i.Zuiko and Contrasting Flowers

.

This was taken quite a while ago. I was embraced with the contrasting colors of the flowers and grass. The brown leaf gave a contradiction of colors to the whole composition, which to me added some dimension to the image.

XZ-1 with 6mm, f/3.5, 1/800s, ISO100

i.Zuiko and Kucing Longkangan

.

Well, it has a been a while since I posted my last entry. I am kind of busy with things lately, not much chance to pick up the camera and shoot.

Somehow, one day, I managed to make this shot.

24mm (56mm 4/3 equiv.), f/2.5, 1/80s, ISO200

What I liked most about this picture was the tone. The bright sky with the evening sun blocked by the row of houses provided a beautiful tonal rendition that was begging to be taken.

I was in the midst of finding a subject to shoot in such a situation, and suddenly the cat jumped into the drain. Rummaging through the scraps, it searched in vain to find food. I took a couple of shots, and to me this pose was just the one I was looking for.

i.Zuiko and Photography Class

.

A kitten was lying on the pebbles, and I just took the shot with the fast XZ-1 lens

I recently conducted a short beginners class for 5 students. It's simple and direct approach to photography, with emphasis on key skills to create beautiful images.

My class is a half day morning event targeted for 4-6 students at RM50/pax. Location is outdoors, most probably at Shah Alam lake gardens. If interested for any class, as I can cater as much topics as possible, please contact me at 012-2040883.

A beautiful banana flowerette with smooth bokeh rendition

24mm, f/8, 1/160s, iso200, +0.3ev

This was a DSLR course, but as the teacher, I opted to use my Olympus XZ-1 as the tool of instruction. Though it's not a DSLR, it has all the key features for a basic beginner's DSLR with kit lens. Even the lens depth-of-field effect is achievable with the XZ-1. That's good enough for the class. Also, for me to lug around a full size E-5 with the Zuiko Digital ED14-35mm F2.0 lens will be tiring as I have to chase around the field with my students scattered like little lambs.

The monotones are just nice to accentuate the telephoto landscape effect

Just focus on a few rules to create great images:

• Look for the tones (check in black & white)
• Capture sharp images (in correct focus)
• Set the subject off-center with the Rule of Thirds
• Try to grab the story and emotion

Till next time...

Zuiko and The Aquaria at KLCC

.

E-5 with Zuiko Digital ED14-35mm F2.0 SWD

14mm, f/2.0, 1/50s, ISO2000, -0.7ev

It was the school holidays, and we asked the kids about a visit to The Aquaria. And of course, they were ecstatic.

The vari-angle LCD coupled with class-leading IS system enabled this handheld shot from the top angle. The E-5 + HLD-4 + 14-35/2 lens was not light either!

It turned out to be a packed place; though we were quite early arriving there. We took the Family Package for RM99, which saved us up to RM21. The small space was easily filled with people within minutes. And, to have a stroller to strap my youngest kid in place put me in a tough situation for making some great shots in the cramped and dark fish-filled facility. Having one hand manning the stroller, and the other coping with the E-5 required some creative handling manoeuvres.

Tracking this large shark was good even though it was dark. Ramped up the ISO to 2000 and let the lens wide open at f/2.0 made the shutter fast enough to capture at 1/100s to freeze it.

It turned to be a nightmare for photography, and I resorted to video shooting towards the end. But, I did manage to get some shots. It was tough. Kids control was top priority as I did not want them to stray more than 10 feet away, and managing the E-5 with the Zuiko Digital ED14-35mm F2.0 SWD was no easy feat.

It was tiring, but worth it!

Zuiko and the Orchid Gardens

.

It was the first time I ever set foot at the Kuala Lumpur Orchid & Hibiscus Garden. Since it was on a weekday, I got in for free. During the weekends or special holidays, there is an RM1 entry fee.

I needed some shutter therapy lately. The amount of stress at work is quite high, and a relaxing stroll in the gardens should be good to lessen the strain. It was a bright cloudy day, which in effect, produced the best lighting condition to shoot flower macros. This was a good thing, because for some unknown reason I left my FL-50R flash at home. The soft diffusion by the clouds meant that the sunlight was evenly spread out without any harsh shadows; thus, the need for fill-flash was moot.

The only lens I brought along the E-3 was the Zuiko Digital ED50mm F2.0 macro lens. It proved to be more than enough for me to capture the beauty of the flowers in the gardens.

Upon entry, I was greeted with lush and bright colors of the orchids; white, red orange, purple and even green orchids! The richness of the colors brought in some therapeutic effect to my mind, body and soul. Throughout the entire trip I was immersed in the nature's beauty.

Indeed, such a beautiful creation, the flower is.

And it brought me great relief and satisfaction, too!

Zuiko and a Colorful Habit

Awesome colors, indeed.

E-30 with Zuiko Digital ED14-35mm F2.0 SWD

21mm, f/6.3, 1/40s, ISO200, -0.3ev, Pop Art

Alas, not so awesome when the rubbish is also prominent in the shot. Really, it is a sad tale of beautiful Malaysia. Amidst the beautiful flora and fauna, the colors rich and vibrant, rubbish has to show its ugly head.

I find it is a challenge to shoot a rubbish-free picture, when it comes to public parks and other public areas. The people's attitude got to change, and I don't see it happening in the near future.

I have been keeping this picture for quite a while, and thought now is the time to show the other side of Malaysia.

Well, at least the colors are vibrant!

Zuiko and the Rainforest

A beautiful scene within the jungle trail; a hint of haze is imminent!

The Sumatran forest fires are a real hazard!

Malaysia is blessed with its tropical beauty be it on land or at sea. Malaysia is also blessed with the abundance of rain and precipitation throughout the year. These two conditions really make the E-3 and the Super High Grade Zuikos feel at home!

About a 20-minute drive from the city center to the east side lies the Forest Reserve Institute of Malaysia. The 486-acre facility is home for a plethora of scientific and academic activities for forest research and conservation. It is quite surprising that this little hamlet nestles just next to the hustle and bustle of city life; practically it just located mere hundreds of meters from the nearest main highway in Klang Valley!

The forest canopy high up!

The main attraction at FRIM is the Canopy Walk, which allows the visitors to traverse along the forest canopy along the 5-sectioned 15-meter pathways that is about 90 meters above ground!!! But, what luck for my party... it was raining by the time we reached the entrance. The gates was closed!!! And this was after a 15-minute hike up a steep hill!!! Boy, was I disappointed!

Racing down the hill to escape the heavy rain. Watch out for the slippery rocks!

As it was raining heavily, my E-3 and the Digital Zuiko ED7-14mm F4.0 was drenched. I was not ever worried one bit, as the superior weather-sealing for both camera and lens have surpassed many thunderstorms before!

A quick shot of the small waterfall, I was leaning on the biggest rock for support.

The In-body Image Stabilization system was awesome; shot in 1/2s!!

We had to rush down to the nearest camp shelter, which was a 500-meter descent across thick jungle and slippery and rocky slopes. Along the path, a small stream passes through that ends as a small waterfall near our camp shelter.

The whole party seeking refuge under the small shelter.

Well, we are scheduling another trip next week for the Canopy Walk, and the FRIM organizers will reschedule it as it was paid for already. This will be awesome, as I was told that in fair weather the skyline of Kuala Lumpur will be at its mercy!

E-P1 and Daffodil

Daffodil by E-P1, originally uploaded by thru-the-zuiko.

I wanted to highlight the strong colors of the petals, the yellows were so striking. The original image had the background adequately blurred, but the background was still distracting.

I cropped the image into a square format, and used the Lomo Effect filter in the The GIMP v2.4. The contrast was increased with additional saturation, while at the same time blackened the background. I further applied additional contrast with a Contrast Mask blending (without negating the mask layer), and a touch of the S-curve profile in the overall tones.

This was finished off with a sparing use of the High-pass filter for sharpening.

The yellow petals just glow in the dark for me!!

Zuiko and the Eye

Thru the eye...

E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED35-100mm F2.0

95mm, f/2.0, 1/200s, ISO800, +0.3EV

Ever wonder where the did I get the shot of the cat's eye for this blog? Here it is!

The cat at a mamak shop in Tesco Extra Shah Alam, back in October 2008. I was having a morning breakfast with two or three of our fellow "screw-screws" when this cat prowled under our table.

Having discussing about my newly acquired Zuiko Digital ED35-100mm F2.0 telephoto lens, I quickly snapped this image. The cat seemed to be amazed with the sheer size of the lens that it paused for a portrait shot.

Meeeooooowwww!!!!!!!!..........

Zuiko and Birds of Prey

While I was residing at Bukit Jelutong, which was just adjacent to the TUDM Air Base, I had a chance to shoot a few birds, luckily some birds of prey.

This was of an eagle, circling the airspace hunting for prey. It was hovering the airspace flexing its prowess. It was breathtaking to see such scene of pure power.

I present to you the king of raptors!

E-510 with Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm F2.8-3.5

200mm, f/9.0, 1/250s, ISO100, +0.3EV

Also, there is the other version of raptor lurking over the skies of Bukit Jelutong. Usually, we will be treated with roars of jet afterburners at least twice a year - during the F1 race and National Day.

The king of the skies, supersonic jet fighters!!!

E-510 with Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm F2.8-3.5

182mm, f/3.5, 1/640s, ISO100, +0.7EV

The TUDM F-18D Hornet making a landing approach. The landing gears can clearly be seen!

There were four of them birds making the descent, in which they just flew mere hundreds of feet above me!!!! I was shooting them within the compounds of my apartment.

The speed was mind boggling, with the crescendo of thunderous jet power!! Panning was difficult.

Forget F1, this is the ultimate speed machine!!!

Zuiko and Two Peacocks

When you enter the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, you are greeted with these beautiful and vain pheasants. These birds just litter the whole pathway of the bird park, and minding their own business. 

A beautiful profile of the Indian Blue Peacock, Pavo Cristatus.

Olympus E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm F2.8-3.5

208mm, f/4.5, 1/1000s, ISO800, +0.7EV

Just wait for the right moment, and you will be rewarded.

A grandeur pose of the Green Peacock, Pavo Muticus.

E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm F2.8-3.5 + EC-14 Teleconverter

283mm, f/4.9, 1/1000s, ISO800, +0.3EV

Indeed a regal sight.

Zuiko and before it Flutters By

This was a candid shot, as I remembered.

E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED50mm F2.0 Macro + EC14 teleconverter

70mm, f/4.5, 1/2500s, ISO200, -0.3EV

I was out at my garden shooting some macros, that I stumbled upon this butterfly. It was just perching on the heliconia leaf. 

The 10am sun was shining brightly; hence the perfect lighting. To top it off, the background was just bright enough to provide the ample contrast difference to accentuate the majesty of the wings.

Simply gorgeous.

Zuiko and a bit of Photo Painting

A simple painting effect.

I can't remember what program I used, but looking at the shooting date, I suspect it was using Photoshop.

E-510 with Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f2.8-3.5

54mm, f/6.3, 1/160s, ISO400

For this shot, the metering was at ESP and was not tricked by the strong backlight! I needed to ensure the shutter speed was fast enough to freeze the leaves as the wind was blowing gently; thus, increasing the ISO was inevitable. The aperture at f/6.3 was adequate to get the whole frame sharp.

Zuiko and a Dragonfly

Dragonflies are intriguing. They look like helicopters, ever seemingly hovering on small wads of pond. Sometimes in groups, most of the time solitary. They come in various sizes and colors, too. 

Majestic. 

Beautiful.

Elegant.

E-3 with Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f2.8-3.5

54mm, f/4, 1/200s, ISO400, FL-50R

To capture the elegance of this majestic insect, I need to capture it in full isolation. In many instances, the location is the limiting factor to obtain my vision of such beauty. I always get it muddled with the background, usually grass and dirt.

In this image, I was lucky enough to find it perching lifelessly on the end of the twig in full isolation. Perfect!

While the 14-54mm lens was not the perfect one for high quality macro, I had to make do. This meant that I had to come up very close, in the region of 10cm away. Slow and steady without abrupt movement, I was able to approach it without harm. It was rather dark due to the shade, and I had to resort to higher ISO and fill-in flash from the FL-50R.

That's all it took.

Zuiko and Three Leaves

A study in monochrome.

E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED14-35mm F2.0 SWD

35mm, f/2.0, 1/1000s, ISO100, -0.3EV

Backlight.
High contrast.
Isolation.
Texture and detail.
Bokeh.
Shadow and highlight.

Zuiko and Selective Focus

Sometimes, it is very important to have the focal plane align with the subject to emphasize the composition. If the subject and the overall image are identical in shape, color and size, the use of selective focus will be more effective.

E-510 with Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f2.8-3.5

54mm, f/3.5, 1/250s, ISO100, -0.3EV

In this image, I selected the three-leaves clusters to align to focal plane. And I selected a medium aperture value to capture enough depth of field to render the clusters in focus. The rest of the image was blurred.

The morning sunlight provided a nice angle for the leaves to reflect the rays that casted a lovely maze of highlights and shadows. Somehow, the leaves looked very lifelike and 3D-ish. Awesome.

Zuiko and a Matter of Composition

It was a sunny morning, the sun was shining brightly. I was going to work, and I stumbled upon an opportunity to shoot this little flower in my garden. The garden had just been watered, and the droplets were just a beautiful addition to the already gorgeous marigolds.

Water is a powerful addition to a composition. The globule effect creates additional story to the image, similar to an insect perching on the flower petals. Another beauty lies in the reflective behaviour that adds another dimension to the image. In essence, there are two images in the single frame!

E-30 with Zuiko Digital ED50mm F2.0 MACRO

f/2.5, 1/640s, ISO400

A common problem with shooting a simple subject is what is the best composition. If shooting a difficult subject is more on the technique, shooting a simple subject is more on the depth. In creating depth to the image, the subject must convey multidimensional qualities!

Okay! I already have a flower with a water droplet as my subject. Which is the best way to capture this beauty?

First of all, what I really liked was the lighting. The strong sun created a nice shadow and light effect to the flower that I did not really require a fill-in flash or a reflector.

Next, to get very close-up, a macro lens was used. With the Zuiko Digital 50mm f2.0 Macro attached to the E-30, the setup was complete.

I shot a couple of images, both with different angle and aperture. One thing in common, though; both the flower's top opening and the water droplet were in focus!

If you are careful enough, the droplet reflection in itself is an additional composition.

The first image I used a smaller aperture of f/5.6 to get most of the flower's top opening in focus. Because of this, I had to move higher at angle angle to isolate it from the yellow background. The flower bud and water droplet were also in focus.

The second image I used a large aperture of f/2.5 to only get the water droplet and the body of the flower in focus. The rest of the image was left to blur. I did not have to shoot at a higher angle to isolate the flower's top opening from the yellow background.

From these images, I had a tough time selecting the better shot. Somehow, the shallow depth-of-field from the second image won it. The small buds emerging from the flower's top and the sole droplet with the sharp outline of the flower's body got it made. The foreground and background blur added a sandwiched effect to further convey the beauty of the subject.

To finish it off, I did a square crop and a touch of vignetting to enhance the vibrancy and energy of the composition. A tad of dodging and burning added crispness to the color and contrast, too!

Shooting a simple subject is actually difficult. Making a multidimension image out of a mundane subject is definitely tricky. The only way to improve is to continually shoot in various angles and apertures to nail the shot. Once you get it, it is very satisfying!!

Zuiko and 108MP Image

Digital Zuiko lenses are sharp end-to-end, even at wide open. The consistency of exposure is excellent too, with the vignetting at corners are very minimal. These qualities enable me to do some stitching of images with high precision and accuracy.

E-30, Zuiko Digital ED50mm F2.0 Macro

44 images stitched and cropped to an approximately 3x3 frame of the 50mm coverage

With the composite of 44 images, and later cropped out about 25%, this single frame sized up to 3x3 of the 50mm coverage. In relation to the framing, it is safe to say that this is similar to the coverage of the Leica S-system format.

Using the industry-defining ED50mm F2.0 Macro lens, it is not surprising to see the results to be outstanding. The aperture is at F2.0, and the resultant depth-of-field is very narrow and shallow.

What I really want is to have the capability to get a highly sharp image with razor thin depth-of-field. The marigold flower is medium-sized, and to have up to 15 in the frame really shows the coverage of the image.

I actually created a quasi-Medium Format image similar to a sensor of 48mm by 32mm, with real resolution in excess of 100MP!!! It is not surprising, as a single image from the E-30 is a 12MP image - with 9 composites will be approximately 108MP!

Not bad for a small format system. As long as the lens is top notch, anything is possible!!!

Zuiko and Birds in Flight

Shooting birds in flight was one of my challenges with the E-3. Along with the Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD lens, I was able to get closer with these little flying creatures. Some of the images even had the EC-14 extender to extend the range up to 283mm F4.9!!!


The trick with shooting birds in flight is all about anticipation. The smaller the bird, the higher the anticipation. The higher the anticipation, the tougher the shot.


With anticipation in mind, the best method to get sharp images is to use high shutter speed with large aperture. ISO value is best left at Auto.


Find the bird, scan its surroundings and its habits of flight. The best is to find it perching, and anticipate its next flight movement. Set the focus to Manual (MF), and lock. As the bird move scan and shoot bursts of 5fps. And hope for the best!


The beauty of the E-system is that it is possible to shoot at 283mm range (equivalent to 566mm in Full Frame) with a kit that is fast enough at F4.9 with just a 1120g lens! Thus, it will not easily tire your arms to scan and pan to anticipate the birds' flight plan.

283mm, Shutter priority

F4.9, 1/2500s, ISO800, -0.3EV

283mm, Shutter priority

F4.9, 1/2000s, ISO800

200mm, Aperture priority

F3.5, 1/1250s, ISO2000, -0.3EV

This was my last image with the ED50-200mm lens. I eventually sold it within one week after this shot.

184mm, Aperture priority

F7.1, 1/800s, ISO400

E-30: Shooting Low and Clean

I put my camera low under the flower shrubs, with the FL-50R on the right side low. I flipped out the LCD, snapped up the on-camera flash, angled the lens sky ward, framed the shot while adjusting the LCD view... CLICK... KERRR-CHAAK!

Voila!!

E-30, Zuiko Digital 14-54mm

27mm, F6.3, 1/320s, ISO200, ESP Metering

Remote flash setting: RC (Ch1, Lo), A (FP TTL, -2.0), B (OFF), C (OFF)

Here is how....

One of the cute features of E-30 is the flippable screen a-la camcorders. I love it, very much!!!

It enables me to take some nice angles. Fantastic!!!!

Also, notice that all 11 nicely-spaced focus points are usable. With the help of the nifty little histogram graph on the bottom left, getting the right exposure is like having a walk in the park.

For this shot, I cradled the E-30 just above ground pointing upwards, just next on the left side of the FL-50R flash.

*Note: The tripod was not used during this shooting because it was not low enough. It was meant for demonstration of the LCD screen.

As for the flash setting, I shot at full FP TTL setting. This enabled high shutter speed up to 1/8000s for flash shooting. Cool!! (By the way, Olympus invented this capability with the OM-4Ti and F-280 flash back in the 80's).

Since the morning sun filled the top part of the flower, I only needed a single flash to illuminate the dark shadowy parts.

Everything was TTL. So easy! Boy, I love simple automation! Gone are the days of Auto or Manual mode flash.

The flower was graciously captured whithout having any of my body parts dirty and aching (definitely avoided doing some contortion stuff).

Another thing, did I tell you that the 14-54mm can focus up close to 22cm, enabling up to 1:4 magnification (if we are talking in FF terms, this is 1:2). Awesome!!!