The motivation was a combination of each month Mrs G made her comments as a new page was turned on our kitchen calendar, forcing to me to wonder if I had spent our money wisely. As the months went by it occurred us it might make for a light-hearted and amusing festive roundup - specifically for me to try to defend Tom based on also being a landscape photographer and regularly having my own work similarly critiqued. Aside from it being a diversion from my usual content, I felt it would be interesting to share the element of images being seen through the eyes of somebody who is not a photographer - clearly something which doesn't happen often on YT. As many others have commented, photographers tend to see things somewhat differently from non-photographers and we, perhaps, become complacent as a result. And, crucially, we made contact with Tom offering a complete veto on publication. Finally, as you'll see from the comments, it's about 95% positive and 5% with limited sense of festive humour and more than happy to share their indignation on Tom's behalf. But we knew that would happen. No doubt you'll have unsubscribed, if you ever were to start with, and, of course, you'll never watch this channel again despite all the effort we make to create free stuff for people to enjoy at great expense of time and effort. Something which I note from your channel, you don't bother to do. Bye. 😊👍
Thanks a lot Ian - have to say, as a really simple to carry single lens set-up it's working out well so far. More than happy with image quality and not one instance of wishing I had a wider or longer lens to had - so far!! :)
Great to see the progress your making with the Olympus. Having just had a stent fitted to my heart on Tuesday and being 72 I really appreciate the park & shoot locations.
Hi Roberts, really hope you’ll be back out taking photographs again soon. Hopefully I’ll have one or two more “Park and Shoots” for you in the meantime!
Great work David, only been once based on your recommendation, must get back. The amount of machinery still present can be somewhat overwhelming. All you photos are really lovely.
Amazing images in this video and loving the “park and shoot” theme. I have limited mobility and these videos are really helping. All I can say is I wish I’d found your channel much earlier. I’m going to be spending some time catching up on you many videos. Thank you 😊
Thanks so much for watching, really hope you enjoy the back-catalogue. Although I'd steer well clear of anything before about No 60. The early stuff is truly terrible!! 😁👍
Thank you David, another lovely location. Also, if you go past the car park and slightly down the road, there is a very old gnarly tree, wind-bent, pointing over Clogwynygarreg to Snowdon - makes a lovely foreground for a comp.
That shot of the lone tree is lovely - far better than the earlier one. Great shot to end on. Infectious enthusiasm and love the explanations on what you're doing, as always. Great stuff.
You are certainly putting the new camera through the paces and it's delivering fantastic results just as I suspected it would with you in command. Awesome images and video. Thanks for sharing
Hi Alan, many thanks for tuning in, I really appreciate your support. It’s a fair bit of work making these videos so it’s really nice to know that somebody is enjoying what you do 😊👍🏻
This is probably one of your finest videos to date, absolutely brilliant images packed with information on camera settings etc, locations and much more, you are working your way to becoming the best on TH-cam and beyond, you really cheer me up with your articulate delivery and cheerful demeanor, I always look forward to the next one, Colin. I wonder who gave you the only thumbs down, maybe he should take up Archery, !!!
Gosh Colin, thank you ever so much for those kind words. I really appreciate it. Quite a bit of work goes into these and it’s good to know that you’re keeping people entertained. Thanks again! 😊👍🏻
Another informative vlog with excellent photos that support your photographic technique. Olympus stabilization is what made me an Olympus consumer. I still use my tripod, in fact I have a new one. However, handheld is the norm rather than the exception. My photos are pin sharp! The exception to hand holding is, of course, long exposures. Now I utilize so many other features on my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II that I would be at a great loss without it. Thanks for the visit to Wales, and for sharing your thought process as you photograph wonderful vistas.
Hi Tom, thank you ever so much for taking the time to make contact. I agree with everything you said, except that for me I suspect the camera will still be on the tripod quite a lot because I just find it a convenient way to take photographs while I’m also filming. It also allows quiet contemplation about the composition which you just don’t get with handhelds where you are much more reacting to what you see such as a quick burst of light that you want to capture.😊👍🏻
Very enjoyable and yes, your out with the camera embrace the weather! Nothing better. Superb information and location. Wrapped up with expert photography with composition tips that hit the creative spot! How’s the camera doing, stupid question because from what I’ve watched here and your images! You are on top of the welsh mountains with the new system 👌 I had to come back and say, I’ve watched it twice!!second time for the images! Now heading over to the website! Amazing shots, the light you got 👌 wonderful David
Hi mate, it was a really tough decision not to go out with the boys to the island again. But I just knew these conditions would be worth it. Because quite a few of those shots would be completely impossible without the snow, so I was glad I made the choice. But I was still a bit gutted that I missed out on the meet up 😊👍🏻
Thanks a lot Brian, as you can see I’m back to my usual stuff. And to be honest enjoying it much more than all the technical content. I’ll probably do a full review in two or three months time when I know what I’m talking about, but I’m really looking forward to getting out and about in the mountains and on the coast with just a simple system and enjoying the photography😊👍🏻
Cheers Mark - appreciate you tuning in! In an area where there are so many good locations, this one draws me back regularly - although as often as not with a fly fishing rod in may hand, as well as a camera - hence so few of my vlogs from there!!
I really love your videos from the car park cause they show me what I can get cause the wife and myself are disabled thank you so much. And your images are out standing.
Hi Ken thanks ever so much forgetting in touch again. It’s great to know that these videos will be helpful to some people, because when I thought I was going to have trouble with my mobility I was extremely concerned that I’d still be able to continue with my landscape photography. So I can understand how other people feel and if there’s anything I can do to help then I’m more than happy to😊👍🏻
Hi David, truly beautiful locations...thank you for the lovely video..I was absorbed by the you piece together the composition, it's all very clever... Certainly managed to capture the mood of the mountains Thank you
Hi, thanks ever so much for your continued support, you know I appreciate it. I might be making a bit of a rod for my own back, because these films are getting more and more complicated to put together. But I do enjoy it so I will be carrying on!😊👍🏻
Very entertaining, Dave. I love it when photographers immerse themselves in their craft and forget about gear. Yeah, you mentioned it.. then you get right into business. Thank you for the wonderful narrative and tips. Your images are good... But last one with the lone tree is fantastic! Cheers!
Hi, thanks ever so much for your kind feedback. I probably won’t be talking much about the gear in the next few vlogs until I do a full review in probably a couple of months time. The only thing I might mention will be if I use something like high resolution or live composite, which are pretty specific to the camera and wouldn’t make much sense if I didn’t mention it.😊👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery Sounds perfectly reasonable to mention features of the camera. If you do any kind of night sky photography, getting star trails is a breeze with the live composite feature. You're gonna love it. Cheers!
Great episode David, I love that we can always feel the pure joy and appreciation you have for just being outdoors which comes across in your images too. Glad you're enjoying your new camera system, m4/3 is really intriguing me more than ever, I'm tempted pick up a used EM5mk II just for days in the mountains and poor weather, that 12-100 lens is a real gem too.
Hi Paul, thanks ever so much for watching and taking the time to make contact. I can’t recommend my new system highly enough, I’ve been astounded by the image quality despite it being really easy to carry around. I’d actually kept my old system just in case I wanted to revert back to it but I will probably end up selling that before too long.😊👍🏻
Great job, David, I love how inclusive you are with your advice. It doesn't affect me, but I appreciate that some of your viewers won't be up for climbing mountains and I think it's really great you're offering tips for those who can't necessarily make the treks for their landscape scenery.
Hi, thanks ever so much for watching and taking the time to make contact. Last year I had mobility problems myself, and was quite worried that I wouldn’t be able to do as much hiking for my landscape photography. So I realise that anybody else in that situation would really benefit from a few ideas. Luckily I got the use of my legs back and this summer I will be doing some major hikes and wild camps with my lightweight camera system!😊👍🏻
Congrats on putting your new kit to work here David. The excitement for your Oly M43 comes across in this post. The last tree capture was stunning. I've not had a chance to use the IS on my EM-1 but can't wait to try it out. Beautiful location. Cheers.
Thanks a lot Miguel, really appreciate you getting in touch again. Trust me, when you do get a chance to use the stabilisation you’re probably be as amazed as I am! 😊👍🏻
David, just Simply Stunning. Even seeing parts of the national park from the A55, especially in the snow just look awesome, my wife’s dad lived in Penmaenmawr before he passed away last year so we did go down there quite a lot, not so much now unfortunately
Hi Brian, thank you ever so much for taking the time to make contact. I do hope you will be able to get along to Snowdonia before too long for some photography, there’s always a good chance of snowy conditions before the winter is out.And there are plenty of roadside vantage points 😊👍🏻
Great vlog David. Looks like the new gear is suiting the task well. I'll drop by your website to look at the images more clearly. Thanks, and see you next time.
Great snap, really enjoyed this video. And I must say you know the area well, I need to look at this in my videos. It's great knowing where you are and how to pronounce it! Looking forward to the next
Well done David, when your blog first started I thought hey the camera is pointing away from the lake,the boat,and the boat house, why do photographers come here and take the same picture's time and time again? that's my moan finished. Your pictures were just lovely, your commentary was great with every little detail explained, thank you so much for sharing...
Haha thanks Des - I just don't get the boats there as photo subjects - they're not exactly rustic! Mind you - I do visit here with my fly rod and then it's a completely different story!! 😀👍
A great vlog David, thoroughly enjoy your presentation style, your enthusiasm and the technical info offered. I know this area reasonably well, and have photographed it at different times of the year, but not under snow. Your images are great, and your passion for the landscape shines through. Good to see your subscriber number climbing - well deserved.
Hi Hugh, thanks ever so much for taking the time to get in touch. I really appreciate it. And many thanks for your very kind words. As you might have guessed, it’s quite a bit of work putting these videos together, so it’s really good to know they are being enjoyed.😊👍🏻
Hi Bryan, thank you ever so much for getting in touch. I’m really enjoying the new camera system, but there are so many features I haven’t even touched on yet! 😊👍🏻
Brilliant video and thanks so much for the tips. Having reduced mobility this is the kind of place I want and need, I can walk but not able to hike through hills to get to a spot. May even get up that hillock on a good day.
Hi Brian, a thousand apologies, I was just looking through comments and noticed I'd overlooked the courtesy of a reply to you. Really sorry about that. Yes that hillock is really low and most people unless wheel-chair users would be able to walk u it - it's only about 30m or so, and sort like a shallow staircase. But once you're up there you have a full panorama and can easily spend a good deal of time taking pictures, taking in the views and picnicking!! Hope you can put that to the test one day - let me know if you do and I'll happily meet you there are carry your kit 😀 👍
The IBIS makes those handhelds a dream,just hopped over to your website,what a delightful page of images, 39C here in Queensland at the moment,your pics cooled me down beautifully. As an aside, I went out the other night into Brisbane and captured some great,sharp hand held images at 1/8th,1/10th and 1sec..Oly Rules.
Hi Gary thanks ever so much for getting in touch, really glad you enjoyed my images. It’s good to know that some people are looking at them in a slightly better format than you can in the video 😊👍🏻
Hi, I think you’re absolutely right. But I am still getting messages to the contrary! I just don’t understand why full frame users can be so dogmatic about their equipment!😊👍🏻
Top location advice. Stayed so close to this place when I did Snowdon via the Ranger and never knew it was there. Looked at your images on your website. 2 and 3 are absolute belters.
Thanks ever so much for watching, I really appreciate it. Really glad I was able to keep you entertained! Hopefully if you’re back up this way you’ll get a chance to take a look at this location😊👍🏻
Hi Fredy, actually I still think I’ve got quite a lot to learn. Not so much in terms of basic exposure and focusing, but the advanced features like high resolution and live composite. When I get a chance to look at those in detail hopefully they’ll be quite interesting 😊👍🏻
Another brilliant vlog David. I think the "park & shoot" concept is a great one. If only I had a car and lived in North Wales! It's fun to see you embracing the M43 system. I bought a second hand em-1 mk 1 last summer and it really suits my needs. I love the bonus shot at the very end--stunning! Cheers, Jeff
Thanks a lot mate - if you're ever up here for a trip by train it's easy to get to this location by bus from Caernarfon - and many of the other places I cover both on the mainland and on the island - and I'd happily show you round - so bear that in mind for a trip one day 😀 👍
@@DGriffGallery Good advice. I generally take a train then hire a car when I visit "up north". I'm planning a visit to Anglesey/North Wlaes in late May. Perhaps I can look you up? Would be a real treat to say hello in person.
Hi Jeff - yes of course that would be great I'll look forward to it - hopefully we can arrange a bit of time to get our somewhere interesting and take some pictures together!! 😀 👍
Greetings from Scotland, David. I've not long discovered your channel, and looking forward to seeing more of what you can do with your Olympus system. I have a full frame Nikon setup myself, but am looking towards a smaller, lighter setup. You've gained another subscriber in me.
Thank you so much Kevin - I hope I can repay your faith in my channel :) I must say that so far I'm in love with the E-M1. I can't speak for all M4/3 systems, but the image quality on this one is far beyond what I used to be able to achieve with a single do-it-all lens on my old Nikon APS-C body :)
@@DGriffGallery I love my Nikon kit, and have always been happy with the quality of the images I can get with it, but the sheer weight of it is beginning to take its toll on me. Hence why I am looking towards M4/3. I accept there will be some compromises, but I am willing to bear the burden of those for the benefits that the M4/3 system provides. Best wishes, Kevin.
Wow David, you captured some stunning images there, and I'm not using the 'S' word lightly! Whether the new camera helped or not, this was one of the best vlogs I've watched of yours for sure
Thanks ever so much Jamie, I really appreciate your kind words. To be fair, you don’t have to work very hard to produce some half decent images in a location like that, in conditions like that. But I appreciate your feedback nevertheless😊👍🏻
A wonderful well presented video, that thankfully didn't include any Barrett house shots. Totally agree with you about that. The new camera system is looking impressive, it helped you get a great set of images from the day. I wonder if the dislike is from one of chaps that disliked the last one? You'd think he should not click and watch this time, but he is doing you a huge favour by engaging 👍😀
Hi Simon, I must say I am absolutely loving this new system, the ease-of-use is all well and good because to be honest I was happy enough to use the workarounds with my old system. But I can’t argue with the image quality from this single lens which so far has done everything I wanted of it😊👍🏻
Hi David, I have been subscribed for some time now and you are by far one of the best landscape photography Vloggers I have come across with your easy style and simple explanations of settings and composition. I too have recently changed camera systems from Canon to Olympus with the em1-mkii. I wasn’t completely convinced I had done the right thing but watching your vlogs has given me much more confidence about the capabilities of the m4/3 system. Once again excellent photos and I’m looking forward to more of the same.
Thank you so much for watching, and taking the time to make contact with such kind and encouraging feedback. I must say I don’t regret my decision to switch systems at all. I suppose it depends on what you had previously as to whether or not you can see a perceptible loss of image quality. But for me, it’s more important to be able to actually get out into the mountains and along the coastline with an acceptably light weight system, because otherwise it wouldn’t matter what equipment I had I still wouldn’t get any images!😊👍🏻
I had the Canon 5dii plus 70-200is and 17-40mm and like you I have some slight mobility problems so the overriding reason for changing to m4/3 was to reduce the weight of my kit which this does considerably. I don’t think there is a massive difference in picture quality but there is a lot of ff snobbery within the photographic community regarding m4/3. Hopefully with people like yourself producing images of such high quality with this system opinions will start to change. My comment about not being convinced I had made the right decision was more about confidence in myself changing to a completely different system, rather than the capabilities of the camera but the more I’m using it the more I’m getting used to it. Again I look forward to following you channel, even more so now you are a M4/3 convert.👍😊
I know that you have a new camera and I’m sure you’ll be modest enough to give it all the credit, but genuinely I think that you have gone up a bracket in image quality, and I’m talking in terms of composition and the use of light. Fantastic stuff mate 👍
I stumbled upon your vlog by accident David, when you did the vlog on Llandwyn with your 'new Olympus' as I have also got the same camera, with a 14-80mm 2.8 lens. My old kit was Nikon, and I am so impressed with the Olympus I am part chopping my Nikon 14-24 for an Olympus 40-150mm. I live 10 mins from Llyn Dywarchen and go there on a regular basis. Loved your shots from there and of the tree on Llyn Cwellyn, I have subscribed and look forward to more of your vlogs. Its a big thumbs up from me!! :-)
Hi Lynne, thanks so much for watching and taking the time to make contact. I really appreciate it 😊 You live in a super spot and I can understand why you’re often there. I live 5 mins from the Church in the Sea on Anglesey so that’s my go to spot 😊 Hope I can keep you entertained, and perhaps it would be nice to say hello in person one day👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery Love the Church in the Sea, Anglesey has some beautiful places for photography. As we are both local, we may well bump into one another. Look forward to seeing more vlogs, I subscribed to another but yours are much more user friendly! :-) Well done.
Superb images David. "Who said micro four thirds was dead". Having found your channel recently I really enjoy the videos. I really must get that 12-100mm one day for my EM1 Mk 2 and your tests have help to encourage me..
Hi Roy, thanks so much for watching and taking the time to make contact. I must say the 12-100 is really something. For such a long zoom the image quality is astonishing. And the build quality is great too. So as a one-lens system I can see this doing just fine for all my landscape stuff. So far no image has made me feel I need a wider or longer focal length. Of course, for other types of photography I'll probably get some different lenses, such as a couple primes, but for my coast and hill-walking landscapes it's all I need 😀 👍
Bit of a mix up there David, didn't check to see how old your vlog was , Im slowly working my way through them and find them quite informative and enjoyable to watch which makes a change as there is so much dross out there , I live in Queensland Australia and envy you the changeable weather you have , over here its been sun, sun and more bloody sunshine with blue sky's I have a few locations to keep going back too when the tides are right and on the odd occasions we get some decent clouds. Im coming over to the U.K in August 21 and intend to do a fair bit of shooting in N,wales from your videos it looks to be a great place for photography so thanks for the effort you put into them.
10;43...bottom of view..little on the right side-that was sheep ? :D or just curly dog? :) ... you really made fantastic photos-and as we can see olympus is a great camera system. see you next time. cheers
Well, to be fair, you can’t argue that the Nikon isn’t a good camera. It’s just a matter of personal preference and how you go about your photography. My decision was heavily influenced on a small light weight system, prior to that I did use Nikon and been very happy with it. So I guess you’ve got a really tough decision to make! 😁👍🏻
I'm with you David, when you have beautiful vistas all around why would you take a shot of a building unless it's an old stone built one, absolutely amazing area, Next time in I'm Wales I'll try get to that lake.
Cheers Gary, I had to scratch my head for a moment there as it's been so long since I recorded this but I guess you're referring to my comments about the boathouse on Llyn Ogwen! Funnily enough, it's come up once or twice since I made this when I've been out and about with tuition clients who have been inclined to point the camera at it, and I have had to ask them why they would want to do that!! 😊👍
@@DGriffGallery I am slowly going through all your vlogs David Think I'm learning more from you than most others put together. Mali as well, Thanks for all of your insights and plain talking.
@@DGriffGallery just watched your very first 3 vlogs David, Must say I didn't recognise you for a moment, but we'll worth a watch, a great wealth of information you have and with your relaxed approach makes it worth a watch, Thank you
Brilliant episode and fantastic images with your new set up. You should have put out a bit of extra money for gloves, you were making me feel cold! Thanks for making.
Ha ha, really sorry about all the hand rubbing. I did have some gloves with me but every time I wanted to use the camera they’re a bit rubbish so they had to come off. I’ll do my best to avoid it in future! 😁👍🏻
Am I the only person thinking: "Get yourself some decent gloves!" Anyone want to count the amount of times David is rubbing is hands in this video? :) Just kidding. To be honest, I'm very jealous. Great video again. Keep up the great work.
Hi Nick, I did actually have some gloves with me but they’re absolutely useless when I want to use the camera so they were on an off all the time. You’re absolutely right though I must make a point of not doing that quite so much next time😁👍🏻
One post processing tip I learned from watching the On Landscape TH-cam Channel is to view the photo upside down before editing. This will help you understand how well the image is structured and also more clearly see the highlights and deep shadows that need attention. Another tip is to change the background colour/frame to white instead of black if you are going to produce a print as the background colour can affect the overall perceived brightness of the image.
Amazing images. I use the EM5 MkII with the 12-40 Pro lens. That is a nice combo in terms of weight. The 12-100 looks like a large and heavy lens. How does the combo feel in the hands? What is the weight like when hiking a distance? Thank you for sharing.
Hi John, that's a fair point the lens is about a pound, but of course it's always on the camera so I don't miss any shots. Feels really good in the hand. One thing about the mountains is the fleeting light we often get, so I like to have the camera ready for handheld at a moment's notice! I carry it on a sling or belt holster. That means there's no weight in a back-pack so it's much easier for when I do long / high hikes. I only use the pack for a few bits and pieces of small filming kit and hiking stuff I'd have anyway. If I'm only out for a few hours walk and there are no safety issues I can easily just use a small bag. As you'll see on my next one 👍 😀
Some nice shots there especially the Lone Tree and the Sunset you got on the way home. Please don't be too critical of the 'Boathouse Photographers'. Some of these shots can add interesting foreground, background, sideground etc detail to the landscape cf Jason Jones who shoots in your neck of the woods. Bye the way I hope you put something strong in the coffee? 😂
Ha ha, fair comment about boathouses. But there are boathouses and boathouses! Llyns Gwynant and Dinas for example are very scenic, but I don’t think Ogwen falls into that category😊👍🏻
Ref Llyn-Y-Dwarchen, the 'path' you used to go from the hill behind the boathouse, to the tree near the stone hut, opposite side from the boathouse, does still 'exist', beyond it 'fades'.
Lovely location! The photos speak volumes about its beauty. I imagine Tolkien must have spent some time there. Truly appreciate your thoughtful exposition. Would you also be kind enough to speak a bit more about your use of ND filters at some point? Many thanks!
D Griff Gallery I think full ND is what you were using initially at the lake...although I think you used different degrees of density. Really though filter whether full or graduated remain a bit of mystery in those conditions...that is, water, snow sky🙂
Hi Craig, let me try and clarify a bit, if I understand you correctly. Apologies if I have misunderstood and I am talking about something you already know, I wouldn’t want to teach you how to suck eggs! The filter I used at the first lake was a graduated one. So half is darker and it graduates to completely clear on the othe half. When positioned in front of the lens it reduces the amount of light getting in on part of the image. This means that the highlights can be controlled so they don’t get burned out, but still allows enough light in to balance it with the dark areas. The use of graduated filters is to ensure that the overall exposure is correct with no areas too bright or too dark. You usually only need the sort of filters where there is a wide variance between a dark landmass and a bright sky. At the second lake, where I was photographing the tree, I used what’s called an ND filter. This is where the entire filter is dark and acts rather like a big sunglasses for the lens. It significantly reduces the overall amount of light getting in and means that you can keep the shutter open for much longer. This is not to balance the exposure but is used for creative purposes to allow various effects to be generated in the image. In this case I was looking to smooth out the water and to blur the clouds in the sky as they were being blown across. In broad daylight, a 10 stop ND filter will allow a shutter speed of as much as about 30 seconds. Or when the ambient light is low, say around sunrise or sunset you can use an ND filter to make extremely long exposures of anything up to as much as 10 minutes. This will smooth out even the most turbulent of water, and photographers will use it to create really tranquil scenes. I do hope this clarifies what I was using filters for. Again, apologies if I’ve just told you a load of stuff that you already know! I do have viewers with a wide range of photographic skills from complete beginners to quite advanced so it’s sometimes difficult to know exactly how to pitch the level of technicalities which I discuss. Basically, I’m trying to appeal to as many people as possible!👍🏻😊
Hi D Griff, saw your gallery and it is awesome. You keep it simple but stunning. I have a question regarding your approach on selling them for either print or soft copy. I do landscape too and I have sold some photos but I wanna know how you do it... thanks man.
Hi Bryan, I have sold one or two prints where people have contacted me and asked if they could have them. But I don’t sell them based on advertising it because I just find it too much hassle, and as it’s only a hobby I’m not reliant on any income from it. However, because I own a web design company it was easy to set up a website which allows people to download digital versions. So I sell these for quite a low price and then people can do what they want with them in terms of printing and framing. Hope this answers your question😊👍🏻
I really enjoy the channel David. I have no experience or any real knowledge with the micro 4/3 systems. I shoot full frame and APS-C in the past. Are the micro 4/3 cameras inherently more conducive to sharp depth of field front to back for some reason? I thought I heard you make a comment that made me think so. Is there a brief explanation that explains that? Also, I wondered about battery life on the micro 4/3 system you use. Have you found it any different than your crop sensor camera? I'm asking these questions because I'm considering getting a M4/3. Climbing these days with a heavy full frame system is challenging.
Hi Philip, yes, without going into too much detail, the characteristics of optics provides for a wider depth of field with a smaller sensor. You’ve probably experienced this on a mobile phone which pretty much always has everything in focus. As far as battery life goes, so far I have found it to be extremely good. In the entire trip for this particular video, the battery ended up with about 30% still available. I do carry a spare so I would expect two batteries to be more than enough for an overnight wild camping trip come the summer 😊👍🏻
Another top vlog David. A really good watch. You rub those hands!... You know what, i think my favourite image of this set is actually that handheld one. I like the slightly abstract nature of it. Have to ask though, if you've reduced your kit to the camera with just the one lens...what on Earth do you still need a bag that size for?
Hi Jeff, actually in hindsight you have a good point about that handheld picture, it’s starting to grow on me. As for the hand rubbing! Really sorry about that but every time I was doing a piece to camera I had my gloves off and it was freezing!😊👍🏻
Oh I thought I'd forgotten something - my bag! Well, it was acquired for a much heavier kit with at least four biggish lenses. But also to carry food, clothes, emergency gear: cooking, lighting, shelter, medical, navigation, etc - all essential on a 1000m ridge miles from anywhere! Then there's: drone, 2 tripods, gimbal, power bank, 2ltr of fluids, basically all the sort of stuff you'd want on a full day out with an overnighter if you sprain your ankle :) It's now quite a lot of fresh air, but I really like the general set up of it. As it stands up on its base with access to a sort of 'workstation' area at the top - perfect for grabbing stuff (eg. coffee for a piece to camera!) and chucking stuff back in, for all the vlogging camera angles / changes of audio gear etc etc. And it means I don't have to lie it flat on wet or muddy ground. Of which there's a good deal around here :) And finally: it also means I don't have to decant all my EDC stuff from bag to bag. So yeah, it is biggish - about 30ltr, but handy and now - lightweight, so I'll probably stick with for now :)
Hi Brian, that’s a really good question. Yes it is to do with the fact that these lenses tend to be sharpest in that region of f-stop. And because the M43 format allows for a longer depth of field as a comparable f-stop to a full frame system it’s easier to take advantage of it. 😊👍🏻
Hi, well, it's not that long an exposure, only 25secs. And since there was only a gentle breeze rippling the water slightly it didn't take much to smooth it. The very tips of the tree branches can be seen to be moving of course, but the main bulk of the tree being quite sturdy wasn't moving at all so the impression is that it was pretty static. 😊👍
Hi, a new subscriber, a long time Olympus user and enjoying your landscape work. Particularly interested in the lone tree at the lake shot that was 25 seconds exposure but the branches are sharp despite the windy conditions. Do you achieve that layering by multiple images or using the high resolution mode?
Hi Mark, that’s a really good question. Actually, I don’t recall it was particularly windy. There was just a gentle ripple on the lake. So the branches weren’t moving very much although the extremities are probably not super sharp. But I didn’t need to use any special technique to achieve the image in this instance. If there had been a much stronger wind it would have been reasonably straightforward to take a faster shutter shot and create a composite with the smoothed out water. The only downside of that, is that the sky would not have been as smooth. Hope this answers your question😊👍🏻
With regards to your 1st location. Is that where you and I went, when I was concerned about turning the camervan around? As always, I really enjoyed watching and a great set of images mate
Hi Darren, yes well remembered that is where you were worried about turning the van round. As you saw it’s a pretty good location, although not a patch on Cwm Idwal. But of course Idwal can get really busy so that’s why I tend to come over here a bit more often😊👍🏻
Hi, notice that you are using manual shutter, if you use the Olympus Ol.share app you can monitor the camera & remote shoot whilst presenting the vlog. Hope this helps. CJ
Hi, that's a very good point and there will be times when I do just that. On this occasion the phone was recording audio and already had a lowish battery level! :)
Hi I think all of your images are absolutely gorgeous A specialty the last photo It’s good to see what micro four thirds can produce for landscape photography I use my gear for wildlife and macro,but seeing your vlog as given me inspiration to try landscapes Can i ask you what brand of filters you use Also how do you find your K&F tripod
Hi - I use a cheap second-hand set of Cokin filters that a friend sold me a couple of months ago. Before that I did all my grads in post. I still do mostly unless the horizon line is pretty flat! As for full ND I just use cheap Chinese knock-offs from Amazon: a 10 stop and a 2-9 stop variable. I love the tripod. It was the lightest I could find on Amazon for about £50. Only just over a couple of pounds. Perfect. So no point paying any more. It's stable enough and I only use for propping a camera up so don't se the point of paying any more!! I did change the ball head for a lighter one though. Makes a lot of weight difference and zero usage difference!
It’s funny I just put this location on my next group meet up. I was even going to do some easy to shoot places. But your all ready doing that haha. Your subscriber rate has doubled in a couple weeks what happened haha your flying now. Are you coming to join us on 23rd 24th March
Hi Paul, cheers. Dunno yet about the meet-up I've got so many commitments and meet-ups I'm juggling - but I might put in an appearance for an hour or two at least - would be nice to catch up! I started my Park & Shoot series a while back - bit there's nothing to stop you doing one in your local patch is there :)
Hi, thanks so much for subscribing, I really appreciate it and hope i can keep you entertained! :) I haven't used Live Comp on a vlog yet, as I've only just switched over to M4/3. I've tried it as an experiment and it's a fascinating feature. I'm still wondering how it will fit with the sort of photography I do, but when I come up with an application I'm sure I'll be vlogging it - maybe light trails crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge perhaps ... :)
Beautiful locations, beautiful images - as always! Your post-processing seems to fit the moods quite nicely, too. And it looks as if your new equipment does exactly what you hoped for (I'm not surprised ;-)). BTW, what filters do you use? Also "budget", or a bit more expensive?
Hi Christian, my filters are as cheap as they get. I bought a set of Cokin filters from a photography friend for next to nothing about three months ago. Up till then I didn’t have any filters except a single screw in 10 stop. A cheap Chinese knockoff from Amazon but it does the job, as long as I correct the slight colour cast😊👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery Ah, I see. I have some very old Cokin filters, but especially the gradient filter is not good (plastic and has a visible color cast - which is a larger problem with an ND grad filter than with a regular ND). I should have a look at the somewhat less expensive square filter systems for a decent alternative (Lee filters are just too expensive, as good as they are). Thanks for sharing!
3 down :) Is there a charge for the Llyn Cwellyn Car Park for that lone tree shot with Elephant Mountain in the background? I remember a weekend school trip staying at the Youth hostel with a Saturday walk up Mynydd Mawr followed by Yr Wyddfa via the Rhyd-Ddu up and Ranger path return on the Sunday
Hi Thomas, thanks ever so much for taking the time to make contact. Yes I will definitely be using the high resolution feature in a forthcoming video😊👍🏻
Exceptional video and superb images in particular the Image of the tree.
The motivation was a combination of each month Mrs G made her comments as a new page was turned on our kitchen calendar, forcing to me to wonder if I had spent our money wisely. As the months went by it occurred us it might make for a light-hearted and amusing festive roundup - specifically for me to try to defend Tom based on also being a landscape photographer and regularly having my own work similarly critiqued. Aside from it being a diversion from my usual content, I felt it would be interesting to share the element of images being seen through the eyes of somebody who is not a photographer - clearly something which doesn't happen often on YT. As many others have commented, photographers tend to see things somewhat differently from non-photographers and we, perhaps, become complacent as a result. And, crucially, we made contact with Tom offering a complete veto on publication. Finally, as you'll see from the comments, it's about 95% positive and 5% with limited sense of festive humour and more than happy to share their indignation on Tom's behalf. But we knew that would happen. No doubt you'll have unsubscribed, if you ever were to start with, and, of course, you'll never watch this channel again despite all the effort we make to create free stuff for people to enjoy at great expense of time and effort. Something which I note from your channel, you don't bother to do. Bye. 😊👍
Beautiful Images! You are not getting older, you are getting better. Keep them coming.
Haha, hello Gene, thanks a lot for your encouraging feedback! I'll keep right on then 😊👍
Awesome Image of the Tree WoW.
Thanks a lot Gordon - I was quite pleased with it too 😀 👍
Another great video it’s such a pleasure watching
Hi Mike, thank you ever so much, I really appreciate it!😊👍🏻
Stunning images.
Thanks a lot John, I appreciate you watching and commenting :)
Such a beautiful place and some great images captured. Nice to see you using the Olympus to its full potential.
Cheers Mike, yes one of my favourite locations😊👍🏻
Another cracking episode sir.
You are a gentleman and a scholar😁
Hi Dave
Glad you're enjoying the M43 :-) Another great location, great video and lovely images.
Cheers, Ian
Thanks a lot Ian - have to say, as a really simple to carry single lens set-up it's working out well so far. More than happy with image quality and not one instance of wishing I had a wider or longer lens to had - so far!! :)
Superb image of a true lone tree..😁Kudos. Remarkable Griff, it's the truly the best image I've seen for this subject. Da iawn.
Many thanks! 😊👍
Excellent video David. You really brought out how the conditions were, so we watching at home can get a sense of what it was like.
Thanks for making contact to let me know you enjoyed it Stephen, much appreciated 😊👍
Some epic shots there David , great location for a winters day .
Cheers yes it's always one my go-to locations when there's sone and ice about. 😊👍
Great to see the progress your making with the Olympus. Having just had a stent fitted to my heart on Tuesday and being 72 I really appreciate the park & shoot locations.
Hi Roberts, really hope you’ll be back out taking photographs again soon. Hopefully I’ll have one or two more “Park and Shoots” for you in the meantime!
Beautiful images! Nice to see your enjoying your new camera. Cheers.
Hi Frank, yes I’m absolutely loving it so far, just wishing I’d switched sooner 😊👍🏻
Great work David, only been once based on your recommendation, must get back. The amount of machinery still present can be somewhat overwhelming. All you photos are really lovely.
Great Vlog David. Some smashing shots.
Hi Fergus, many thanks for watching, and your very generous feedback 😊👍
Good to see you getting to grips with your olympus system... So portable... Wonderful images too
Really enjoyed this 👍
Thanks a lot Wayne appreciate you watching and taking the time to make contact 😊👍🏻
Out with a camera, how bad can it be! Love that.
Haha well ... you know 😊👍🏻
Amazing images in this video and loving the “park and shoot” theme. I have limited mobility and these videos are really helping. All I can say is I wish I’d found your channel much earlier. I’m going to be spending some time catching up on you many videos. Thank you 😊
Thanks so much for watching, really hope you enjoy the back-catalogue. Although I'd steer well clear of anything before about No 60. The early stuff is truly terrible!! 😁👍
Thank you David, another lovely location. Also, if you go past the car park and slightly down the road, there is a very old gnarly tree, wind-bent, pointing over Clogwynygarreg to Snowdon - makes a lovely foreground for a comp.
Hi, thanks ever so much for watching and taking the time to get in touch. I’m definitely going to seek out that Lone tree next time I’m in the area😊👍🏻
That shot of the lone tree is lovely - far better than the earlier one. Great shot to end on. Infectious enthusiasm and love the explanations on what you're doing, as always. Great stuff.
You’re quite right about that previous shot Phil. I really should have taken more time over it because the light was very good. Lesson learned!😊👍🏻
Great location David and the enjoyment your having with the Olympus setup is showing! Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Rob, really appreciate you tuning in!😊👍🏻
You are certainly putting the new camera through the paces and it's delivering fantastic results just as I suspected it would with you in command. Awesome images and video. Thanks for sharing
Hi Tony, I’m really enjoying this new system, and just wishing I’d actually switched bit sooner because I did drag my feet on making my mind up😊👍🏻
All I can say is magnificent photos and as you "get better" with the new equipment this magnificence will continue. Love it!
Hi Alan, many thanks for tuning in, I really appreciate your support. It’s a fair bit of work making these videos so it’s really nice to know that somebody is enjoying what you do 😊👍🏻
This is probably one of your finest videos to date, absolutely brilliant images packed with information on camera settings etc, locations and much more, you are working your way to becoming the best on TH-cam and beyond, you really cheer me up with your articulate delivery and cheerful demeanor, I always look forward to the next one, Colin. I wonder who gave you the only thumbs down, maybe he should take up Archery, !!!
Gosh Colin, thank you ever so much for those kind words. I really appreciate it. Quite a bit of work goes into these and it’s good to know that you’re keeping people entertained. Thanks again! 😊👍🏻
That's the best description of the Llyn Ogwen boat house I've ever heard ! Great video as ever David.
Haha thanks a lot Andy! :)
Another informative vlog with excellent photos that support your photographic technique. Olympus stabilization is what made me an Olympus consumer. I still use my tripod, in fact I have a new one. However, handheld is the norm rather than the exception. My photos are pin sharp! The exception to hand holding is, of course, long exposures. Now I utilize so many other features on my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II that I would be at a great loss without it. Thanks for the visit to Wales, and for sharing your thought process as you photograph wonderful vistas.
Hi Tom, thank you ever so much for taking the time to make contact. I agree with everything you said, except that for me I suspect the camera will still be on the tripod quite a lot because I just find it a convenient way to take photographs while I’m also filming. It also allows quiet contemplation about the composition which you just don’t get with handhelds where you are much more reacting to what you see such as a quick burst of light that you want to capture.😊👍🏻
Amazing photography and a very entertaining vlog, thank you!!
Thank you Darian, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a kind comment😊👍🏻
Very enjoyable and yes, your out with the camera embrace the weather! Nothing better. Superb information and location. Wrapped up with expert photography with composition tips that hit the creative spot! How’s the camera doing, stupid question because from what I’ve watched here and your images! You are on top of the welsh mountains with the new system 👌 I had to come back and say, I’ve watched it twice!!second time for the images! Now heading over to the website! Amazing shots, the light you got 👌 wonderful David
Hi mate, it was a really tough decision not to go out with the boys to the island again. But I just knew these conditions would be worth it. Because quite a few of those shots would be completely impossible without the snow, so I was glad I made the choice. But I was still a bit gutted that I missed out on the meet up 😊👍🏻
‘Grab a snap..’ sums up my philosophy for most of my photography. Some great images - not just ‘decent’ David! Thanks forcsharing.
Thanks a lot Brian, as you can see I’m back to my usual stuff. And to be honest enjoying it much more than all the technical content. I’ll probably do a full review in two or three months time when I know what I’m talking about, but I’m really looking forward to getting out and about in the mountains and on the coast with just a simple system and enjoying the photography😊👍🏻
this looks a wonderful location love the boats excellent vlog again buddy
Cheers Mark - appreciate you tuning in! In an area where there are so many good locations, this one draws me back regularly - although as often as not with a fly fishing rod in may hand, as well as a camera - hence so few of my vlogs from there!!
@@DGriffGallery have to have a guided tour soon i have some work to to in anglesey soon
My heavens! The shot at 18:37 is stunning, David.
Thanks ever so much Jann, I really appreciate you watching and taking the time to leave me a comment😊👍🏻
I really love your videos from the car park cause they show
me what I can get cause the wife and myself are disabled thank you so much.
And your images are out standing.
Hi Ken thanks ever so much forgetting in touch again. It’s great to know that these videos will be helpful to some people, because when I thought I was going to have trouble with my mobility I was extremely concerned that I’d still be able to continue with my landscape photography. So I can understand how other people feel and if there’s anything I can do to help then I’m more than happy to😊👍🏻
Hi David, truly beautiful locations...thank you for the lovely video..I was absorbed by the you piece together the composition, it's all very clever... Certainly managed to capture the mood of the mountains
Thank you
Hi, thanks ever so much for your continued support, you know I appreciate it. I might be making a bit of a rod for my own back, because these films are getting more and more complicated to put together. But I do enjoy it so I will be carrying on!😊👍🏻
Very entertaining, Dave. I love it when photographers immerse themselves in their craft and forget about gear. Yeah, you mentioned it.. then you get right into business.
Thank you for the wonderful narrative and tips. Your images are good... But last one with the lone tree is fantastic!
Cheers!
Hi, thanks ever so much for your kind feedback. I probably won’t be talking much about the gear in the next few vlogs until I do a full review in probably a couple of months time. The only thing I might mention will be if I use something like high resolution or live composite, which are pretty specific to the camera and wouldn’t make much sense if I didn’t mention it.😊👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery Sounds perfectly reasonable to mention features of the camera. If you do any kind of night sky photography, getting star trails is a breeze with the live composite feature.
You're gonna love it.
Cheers!
Great episode David, I love that we can always feel the pure joy and appreciation you have for just being outdoors which comes across in your images too. Glad you're enjoying your new camera system, m4/3 is really intriguing me more than ever, I'm tempted pick up a used EM5mk II just for days in the mountains and poor weather, that 12-100 lens is a real gem too.
Hi Paul, thanks ever so much for watching and taking the time to make contact. I can’t recommend my new system highly enough, I’ve been astounded by the image quality despite it being really easy to carry around. I’d actually kept my old system just in case I wanted to revert back to it but I will probably end up selling that before too long.😊👍🏻
Wonderful shots as usual, I'm looking forward to me trip to Snowdonia in March.
Hi, I really hope the conditions are kind to you and you have a fabulous visit😊👍🏻
Great job, David, I love how inclusive you are with your advice. It doesn't affect me, but I appreciate that some of your viewers won't be up for climbing mountains and I think it's really great you're offering tips for those who can't necessarily make the treks for their landscape scenery.
Hi, thanks ever so much for watching and taking the time to make contact. Last year I had mobility problems myself, and was quite worried that I wouldn’t be able to do as much hiking for my landscape photography. So I realise that anybody else in that situation would really benefit from a few ideas. Luckily I got the use of my legs back and this summer I will be doing some major hikes and wild camps with my lightweight camera system!😊👍🏻
Congrats on putting your new kit to work here David. The excitement for your
Oly M43 comes across in this post. The last tree capture was stunning. I've not had a chance to use the IS on my EM-1 but can't wait to try it out. Beautiful location. Cheers.
Thanks a lot Miguel, really appreciate you getting in touch again. Trust me, when you do get a chance to use the stabilisation you’re probably be as amazed as I am! 😊👍🏻
David, just Simply Stunning. Even seeing parts of the national park from the A55, especially in the snow just look awesome, my wife’s dad lived in Penmaenmawr before he passed away last year so we did go down there quite a lot, not so much now unfortunately
Hi Brian, thank you ever so much for taking the time to make contact. I do hope you will be able to get along to Snowdonia before too long for some photography, there’s always a good chance of snowy conditions before the winter is out.And there are plenty of roadside vantage points 😊👍🏻
D Griff Gallery probably next month now I’m afraid, still a good chance of snow
Great vlog David. Looks like the new gear is suiting the task well. I'll drop by your website to look at the images more clearly. Thanks, and see you next time.
Many thanks Dennis, appreciate your support as always😊👍🏻
Great snap, really enjoyed this video. And I must say you know the area well, I need to look at this in my videos. It's great knowing where you are and how to pronounce it! Looking forward to the next
Thanks a lot 😊👍
Well done David, when your blog first started I thought hey the camera is pointing away from the lake,the boat,and the boat house, why do photographers come here and take the same picture's time and time again? that's my moan finished. Your pictures were just lovely, your commentary was great with every little detail explained, thank you so much for sharing...
Haha thanks Des - I just don't get the boats there as photo subjects - they're not exactly rustic! Mind you - I do visit here with my fly rod and then it's a completely different story!! 😀👍
A great vlog David, thoroughly enjoy your presentation style, your enthusiasm and the technical info offered. I know this area reasonably well, and have photographed it at different times of the year, but not under snow. Your images are great, and your passion for the landscape shines through. Good to see your subscriber number climbing - well deserved.
Hi Hugh, thanks ever so much for taking the time to get in touch. I really appreciate it. And many thanks for your very kind words. As you might have guessed, it’s quite a bit of work putting these videos together, so it’s really good to know they are being enjoyed.😊👍🏻
An enjoyable video David. Your perseverance paid off with some beautiful images, looks like you’re getting to grips with your new camera. Thank you
Hi Bryan, thank you ever so much for getting in touch. I’m really enjoying the new camera system, but there are so many features I haven’t even touched on yet! 😊👍🏻
Brilliant video and thanks so much for the tips. Having reduced mobility this is the kind of place I want and need, I can walk but not able to hike through hills to get to a spot. May even get up that hillock on a good day.
Hi Brian, a thousand apologies, I was just looking through comments and noticed I'd overlooked the courtesy of a reply to you. Really sorry about that. Yes that hillock is really low and most people unless wheel-chair users would be able to walk u it - it's only about 30m or so, and sort like a shallow staircase. But once you're up there you have a full panorama and can easily spend a good deal of time taking pictures, taking in the views and picnicking!! Hope you can put that to the test one day - let me know if you do and I'll happily meet you there are carry your kit 😀 👍
D Griff Gallery Don’t be silly, you can’t possibly reply to all comments, plus get out with your camera, vlog, edit etc etc etc
The IBIS makes those handhelds a dream,just hopped over to your website,what a delightful page of images, 39C here in Queensland at the moment,your pics cooled me down beautifully. As an aside, I went out the other night into Brisbane and captured some great,sharp hand held images at 1/8th,1/10th and 1sec..Oly Rules.
Hi Gary thanks ever so much for getting in touch, really glad you enjoyed my images. It’s good to know that some people are looking at them in a slightly better format than you can in the video 😊👍🏻
Fab images! Looks like you're having a great time with your new E-M1. Who says we must have a FF camera to take landscapes.
Hi, I think you’re absolutely right. But I am still getting messages to the contrary! I just don’t understand why full frame users can be so dogmatic about their equipment!😊👍🏻
Top location advice. Stayed so close to this place when I did Snowdon via the Ranger and never knew it was there. Looked at your images on your website. 2 and 3 are absolute belters.
Thanks ever so much for watching, I really appreciate it. Really glad I was able to keep you entertained! Hopefully if you’re back up this way you’ll get a chance to take a look at this location😊👍🏻
Love this one, David. And: you are already familiar with your new Camerasystem :-)
Hi Fredy, actually I still think I’ve got quite a lot to learn. Not so much in terms of basic exposure and focusing, but the advanced features like high resolution and live composite. When I get a chance to look at those in detail hopefully they’ll be quite interesting 😊👍🏻
Another brilliant vlog David. I think the "park & shoot" concept is a great one. If only I had a car and lived in North Wales! It's fun to see you embracing the M43 system. I bought a second hand em-1 mk 1 last summer and it really suits my needs. I love the bonus shot at the very end--stunning! Cheers, Jeff
Thanks a lot mate - if you're ever up here for a trip by train it's easy to get to this location by bus from Caernarfon - and many of the other places I cover both on the mainland and on the island - and I'd happily show you round - so bear that in mind for a trip one day 😀 👍
@@DGriffGallery Good advice. I generally take a train then hire a car when I visit "up north". I'm planning a visit to Anglesey/North Wlaes in late May. Perhaps I can look you up? Would be a real treat to say hello in person.
Hi Jeff - yes of course that would be great I'll look forward to it - hopefully we can arrange a bit of time to get our somewhere interesting and take some pictures together!! 😀 👍
D Griff Gallery David, that would be brilliant! I will contact you once I have dates confirmed. Cheers! 👍😊
great vlog the OMD are great cameras try the livetime and livecomp and watch the Magic
Hi Mathew, I’m sure I’ll be using both of these features before too long😊👍🏻
I love Snowdonia! Just I am a little far away from it and otherwise, I will drive down often! Beautiful
Well if you ever do make it up here, let me know. I’ll be happy to be your tour guide😊👍🏻
I am taking up your offer! I love hiking and certainly want to learn more about landscape stuff, not my things but I always appreciate them!
Cold? 😉 Beautiful locations 👌
Hi Stefan, yes, bloody freezing! Ha ha😁👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery I know the feeling 😉 Looking forward to Spring 😀 Keep up the good work David
Great images David. Just the sort of thing I was looking to get before I had to cancel my trip that day. :-( Glad someone got to enjoy it :-D
Great pity you couldn’t make it, Alan. Hopefully you’ll get another chance before winter is out to get down to these sort of conditions 😊👍🏻
Hopefully 😊👍🏻
Greetings from Scotland, David. I've not long discovered your channel, and looking forward to seeing more of what you can do with your Olympus system. I have a full frame Nikon setup myself, but am looking towards a smaller, lighter setup. You've gained another subscriber in me.
Thank you so much Kevin - I hope I can repay your faith in my channel :) I must say that so far I'm in love with the E-M1. I can't speak for all M4/3 systems, but the image quality on this one is far beyond what I used to be able to achieve with a single do-it-all lens on my old Nikon APS-C body :)
@@DGriffGallery I love my Nikon kit, and have always been happy with the quality of the images I can get with it, but the sheer weight of it is beginning to take its toll on me. Hence why I am looking towards M4/3. I accept there will be some compromises, but I am willing to bear the burden of those for the benefits that the M4/3 system provides. Best wishes, Kevin.
Thank you David for another great Vlog. Where is that lone tree???
Hi Joe, it's on the shore of Llyn Cwellyn - just by the Ranger Path car park :)
Wow David, you captured some stunning images there, and I'm not using the 'S' word lightly! Whether the new camera helped or not, this was one of the best vlogs I've watched of yours for sure
Thanks ever so much Jamie, I really appreciate your kind words. To be fair, you don’t have to work very hard to produce some half decent images in a location like that, in conditions like that. But I appreciate your feedback nevertheless😊👍🏻
A wonderful well presented video, that thankfully didn't include any Barrett house shots. Totally agree with you about that. The new camera system is looking impressive, it helped you get a great set of images from the day. I wonder if the dislike is from one of chaps that disliked the last one? You'd think he should not click and watch this time, but he is doing you a huge favour by engaging 👍😀
Hi Simon, I must say I am absolutely loving this new system, the ease-of-use is all well and good because to be honest I was happy enough to use the workarounds with my old system. But I can’t argue with the image quality from this single lens which so far has done everything I wanted of it😊👍🏻
Hi David, I have been subscribed for some time now and you are by far one of the best landscape photography Vloggers I have come across with your easy style and simple explanations of settings and composition. I too have recently changed camera systems from Canon to Olympus with the em1-mkii. I wasn’t completely convinced I had done the right thing but watching your vlogs has given me much more confidence about the capabilities of the m4/3 system. Once again excellent photos and I’m looking forward to more of the same.
Thank you so much for watching, and taking the time to make contact with such kind and encouraging feedback. I must say I don’t regret my decision to switch systems at all. I suppose it depends on what you had previously as to whether or not you can see a perceptible loss of image quality. But for me, it’s more important to be able to actually get out into the mountains and along the coastline with an acceptably light weight system, because otherwise it wouldn’t matter what equipment I had I still wouldn’t get any images!😊👍🏻
I had the Canon 5dii plus 70-200is and 17-40mm and like you I have some slight mobility problems so the overriding reason for changing to m4/3 was to reduce the weight of my kit which this does considerably. I don’t think there is a massive difference in picture quality but there is a lot of ff snobbery within the photographic community regarding m4/3. Hopefully with people like yourself producing images of such high quality with this system opinions will start to change. My comment about not being convinced I had made the right decision was more about confidence in myself changing to a completely different system, rather than the capabilities of the camera but the more I’m using it the more I’m getting used to it. Again I look forward to following you channel, even more so now you are a M4/3 convert.👍😊
I know that you have a new camera and I’m sure you’ll be modest enough to give it all the credit, but genuinely I think that you have gone up a bracket in image quality, and I’m talking in terms of composition and the use of light. Fantastic stuff mate 👍
Cheers mate, really appreciate that! It’s fair to say though, that in those conditions in that location it does flatter the photographer a little😊👍🏻
I stumbled upon your vlog by accident David, when you did the vlog on Llandwyn with your 'new Olympus' as I have also got the same camera, with a 14-80mm 2.8 lens. My old kit was Nikon, and I am so impressed with the Olympus I am part chopping my Nikon 14-24 for an Olympus 40-150mm. I live 10 mins from Llyn Dywarchen and go there on a regular basis. Loved your shots from there and of the tree on Llyn Cwellyn, I have subscribed and look forward to more of your vlogs. Its a big thumbs up from me!! :-)
Hi Lynne, thanks so much for watching and taking the time to make contact. I really appreciate it 😊 You live in a super spot and I can understand why you’re often there. I live 5 mins from the Church in the Sea on Anglesey so that’s my go to spot 😊 Hope I can keep you entertained, and perhaps it would be nice to say hello in person one day👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery Love the Church in the Sea, Anglesey has some beautiful places for photography. As we are both local, we may well bump into one another. Look forward to seeing more vlogs, I subscribed to another but yours are much more user friendly! :-) Well done.
Superb images David. "Who said micro four thirds was dead".
Having found your channel recently I really enjoy the videos. I really must get that 12-100mm one day for my EM1 Mk 2 and your tests have help to encourage me..
Hi Roy, thanks so much for watching and taking the time to make contact. I must say the 12-100 is really something. For such a long zoom the image quality is astonishing. And the build quality is great too. So as a one-lens system I can see this doing just fine for all my landscape stuff. So far no image has made me feel I need a wider or longer focal length. Of course, for other types of photography I'll probably get some different lenses, such as a couple primes, but for my coast and hill-walking landscapes it's all I need 😀 👍
Bit of a mix up there David, didn't check to see how old your vlog was , Im slowly working my way through them and find them quite informative and enjoyable to watch
which makes a change as there is so much dross out there , I live in Queensland Australia and envy you the changeable weather you have , over here its been sun, sun and more bloody sunshine with blue sky's I have a few locations to keep going back too when the tides are right and on the odd occasions we get some decent clouds.
Im coming over to the U.K in August 21 and intend to do a fair bit of shooting in N,wales from your videos it looks to be a great place for photography so thanks for the effort you put into them.
Do let me know if you’re in the area, happy to pop out and say Hello 😊👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery that would be phenomenal, thank you so much .
10;43...bottom of view..little on the right side-that was sheep ? :D or just curly dog? :) ... you really made fantastic photos-and as we can see olympus is a great camera system. see you next time. cheers
Hi, thanks ever so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it. Oh, and by the way, it was a sheep😊👍🏻
Your Olympus is very interesting, it's producing good quality images. You may sway me from upgrading to the d7200 Mr G
Well, to be fair, you can’t argue that the Nikon isn’t a good camera. It’s just a matter of personal preference and how you go about your photography. My decision was heavily influenced on a small light weight system, prior to that I did use Nikon and been very happy with it. So I guess you’ve got a really tough decision to make! 😁👍🏻
@@DGriffGallerythanks for your input, I'm gonna keep a close eye on what you produce on your channel. Keep up the good work.
I'm with you David, when you have beautiful vistas all around why would you take a shot of a building unless it's an old stone built one, absolutely amazing area,
Next time in I'm Wales I'll try get to that lake.
Cheers Gary, I had to scratch my head for a moment there as it's been so long since I recorded this but I guess you're referring to my comments about the boathouse on Llyn Ogwen! Funnily enough, it's come up once or twice since I made this when I've been out and about with tuition clients who have been inclined to point the camera at it, and I have had to ask them why they would want to do that!! 😊👍
@@DGriffGallery I am slowly going through all your vlogs David
Think I'm learning more from you than most others put together.
Mali as well,
Thanks for all of your insights and plain talking.
@@DGriffGallery just watched your very first 3 vlogs David,
Must say I didn't recognise you for a moment, but we'll worth a watch, a great wealth of information you have and with your relaxed approach makes it worth a watch,
Thank you
Brilliant episode and fantastic images with your new set up. You should have put out a bit of extra money for gloves, you were making me feel cold! Thanks for making.
Ha ha, really sorry about all the hand rubbing. I did have some gloves with me but every time I wanted to use the camera they’re a bit rubbish so they had to come off. I’ll do my best to avoid it in future! 😁👍🏻
Am I the only person thinking: "Get yourself some decent gloves!" Anyone want to count the amount of times David is rubbing is hands in this video? :)
Just kidding. To be honest, I'm very jealous. Great video again. Keep up the great work.
Hi Nick, I did actually have some gloves with me but they’re absolutely useless when I want to use the camera so they were on an off all the time. You’re absolutely right though I must make a point of not doing that quite so much next time😁👍🏻
No worries. Didn't bother me, just felt a bit sorry for you :) Stunning images by the way. My favourite is the tree in the clouds (9:49). Wow.
One post processing tip I learned from watching the On Landscape TH-cam Channel is to view the photo upside down before editing. This will help you understand how well the image is structured and also more clearly see the highlights and deep shadows that need attention. Another tip is to change the background colour/frame to white instead of black if you are going to produce a print as the background colour can affect the overall perceived brightness of the image.
Thanks Ray - I'll give that a try! 😀 👍
Superb vlog David, one of your best. Is parking close to Lyn y dywarchen?
Hi Drew, yes it's right alongside 😀👍
Hi, very good photos, super! :) Please write which filters you used with the Zuiko 12-100 lens. Is it 100-150 mm? what system do you use?
Hi Krzysztof, I use Cokin 85mm square graduated filters, and for full ND 10 stop I use a screw-in at 72mm diameter. 😊👍🏻
thanks :)@@DGriffGallery
Amazing images. I use the EM5 MkII with the 12-40 Pro lens. That is a nice combo in terms of weight. The 12-100 looks like a large and heavy lens. How does the combo feel in the hands? What is the weight like when hiking a distance? Thank you for sharing.
Hi John, that's a fair point the lens is about a pound, but of course it's always on the camera so I don't miss any shots. Feels really good in the hand. One thing about the mountains is the fleeting light we often get, so I like to have the camera ready for handheld at a moment's notice! I carry it on a sling or belt holster. That means there's no weight in a back-pack so it's much easier for when I do long / high hikes. I only use the pack for a few bits and pieces of small filming kit and hiking stuff I'd have anyway. If I'm only out for a few hours walk and there are no safety issues I can easily just use a small bag. As you'll see on my next one 👍 😀
Some nice shots there especially the Lone Tree and the Sunset you got on the way home.
Please don't be too critical of the 'Boathouse Photographers'. Some of these shots can add interesting foreground, background, sideground etc detail to the landscape cf Jason Jones who shoots in your neck of the woods.
Bye the way I hope you put something strong in the coffee? 😂
Ps the full res images on your gallery look fab - just saw them now 👌
Ha ha, fair comment about boathouses. But there are boathouses and boathouses! Llyns Gwynant and Dinas for example are very scenic, but I don’t think Ogwen falls into that category😊👍🏻
Ref Llyn-Y-Dwarchen, the 'path' you used to go from the hill behind the boathouse, to the tree near the stone hut, opposite side from the boathouse, does still 'exist', beyond it 'fades'.
Yes that's quite true 😊👍
Lovely location! The photos speak volumes about its beauty. I imagine Tolkien must have spent some time there. Truly appreciate your thoughtful exposition. Would you also be kind enough to speak a bit more about your use of ND filters at some point? Many thanks!
Thanks a lot, Craig. Do you mean graduated filters or full NDs? 😊
D Griff Gallery I think full ND is what you were using initially at the lake...although I think you used different degrees of density. Really though filter whether full or graduated remain a bit of mystery in those conditions...that is, water, snow sky🙂
Hi Craig, let me try and clarify a bit, if I understand you correctly. Apologies if I have misunderstood and I am talking about something you already know, I wouldn’t want to teach you how to suck eggs! The filter I used at the first lake was a graduated one. So half is darker and it graduates to completely clear on the othe half. When positioned in front of the lens it reduces the amount of light getting in on part of the image. This means that the highlights can be controlled so they don’t get burned out, but still allows enough light in to balance it with the dark areas. The use of graduated filters is to ensure that the overall exposure is correct with no areas too bright or too dark. You usually only need the sort of filters where there is a wide variance between a dark landmass and a bright sky. At the second lake, where I was photographing the tree, I used what’s called an ND filter. This is where the entire filter is dark and acts rather like a big sunglasses for the lens. It significantly reduces the overall amount of light getting in and means that you can keep the shutter open for much longer. This is not to balance the exposure but is used for creative purposes to allow various effects to be generated in the image. In this case I was looking to smooth out the water and to blur the clouds in the sky as they were being blown across. In broad daylight, a 10 stop ND filter will allow a shutter speed of as much as about 30 seconds. Or when the ambient light is low, say around sunrise or sunset you can use an ND filter to make extremely long exposures of anything up to as much as 10 minutes. This will smooth out even the most turbulent of water, and photographers will use it to create really tranquil scenes. I do hope this clarifies what I was using filters for. Again, apologies if I’ve just told you a load of stuff that you already know! I do have viewers with a wide range of photographic skills from complete beginners to quite advanced so it’s sometimes difficult to know exactly how to pitch the level of technicalities which I discuss. Basically, I’m trying to appeal to as many people as possible!👍🏻😊
Hi D Griff, saw your gallery and it is awesome. You keep it simple but stunning. I have a question regarding your approach on selling them for either print or soft copy. I do landscape too and I have sold some photos but I wanna know how you do it... thanks man.
Hi Bryan, I have sold one or two prints where people have contacted me and asked if they could have them. But I don’t sell them based on advertising it because I just find it too much hassle, and as it’s only a hobby I’m not reliant on any income from it. However, because I own a web design company it was easy to set up a website which allows people to download digital versions. So I sell these for quite a low price and then people can do what they want with them in terms of printing and framing. Hope this answers your question😊👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery thank you.
I really enjoy the channel David. I have no experience or any real knowledge with the micro 4/3 systems. I shoot full frame and APS-C in the past. Are the micro 4/3 cameras inherently more conducive to sharp depth of field front to back for some reason? I thought I heard you make a comment that made me think so. Is there a brief explanation that explains that? Also, I wondered about battery life on the micro 4/3 system you use. Have you found it any different than your crop sensor camera? I'm asking these questions because I'm considering getting a M4/3. Climbing these days with a heavy full frame system is challenging.
Hi Philip, yes, without going into too much detail, the characteristics of optics provides for a wider depth of field with a smaller sensor. You’ve probably experienced this on a mobile phone which pretty much always has everything in focus. As far as battery life goes, so far I have found it to be extremely good. In the entire trip for this particular video, the battery ended up with about 30% still available. I do carry a spare so I would expect two batteries to be more than enough for an overnight wild camping trip come the summer 😊👍🏻
Another top vlog David. A really good watch. You rub those hands!...
You know what, i think my favourite image of this set is actually that handheld one. I like the slightly abstract nature of it. Have to ask though, if you've reduced your kit to the camera with just the one lens...what on Earth do you still need a bag that size for?
Hi Jeff, actually in hindsight you have a good point about that handheld picture, it’s starting to grow on me. As for the hand rubbing! Really sorry about that but every time I was doing a piece to camera I had my gloves off and it was freezing!😊👍🏻
It was only because you pointed it out in one of your posts somewhere that i even noticed it to be honest @@DGriffGallery
Oh I thought I'd forgotten something - my bag! Well, it was acquired for a much heavier kit with at least four biggish lenses. But also to carry food, clothes, emergency gear: cooking, lighting, shelter, medical, navigation, etc - all essential on a 1000m ridge miles from anywhere! Then there's: drone, 2 tripods, gimbal, power bank, 2ltr of fluids, basically all the sort of stuff you'd want on a full day out with an overnighter if you sprain your ankle :) It's now quite a lot of fresh air, but I really like the general set up of it. As it stands up on its base with access to a sort of 'workstation' area at the top - perfect for grabbing stuff (eg. coffee for a piece to camera!) and chucking stuff back in, for all the vlogging camera angles / changes of audio gear etc etc. And it means I don't have to lie it flat on wet or muddy ground. Of which there's a good deal around here :) And finally: it also means I don't have to decant all my EDC stuff from bag to bag. So yeah, it is biggish - about 30ltr, but handy and now - lightweight, so I'll probably stick with for now :)
Hi David, Love the content. Is there any reason why you are shooting at a lower f-stop (f5.6 etc). Is it a micro 4/3 factor?
Hi Brian, that’s a really good question. Yes it is to do with the fact that these lenses tend to be sharpest in that region of f-stop. And because the M43 format allows for a longer depth of field as a comparable f-stop to a full frame system it’s easier to take advantage of it. 😊👍🏻
Great vid - but if you are using such a long exposure to smooth the water and sky, and that tree is moving around, how does it come out so sharp?
Hi, well, it's not that long an exposure, only 25secs. And since there was only a gentle breeze rippling the water slightly it didn't take much to smooth it. The very tips of the tree branches can be seen to be moving of course, but the main bulk of the tree being quite sturdy wasn't moving at all so the impression is that it was pretty static. 😊👍
Hi, a new subscriber, a long time Olympus user and enjoying your landscape work. Particularly interested in the lone tree at the lake shot that was 25 seconds exposure but the branches are sharp despite the windy conditions. Do you achieve that layering by multiple images or using the high resolution mode?
Hi Mark, that’s a really good question. Actually, I don’t recall it was particularly windy. There was just a gentle ripple on the lake. So the branches weren’t moving very much although the extremities are probably not super sharp. But I didn’t need to use any special technique to achieve the image in this instance. If there had been a much stronger wind it would have been reasonably straightforward to take a faster shutter shot and create a composite with the smoothed out water. The only downside of that, is that the sky would not have been as smooth. Hope this answers your question😊👍🏻
With regards to your 1st location. Is that where you and I went, when I was concerned about turning the camervan around?
As always, I really enjoyed watching and a great set of images mate
Hi Darren, yes well remembered that is where you were worried about turning the van round. As you saw it’s a pretty good location, although not a patch on Cwm Idwal. But of course Idwal can get really busy so that’s why I tend to come over here a bit more often😊👍🏻
Hi, notice that you are using manual shutter, if you use the Olympus Ol.share app you can monitor the camera & remote shoot whilst presenting the vlog. Hope this helps. CJ
Hi, that's a very good point and there will be times when I do just that. On this occasion the phone was recording audio and already had a lowish battery level! :)
Hi
I think all of your images are absolutely gorgeous
A specialty the last photo
It’s good to see what micro four thirds can produce for landscape photography
I use my gear for wildlife and macro,but seeing your vlog as given me inspiration to try landscapes
Can i ask you what brand of filters you use
Also how do you find your K&F tripod
Hi - I use a cheap second-hand set of Cokin filters that a friend sold me a couple of months ago. Before that I did all my grads in post. I still do mostly unless the horizon line is pretty flat! As for full ND I just use cheap Chinese knock-offs from Amazon: a 10 stop and a 2-9 stop variable. I love the tripod. It was the lightest I could find on Amazon for about £50. Only just over a couple of pounds. Perfect. So no point paying any more. It's stable enough and I only use for propping a camera up so don't se the point of paying any more!! I did change the ball head for a lighter one though. Makes a lot of weight difference and zero usage difference!
It’s funny I just put this location on my next group meet up. I was even going to do some easy to shoot places. But your all ready doing that haha. Your subscriber rate has doubled in a couple weeks what happened haha your flying now. Are you coming to join us on 23rd 24th March
Hi Paul, cheers. Dunno yet about the meet-up I've got so many commitments and meet-ups I'm juggling - but I might put in an appearance for an hour or two at least - would be nice to catch up! I started my Park & Shoot series a while back - bit there's nothing to stop you doing one in your local patch is there :)
Just subscribed! Did you do live composite in any of the photos you’ve taken? Great images.
Hi, thanks so much for subscribing, I really appreciate it and hope i can keep you entertained! :) I haven't used Live Comp on a vlog yet, as I've only just switched over to M4/3. I've tried it as an experiment and it's a fascinating feature. I'm still wondering how it will fit with the sort of photography I do, but when I come up with an application I'm sure I'll be vlogging it - maybe light trails crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge perhaps ... :)
I’’ll wait for that. Thanks
Beautiful locations, beautiful images - as always! Your post-processing seems to fit the moods quite nicely, too. And it looks as if your new equipment does exactly what you hoped for (I'm not surprised ;-)).
BTW, what filters do you use? Also "budget", or a bit more expensive?
Hi Christian, my filters are as cheap as they get. I bought a set of Cokin filters from a photography friend for next to nothing about three months ago. Up till then I didn’t have any filters except a single screw in 10 stop. A cheap Chinese knockoff from Amazon but it does the job, as long as I correct the slight colour cast😊👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery Ah, I see. I have some very old Cokin filters, but especially the gradient filter is not good (plastic and has a visible color cast - which is a larger problem with an ND grad filter than with a regular ND). I should have a look at the somewhat less expensive square filter systems for a decent alternative (Lee filters are just too expensive, as good as they are). Thanks for sharing!
3 down :) Is there a charge for the Llyn Cwellyn Car Park for that lone tree shot with Elephant Mountain in the background? I remember a weekend school trip staying at the Youth hostel with a Saturday walk up Mynydd Mawr followed by Yr Wyddfa via the Rhyd-Ddu up and Ranger path return on the Sunday
Hi, yes there is these days. I thnk it’s from about £3 for 4 hours and goes up from there, but I think you can pay by card. 🙂👍
Try the electronic shutter and for God’s sake, use the hi res feature. 80mp raw files for landscape photography? Yes please!!!
Hi Thomas, thanks ever so much for taking the time to make contact. Yes I will definitely be using the high resolution feature in a forthcoming video😊👍🏻
D Griff Gallery you should love the result from the hi res. Btw, I very much enjoy your videos and love your photography.