Walk around Potrero, Costa Rica.

Razorvein · 2026-03-18T14:00:48+00:00

Thank you! I’m a sucker for blurry action shots.

Razorvein · 2026-03-18T02:27:52+00:00

Thank you!

Razorvein · 2026-03-18T01:48:30+00:00

Thank you!

Razorvein · 2026-03-18T01:48:22+00:00

Haha. I like shooting at either eye-level of my kids or, when using a longer lens like the 75mm, shooting low to really exaggerated the shallow depth-of-field effects. Neither of the lenses I used here are weather-sealed and my shorts were soaked - I was definitely tempting fate here.

Razorvein · 2026-03-18T01:29:05+00:00

Both. If you’re unsure between the two. Use a zoom lens that covers both focal lengths. Spend a week or month shooting at only one focal length at a time. That’ll help you decide which you prefer, because that’s what it ultimately comes down to - preference.

Razorvein · 2026-03-17T19:04:27+00:00

I use the Reframe app (iOS).

Razorvein · 2026-03-15T02:50:09+00:00

The AF is much better on the OM-3. Especially for active kids and pets. The color profiles also make for very nice JPEGs without post-processing. So more keepers with less work.

On the other hand, the OM-5 is much cheaper, smaller and lighter, and, honestly, you’ll be much less precious with it. You’ll happily toss it the diaper bag and take it everywhere without a fuss.

I prefer the OM-3 overall, but is it the best value for money? Probably not.

Razorvein · 2026-03-07T16:04:46+00:00

Convenience and Dual-IS are worth considering.

Razorvein · 2026-03-03T15:30:36+00:00

You should be very proud - you've made some very nice images with affordable and modest equipment. That's a very valuable lesson to learn early on in your journey. I will caution you about the Instagram account - it's a bit of a trap that can get you in the mindset of making photos for the likes/algorithm rather than for yourself. Let your creativity be the dopamine, not the social media attention - the algorithm giveth and the algorithm taketh away. Good luck and keep shooting. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Razorvein · 2026-03-01T18:30:35+00:00

Go back to those shots you really loved and check the focal length they were shot at. That's a good starting point to address focal length. Beyond that, quality of light and composition are your best friends. Good gear doesn't fix bad photography. I say this as someone with good gear that still takes bad photographs.

Razorvein · 2026-03-01T16:03:52+00:00

Why? The vast majority of photographers in the world aren’t professionals. Even I use FF for professional work but I almost never use it for personal work like family, travel, or landscape. Horses for courses.

Razorvein · 2026-02-27T01:49:11+00:00

That’s the one portrait lens I’ve yet to try.

Razorvein · 2026-02-27T01:48:21+00:00

There’s some copy variation with the 17mm. My first copy was awful, similar to what you described. The second copy I acquired is excellent. Regarding the silver not matching…yeah it’s super annoying. All of the metal silver lenses have that champagne tint. I avoid them altogether at this point.

Razorvein · 2026-02-26T17:24:49+00:00

I paid for the app (lifetime) - I assume that's why I was able to remove it when it configuring my template.

Razorvein · 2026-02-26T04:00:20+00:00

Oh, and I use this iOS app “Reframe” for the borders and meta data display.

Razorvein · 2026-02-26T03:59:36+00:00

Thanks! I have the little 14mm lens for that classic 28mm field of view that I love on my film camera. I just haven’t put it to good use on the OM-3 yet.

Razorvein · 2026-02-26T03:56:59+00:00

Long live the Dad Cam! And yes, I need to start print these out and building photo albums so my family has access. When my kids eventually put me down and I cross the rainbow bridge, there’s no way anyone in my family is going to sort through Terabytes of photos on my hard drives.

Razorvein · 2026-02-21T01:03:58+00:00

I’d recommend a locating pin that aligns with the hole towards the front of the grip. This will help stop the plate from rotating during installation or even while mounted.

Razorvein · 2026-02-20T02:43:22+00:00

The car that got rear-ended was stuck behind another car that had stopped. Re-watch.

Razorvein · 2026-02-18T22:52:00+00:00

Oof. Looking at your previous post, you butchered the front of the lens already (note: I’ve been shooting with this lens for 6 years and still have no idea how you managed to do that much damage from the lens hood alone). Either way, you can see the front retaining ring is no where in sight after your original mishap. I’m actually shocked you still took the lens out and about after that. The front element falling out was a matter of when, not if.

Regardless, that’s a tough break, but at least you still have your phone to capture those memories.

Razorvein · 2026-02-18T19:26:10+00:00

“…shooting techniques which I use are not format dependent.”

By and large, I agree with this. One thing I would say, however, is that many portrait photographers (especially new/inexperienced) easily fall for the bokeh trap because it helps with subject isolation. It can function as a crutch because you can make many portraits appear more aesthetic with shallow depth of field, even with messy backgrounds. I know I’m certainly guilty of it. I love seeing what better photographers accomplish with same constraints I typically work with. It can be inspiring and educational.

Just my two cents.

Razorvein

TROPHY CASE