PRO STORIES: ERIC ROCK

MEET OLYMPUS EDUCATOR ERIC ROCK

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I realized I was a photographer, while still in high school. I used my first paycheck from my first summer job to purchase a 35mm film camera and had my first published cover in a regional travel magazine while a student. From there my adventures took me down the road to studying wildlife biology.

While in Alaska I met my mentor Charles Mason and he helped me craft my skills in documentary photography. This dynamic education allowed me to work as a photojournalist producing images for newspapers, magazines and books on diverse subjects around the North.

From there it was a natural fit for me to take my knowledge of nature and photography into the world of leading photography trips, first in Alaska and eventually around the globe.

INTRODUCING OLYMPUS

How did you get started with the Olympus system?

I got started with the Olympus system when I was starting to get very fed up with the bulk and fragility of my old DSLR. I was sick of missing days out shooting due to wet weather, and I was growing frustrated with having to carry 15+ pounds of equipment on my back when I set out to track wildlife. I was intrigued by the lightweight portability of Olympus cameras, so I decided to give them a try. They were just as light and durable as I expected, and the image quality totally blew my mind. I was immediately hooked and once I made the switch I never really looked back.

What’s your go-to Olympus setup?

My go-to kit is an OM-D E-M1X and M.Zuiko 300mm F4.0 IS PRO for fast moving wildlife, and the E-M1 Mark II for landscapes and cultural photography. The M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO, 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO and 40-150mm F2.8 PRO zooms round out the base for my one bag travel kit from the tropics to the poles. I should also mention that the amazing image stabilization means I rarely have to carry a tripod these days.

How does Olympus help you do your job?

Along with the smaller, ergonomic, option of the Olympus cameras, the wide selection of top notch lenses, including features like, weather sealing and fast auto focus, I soon made the move and have not looked back. The introduction of the fast pro zooms made my photography not only more productive but allows me to have more fun while not being tied to heavy gear. The fast 40-150 f2.8 pro lens was a game changer addition to the Olympus line up. With my Olympus in hand, I can travel and photograph anywhere I need to go, one reliable system in one camera bag.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE OLYMPUS FAMILY?

One cannot underestimate the combination of knowledge and friendly support from team at Olympus in making photography more rewarding. The family of diverse Visionaries, Educators and Explorers all have the experience, energy and attitude to help photographers discover their potential. More importantly, that they can continue to have fun while pursuing their photographic desires.

TIPS FOR OTHER BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

The best piece of advice I can offer to a new photographer is to find a subject you have a passion for and visually explore it from as many different angles, in different light, in as many different ways possible. Before or when not photographing your subject, study your subject, learn as much as possible. The more you learn about your subject the more compelling your images will be.

TIPS FOR OTHER PRO PHOTOGRAPHERS

A tip I would give to pro-photographers, lighten up and have fun with your photography.