Photographing with the Excessive Res Mode within the Atacama Desert of Chile
The Andean Altiplano in Chile presents a singular and putting panorama, characterised by its minimalistic surroundings wealthy in texture with rock, salt, and sandy options. Based mostly in San Pedro de Atacama, I just lately spent every week photographing the Atacama Desert, and two days above 4500m on the Andean Altiplano, the place it feels such as you’re strolling on one other planet.
Volcanoes towering above the plateaus, salt lakes offering a vivid color palette and a mix of valleys, rocky outcrops and ridges…it’s a panorama I might stare at eternally.
Captivated by the realm after I visited again in 2019, this time I used to be excited to have the potential of capturing with the OM-1 MKII, utilizing the high-res mode to shoot handheld with 50 megapixels.
The function is obtainable throughout quite a lot of the OM SYSTEM cameras, and it makes photographing landscapes a dream, including further particulars to work with modifying, and in addition which means you’ll be able to keep away from lugging a tripod round and nonetheless produce excessive decision picture recordsdata. Now, in the event you’ve been studying The Wandering Lens for some time, you’ll know I hardly ever journey with a tripod. For some time I used to query if I used to be simply playing around and packed it in my suitcase, but it surely by no means got here out and simply added pointless weight to my baggage. The rationale for it’s because the soundness of the OM SYSTEM gear is so superior, revolutionary and industry-leading that I don’t want one anymore.
In the event you do occur to hold a tripod with you, you’re truly in a position to seize as much as 80-megapixel pictures with the high-res mode…so I suppose packing it might have its benefits for a particular scene.
From my earlier journey to the Atacama Desert, I knew capturing the intricate particulars of this surroundings was going to be unimaginable enjoyable, particularly as a result of within the years since, I’ve developed fairly a fascination with photographing the finer particulars inside a scene.
What’s Excessive-Decision Mode on the OM SYSTEM cameras?
The high-resolution mode on the OM-1 + OM-1 MKII cameras means that you can seize stunningly detailed pictures by combining a number of pictures into one RAW file with a single shutter click on.
It’s very easy to entry, you’ll be able to both press the report button and see the high-res icon pop up on the LCD display to point it’s on, or entry by way of the menu system and regulate the settings that manner. Oddly, it’s grow to be a behavior of mine to undergo the menu system to show it on, although it takes a number of further steps…I truly benefit from the OM SYSTEM menu and it looks like so many issues are potential when searching via to activate the excessive res mode.
There are two choices to pick from, plus extra settings comparable to time delay, or decision measurement.
- Hand-Held Excessive-Res Mode: This mode captures 50-megapixel pictures with out the necessity for a tripod, providing flexibility for photographers on the transfer.
- Tripod Excessive-Res Mode: For absolute precision and most element, this mode captures 80-megapixel pictures, excellent for static scenes and deliberate pictures.
You possibly can see the out there settings under.
When to Use Excessive-Mode
As a result of the digicam’s processor combines eight pictures in a short time, you’ll need the scene and any topics to be comparatively nonetheless. A small breeze or a bit motion is okay in the event you additionally stay regular, however you’ll discover it’s tough to work with bushes rustling in sturdy wind, or fast-paced animals/visitors/crowds. As an alternative, put together to make use of excessive res mode by searching for out landscapes and topics that can allow you to benefit from the extra megapixels.
I’ve beforehand used it in Greenland for stationary icebergs and icy landscapes, while photographing the outback of Australia with the purple earthy sand and rock options, and naturally throughout my time in Chile, in each Patagonia and the Atacama Desert/Andean Altiplano.
Panorama Pictures Ideas that work effectively with Excessive Res Mode
#1 Incorporate Gentle and Shadows:
The interaction of sunshine and shadows can considerably improve your pictures. The solar’s place can create dramatic shadows that add depth and texture to the panorama so search for topics the place the sunshine is hitting, or attempt to analysis and be on the proper place in the appropriate time for the sunshine to fall throughout the scene fantastically.
Tip: Shoot throughout the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the sunshine is tender and shadows are longer, enhancing any seen textures, tones or options inside the scene. This time of day gives a heat, subtle mild that may make the panorama seem extra vibrant and three-dimensional.
#2 Search for Main Traces and Focal Factors:
Main traces naturally draw the viewer’s eye into the photograph. Within the Altiplano, you should utilize options like rock formations, or traces of salt flats to information the viewer into the picture. Main traces can be found nearly wherever although, you simply want to maneuver round and assess the scene to search out them.
Tip: Place main traces to attract consideration to a singular point of interest, comparable to a distant mountain or a putting rock formation. This can assist create a way of depth and perspective in your picture, making it extra partaking and visually interesting.
#3 Search Out Textural Parts:
The Altiplano is wealthy in textures, from the rugged surfaces of rocks to the positive grains of sand. Excessive-res mode excels at capturing these intricate particulars.
Tip: Get near the textural components and fill the body to showcase the patterns. This will create summary pictures that spotlight the great thing about the pure textures. Experiment with completely different angles and views to search out essentially the most attention-grabbing and dynamic compositions.
#4 Photographing Wildlife:
Whereas the Altiplano’s wildlife is probably not as considerable, it contains distinctive species like flamingos and vicuñas. Capturing these animals in excessive decision requires endurance.
Tip: Observe the behaviour of the wildlife and anticipate them to stay nonetheless. This ensures that the digicam can precisely mix the eight pictures into one sharp, detailed photograph. Utilizing a telephoto lens can assist you get shut with out disturbing the animals, permitting you to seize intimate and detailed portraits.
The OM-1 digicam’s high-resolution mode is a game-changer for panorama pictures, particularly within the visually wealthy surroundings of the Andean Altiplano and Atacama Desert. I’ll be heading again to Greenland this September and already can’t wait to get snapping once more, possibly I’ll even pack my tripod and try the 80-megapixel pictures too…keep tuned!
Proceed Studying with these associated articles:
Photographing Particulars inside a Panorama
Gear Speak: The Advantages of Travelling with a Zoom Lens
Photographing the Valley of the Moon within the Atacama Desert
Journey and panorama photographer from Australia who is much extra comfy in a pair of flippers than heels! Having labored for publications comparable to Lonely Planet, Wanderlust and the Sunday Occasions, Lisa based The Wandering Lens to share vacation spot guides to the worlds most photogenic locations and out of doors experiences.