I’ll admit to being a photographer of convenience. If its not in my hands or easily accessible, I probably won’t use it. Even if I have the best intentions, if my gear is all nice and packed away, that’s likely where it will stay.

Packing For Convenience.

This morning, I decided to go to a local National Park to work on understanding more about auto exposure (AE) bracketing and to try hiking with both cameras in the ready. I won’t lie, it’s heavy. I only lasted an hour or so. I left a few things from the last trip at home to lighten my load a little. I also made sure I unpacked my pack at the car so I was set up and ready to shoot. I know myself, I’m not likely to stop to get something out of my pack.

Gear I Brought

1. OM-1 Mark ii
   • M. Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO
     • Godox V1 + large AK Diffuser
   • M. Zuiko 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO
   • M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO
2. Nikon z7ii
   • Nikkor z70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
3. I-Footage Aluminum Monopod
   • Newer 3 Way Tripod Head
   • ThinkTank tripod straps
4. ThinkTank Thin Skin Belt v3.0
   • (2) two Peak Design Capture Clips
   • ThinkTank Phone Case
5. ThinkTank Backlight 26L Backpack (with rain cover)

This time, I used everything except the 40-150mm. I think it worked fairly well. I just need to figure out the best way to set up my belt. The Nikon is heavy and digs into my legs and the OM-1M2 is a little wobbly when walking with the Godox and the AK diffuser on it.

So far, this is the easiest most functional setup I’ve tried. I suspect I will add another Peak Design strap for my OM setup, the capture clips make me just a bit nervous with how heavy my setups are. I’ve also been eyeballing the AK Diffuser that is designed for the Om-1 Mark ii with the 90mm Macro lens. I need to email to ask if it fits more securely. I love the one I have now and I am not sure I want to buy another one, but if it doesn’t move around so much while walking, it might be worth it.

Today’s Gallery

Today’s Experiment

Not that these are spectacular images, but after a few attempts with AE Bracketing, I don’t think its necessary unless there is a stark difference between the darks and the lights in the image. If there isn’t, it makes the image rather flat. I’ll keep looking for an environment where it would be appropriate to use.

Sometimes the best pictures are the ones you aren’t expecting.

Happy Creating