MEET OLYMPUS PHOTOGRAPHER JOSH ALMAZAR
WHO ARE YOU?
My name is Josh Almazar, I work in the outdoor apparel industry and enjoy shooting nature, landscapes, and more recently started shooting sports and adventure. I live in North Vancouver, BC which provides me with beautiful scenery to practice my photography skills year-round.
I was selected as one of ten participants in the Olympus Break Free program which ran from September through December 2020 where I was matched with my mentor and Olympus Explorer Justin Kauffman. It was a fantastic experience where I learned and progressed a lot in a short amount of time and gained the confidence to begin pursuing photography more seriously. Going forward, I hope to build on the momentum generated by completing my Break Free project and shoot more sports but also take the time to learn and gain experience in other styles of photography.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE A PHOTOGRAPHER?
I’ve always enjoyed taking photos on hikes and vacations but started taking it more seriously in 2018 and 2019 during two trips to the Philippines and Spain/Morocco. Being able to experience new and exciting places/cultures renewed my interest in photography and I’ve been building on my photography skills and experience since then.
INTRODUCING OLYMPUS
How did you get started with the Olympus system?
I started with the Olympus system in April 2019 after doing research on cameras to upgrade from my old entry level DSLR. I bought an OM-D E-M5 on an open box sale and paired it up with the M.Zuiko 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens, along with the M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8 and 45mm F1.8 lenses. I was so impressed with the small form factor, portability, and image quality coming out of such a little camera and I was hooked from there.
What’s your go-to Olympus setup?
My go-to set up includes the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO, 12-40mm F2.8 PRO, and 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lenses. The 12-40mm lives on the camera most of the time as a do-it-all lens, the 7-14mm is used for landscapes and close up action shots, while the 40-150mm has enough reach to capture further away action, wildlife, or be used as a portrait lens. The OM-D E-M1 Mark III is packed with so many features that I have yet to learn but at the same time will enable me to push my creativity to new heights. This combination provides me with so much flexibility in what I’m able to shoot and I feel ready for any type of shot no matter the subject or conditions.
How does Olympus help you do your job?
Olympus helps me do my job because their gear gives me full confidence to take photos in all types of weather while being in a small and lightweight package that I can bring along anywhere. I never hesitate to bring my camera out which means I’m much more likely to get the shots that I want.
The array of features helps me take many different types of photos with the same set up. The in-body image stabilization and bright lenses allow me to shoot in lower light without a tripod. The super-fast AF and burst shooting modes make shooting sports so fun as I hardly miss the shot. Then you have other interesting shooting modes like Live ND, High Res, and focus stacking that let you get super creative all within the camera too.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE OLYMPUS FAMILY?
Everyone has been so friendly and encouraging and Olympus is so happy to help other photographers learn and develop their skills. It’s great to be part of a community that is so welcoming and so passionate.
TIPS FOR OTHER BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Always bring your camera, shoot as much as you can, and experiment with different styles. You don’t have to get amazing shots each time you go out, but you’ll only get better through lots of practice and refining your work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either, there are so many resources online and people willing to answer questions to help you progress your photography.
TIPS FOR OTHER PRO PHOTOGRAPHERS
Seek out and establish a feedback loop with some friends/peers. Learn how to properly give and receive constructive feedback to better your work and the work of those around you. We can often be so focused on our work that we may miss something or make a simple mistake, when a fresh set of eyes could help us correct or improve. The added perspective can help you look at your shot or project in a whole new light.
MORE ABOUT JOSH
Instagram: @joshalmazar
Website: Josh Almazar