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 not too long ago 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 mixture 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 for capturing with the OM-1 MKII, utilizing the high-res mode to shoot handheld with 50 megapixels.
The function is obtainable throughout various the OM SYSTEM cameras, and it makes photographing landscapes a dream, including further particulars to work with modifying, and likewise which means you possibly can keep away from lugging a tripod round and nonetheless produce excessive decision picture information. Now, should 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 is because the soundness of the OM SYSTEM gear is so superior, revolutionary and industry-leading that I don’t want one anymore.
In case you do occur to hold a tripod with you, you’re really capable of 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 unbelievable 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 permits you to 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 possibly can both press the document 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 approach. Oddly, it’s grow to be a behavior of mine to undergo the menu system to show it on, although it takes a couple of further steps…I really benefit from the OM SYSTEM menu and it appears like so many issues are potential when looking by to activate the excessive res mode.
There are two choices to pick from, plus extra settings similar 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 obtainable settings under.
When to Use Excessive-Mode
As a result of the digital camera’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 somewhat motion is okay should you additionally stay regular, however you’ll discover it’s tough to work with bushes rustling in robust wind, or fast-paced animals/site visitors/crowds. As a substitute, put together to make use of excessive res mode by in search of out landscapes and topics that may allow you to make the most of 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 best time for the sunshine to fall throughout the scene superbly.
Tip: Shoot through the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the sunshine is gentle and shadows are longer, enhancing any seen textures, tones or options throughout the scene. This time of day gives a heat, subtle gentle 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 use 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, similar to a distant mountain or a putting rock formation. This will help create a way of depth and perspective in your picture, making it extra participating and visually interesting.
#3 Search Out Textural Parts:
The Altiplano is wealthy in textures, from the rugged surfaces of rocks to the high quality 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 will not be as ample, it contains distinctive species like flamingos and vicuñas. Capturing these animals in excessive decision requires endurance.
Tip: Observe the behaviour of the wildlife and await them to stay nonetheless. This ensures that the digital camera can precisely mix the eight pictures into one sharp, detailed photograph. Utilizing a telephoto lens will help you get shut with out disturbing the animals, permitting you to seize intimate and detailed portraits.
The OM-1 digital camera’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 Discuss: The Advantages of Travelling with a Zoom Lens
Photographing the Valley of the Moon within the Atacama Desert
Howdy! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.
