PRO STORIES: SARAH GALLO

MEET OLYMPUS PHOTOGRAPHER SARAH GALLO

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I’ve had some form of a camera in hand since I was about 13 years old. I’ve always enjoyed documenting moments and experiences. I originally just took photos of my friends, but once I studied abroad my photography took on a whole new shape.

I never expected myself to become a photographer! When I first went overseas I went armed with my camera for the sake of capturing my own memories, not to share with the world. I very quickly realized that I felt drawn to travel photography.

My brother, David M Gallo, has most definitely influenced my style of photography. He’s a self taught professional photographer with an array of specialties (landscapes, portraits, wildlife). Being my brother though, he knows me better than anyone else so he has been able to help me fine tune my composition and editing.

INTRODUCING OLYMPUS

How did you get started with the Olympus system?

After years of shooting with various cameras, I had one continuous complaint: the cameras were either too bulky for my style of travel and size (being 5 ft doesn’t help!), but the smaller point shoot cameras didn’t provide me the variety I needed. I was expressing my frustration to my brother one day, and he suggested that I check out Olympus since they’re known for their lightweight cameras – perfect for a travel photographer like me!

What’s your go-to Olympus setup?

I’ve been shooting with the OM-D E-M5 Mark II with the M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO, 14-150mm F4.0-5.6, and 17mm F1.8. I’m hoping to check out the OM-D E-M5 Mark III and the new M.Zuiko 12-45mm F4.0 PRO next, and ultimately a super-telephoto lens. 

How does Olympus help you do your job?

Being a destination marketer, my job revolves around showcasing the best of what locations around the world have to offer. With my Olympus in hand, I have the ability to truly capture the experiences I’m having first hand, and share them with the world.

I’ve been drawn to Olympus from day one due to the fact that the camera bodies, and many of the lenses, are amongst the smallest and lightest on the market. I love that I can easily throw my mirrorless into a purse or trekking pack alike.

I love the powerful 5-axis image stabilization of the E-M5 Mark II and the fact that image stabilization is built into the camera body (whereas typically image stabilization is reserved for premium quality lenses). This allows me the ability not to have to rely on a tripod as frequently as in the past.

I’m incredibly impressed by the quality of the images for such a compact camera and lens kit! I admire the fact that Olympus has designed a system that gives up the weight without compromising the quality.

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

I love that we’re a family of adventurers and creatives who are surrounded by the support of one another, and tied together through a company that is always trying to be at the forefront of innovation.

TIPS FOR OTHER BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

As cliché as it sounds, practicing is absolutely crucial. You can’t expect to just pick up a camera for the first time and get it all right; it’s an ever-learning, ever-growing process. You will learn so much more in the field shooting than you ever could in a classroom or watching by YouTube videos without the practice element. There will be many, many moments where you may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to capture the moment the way you’d like, but that’s all part of the process and totally normal!

TIPS FOR OTHER PRO PHOTOGRAPHERS

Never stop learning. Surround yourself with photographers who have been shooting longer than you or have a different speciality so that you can continue to expand your knowledge and skillset, and thus become a better photographer. We all have the opportunity to grow and learn something new each and every day.