MEET OLYMPUS PHOTOGRAPHER NATALIE GRYBIENE
WHO ARE YOU?
My roles of mother and nurse define me, as does my life as a mixed race woman in a lot of predominantly white spaces. I view myself as a caregiver, and that extends to the wild spaces I recreate in as well. I want to help foster a sense of awe and wonder in the natural places left in the world, because to love a place is to want to preserve it. I also want to be a part of the visual representation of people of all colors and shapes having fun outdoors. As a nurse I know the positive effects that time outside has on the physical and emotional health of all people and I want to encourage that connection.
INTRODUCING OLYMPUS
How did you get started with the Olympus system?
My journey with Olympus started with a Christmas present to myself in late 2017. I had a seven or eight year old DSLR of another brand that needed some minor cleaning and repairs. I took it to a local camera store for service, and was told that my camera was basically so outdated it couldn’t be serviced. Naturally I immediately asked about upgrading. The sales rep brought out several mid-range models of different brands but was particularly enthusiastic about the Olympus mirrorless camera. He showed me photographs taken with the EM2Mark5 and talked about the value for the money, the features, and key for me the size, weight, and weather-proofing features. I bought my first Olympus right there and never looked back.
What’s your go-to Olympus setup?
I love the rugged, weather-proof yet so light and packable versatility of the E-M1 Mark III. Because most of the photography I love to do requires miles of hiking into the backcountry and up to the top of 14,000 foot mountains, packability and weight are major issues. To cover most of the shooting conditions I find myself in, I carry the M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO and the M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO with me everywhere I go.
How does Olympus help you do your job?
The weatherproof E-M1 Mark III and M.Zuiko PRO lenses stand up to everything I can throw at them, quite literally. Colorado’s wild swings in weather, and elevation, and my own propensity to go sliding down scree-fields and hopping around boulders have put the camera body and lenses to the test time and time again, and no matter what I keep getting excellent results.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE OLYMPUS FAMILY?
Hands down, it’s the people that are my favorite part of Olympus. Everyone connected with Olympus has been kind, generous, and passionate about both the products and helping me achieve my photography goals.
TIPS FOR OTHER BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Learn your camera, and then just get out and start shooting. Take lots and lots of pictures. Watching video lessons, and reading books and articles are good ideas, but nothing replaces time spent looking through the viewfinder. Also, don't be afraid to experiment! Just because you really like landscape photography shouldn’t stop you from trying macro or portraiture. You may find a new interest, but even if you don’t you will learn new skills that you can reapply to your favorite genre and become a stronger photographer.
TIPS FOR OTHER PRO PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mentor someone. The best thing in the world is helping spark someone else’s joy and passion. The gift of knowledge is absolutely priceless. And you will probably find that you learn new things from the person you are teaching!
MORE ABOUT NATALIE
Instagram: @knitonecarvetoo
Website: NGWildernessPhotography