OM-D E-M1 Mark II • M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO • F3.2 • 1/1600 • ISO 200

René Sorger is not only an exceptional photographer, he is also the lucky winner of one of our OM-D E-M1 Mark II prize draws. But this camera is not all the ambitious photographer won. Shortly after the draw, he went on a trip with our partner Silversea Cruises to the Galápagos Islands, in order to test the features of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II.

The Galápagos Islands are a popular travel destination. Filled with stunning and often unspoiled nature, the islands are home to numerous wild animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In the following interview, René Sorger explains how close he got to nature and the animals, and tells us all about his adventures on the photographic excursion to Fernandina Island. He also shares his experiences of using the E-M1 Mark II and gives some tips and tricks for anyone using an Olympus camera for the first time. Read his interview and be inspired by his photos. Perhaps this paradise, with its beautiful nature and fascinating animals, will be your next destination too!

OM-D E-M1 Mark II • M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO • F3.5 • 1/3200 • ISO 200

Interview with René Sorger

1. What Olympus equipment did you use on your trip?

A: An Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II with M.Zuiko Digital ED 12‑40mm F2.8 PRO.

2. What is your favourite feature of the Olympus camera system and why?

 A: There are several features that I like equally:

• the fast auto focus
• the instant EVF/live display
• the focus peaking
• the consecutive burst capacity (though I haven’t used that much yet)
• the weight.

OM-D E-M1 Mark II • M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO • F4.5 • 1/3200 • ISO 200

3. What was the highlight of your trip to the Galápagos Islands?

A: The entire trip was an absolute highlight! :-) But I particularly enjoyed being so close to the fauna. The animals are not in the least shy, and you often need to be careful not to step on them. One of the best parts was definitely the photo excursion to Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, where the photographers had more time to take photos than on the other excursions. We were able to observe and photograph marine iguanas and sea lions up close, and were even just a few metres away from very young sea lions. Our best photos of the whole trip were taken on this excursion. I would also like to mention the incredible generosity and support of the Ecuadorian people. We all felt so welcome there, regardless of where we had come from.

OM-D E-M1 Mark II • M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO • F3.2 • 1/2000 • ISO 200

4. What are your top three tips for taking the best photo with an Olympus camera?  (e.g. specific settings, subjects, light)

• The best camera is always the one you have with you. The OM-D E-M1 Mark II is small and light, so I always carry it with me.
• Familiarise yourself with the functions and how to use them, so  that when it comes to taking a spontaneous picture you know what you’re doing.
• Always put the camera in a specific mode (ISO, program, etc.) so that you don’t forget and leave it in ISO 6400, for example. These tips are not specific to Olympus, but they are definitely the most effective.

OM-D E-M1 Mark II • M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO • F5.6 • 1/25 • ISO 200

5. Describe your Olympus camera in three words.

A: Always to hand!

6. Where will you be taking your Olympus camera next?

A: I’m going on a road trip to Norway with two Newfoundland dogs, three drivers, one off-road vehicle and a sports car.

OM-D E-M1 Mark II • M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO • F3.2 • 1/125 • ISO 200

Photographer`s profile: René Sorger