OM System OM-1 Settings from a Bird and Wildlife Photographer

Inspired by my popular “The Largest Collection of” lists and my article “Tips From a Bird and Wildlife Photographer” about Rachel Bigsby, I thought, why not do the same for information, tips, and settings for the OM System OM-1 (Mark II), specifically for bird and wildlife photography, offering insights from a specific nature photographer’s perspective.

But first, let’s address this: you might do things completely differently, and that’s okay, or maybe the settings don’t feel right for you. The truth is, everyone is different, and it’s not always about a specific brand or camera. I’ve learned that the “Best Settings” everyone searches for actually vary a lot from one photographer to another. Some shoot only in RAW, others only in JPG, and it’s the same for everything else. So, if you’re new to bird and wildlife photography, just try them out. If you’re more experienced, take what you can use or wait for a new article with insights on settings.

So, here’s the second in the series, and today it’s Robert May.

Robert May is a talented wildlife photographer whose captivating online portfolio showcases the beauty and majesty of the natural world, capturing intricate wildlife behavior and diverse ecosystems to inspire conservation efforts and foster a deeper appreciation for nature.

https://glass.photo/robertmay

https://robertmay.photography/

YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/@robert_may

📸 Here are some insider tips for capturing the magic of wildlife photography that I discovered by watching inspiring videos from Robert May :

Today, we’re delving deep into the world of small bird photography, straight from the picturesque landscapes of Wales.

🌟 Manual Mastery: Our journey begins with the cornerstone of manual mode, offering unparalleled control over every shot. With auto ISO and a minimum shutter speed of 1/2500th of a second, we ensure every detail of our feathered friends is impeccably captured.

🍃 Aperture Alchemy: Ah, the art of aperture. Set at a constant F/4 on our trusty 300mm lens, we craft dreamy depth of field, effortlessly isolating our subjects against their natural backdrop.

💡 Lighting Luxuries: Embracing the challenge of low light, we push the boundaries with auto ISO up to 25,600. And with the Olympus OM1’s remarkable dynamic range, a touch of overexposure only adds to the magic.

🎨 Post-Processing Prowess: Shooting RAW is our mantra, complemented by a natural picture style for seamless integration with Lightroom’s wizardry. And with auto white balance and a keen eye for magenta shifts, our colors pop with unparalleled vibrance.

🚀 Strategic Shooting: Armed with silent sequential drive mode at a lightning-fast 20 FPS, we’re always ready to capture the action without missing a beat. Plus, our bird object detection mode paired with a large AF grid ensures maximum reliability.

🎯 Customized Creations: From tracking swallows over crops to capturing birds on water, our custom modes are game-changers for every scenario, ensuring we never miss the perfect shot.

A compact glimpse into the world of wildlife photography settings, straight from the heart of Wales. Remember, the best shots are often found where the wild things are.

Settings below are specificaly for use on the Olympus 300mm Pro f4 and OM-1* :

If you want more background information about the hows and whys, and the conditions involved, be sure to check out videos by Robert May. You can find the links above. Specifically, look for “Settings for the OM-1.”

* Many settings for the OM-1 are the same as for the Mark II version.

Happy shooting, and until next time, keep capturing the magic!

This article was written by Marc R.
While I primarily speak Dutch and have some knowledge of English and a little French, ChatGPT helps ensure my writing is grammatically correct. I often mix Dutch and English in my drafts, and ChatGPT steps in to translate and correct.