was missing until I started using Lumix GX7. Using an MFT camera has helped me get close to my subjects and they are really quiet. It is important to mention that I use a 20mm lens so I have to really close if I want my subject to fill the frame. I haven’t used my DSLR at all since I switched to using a Mirrorless camera a year ago. I firmly believe that switching to a mirrorless camera was a game changer for me as a street photographer.”

— Mirrorlessons.com * Gagan Sadana

Gagan Sadana — Fine Art Street Photography with the GX7