Olympus OM-D Archives - Stephan Russenschuck

Photoessay: Swiss Surprise Championship

I know nothing about sailing, except that if the air flows along a curved path (sailing close-hauled), there will be a pressure gradient perpendicular to the flow direction, which together with the keel resisting the lateral forces, causes the boat to sail upwind. But there is theory and practice; in a once and never again attempt I drifted to the other side of a small lake and had to walk back.

Though it helps to know something of your subject (and the rules of a regatta) before taking up a photographic assignment, it can be fun to get out of your comfort zone. There is no such concept as slowing down, to which I normally adhere to, when you stand on an unstable zodiac, the subjects are moving, and you must compose and focus hoping not to be washed overboard with the equipment around your neck.

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Concours d’Elegance Suisse with the Nikon D850

Stephan Russenschuck
June 30, 2018
Equipment reviews / Image quality / Photoessays
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Under a far too bright sun (from a photographer’s point of view), the classic car competition “Concours d’Elegance Suisse” at the Château de Coppet attracted 85 historic cars classified in 15 categories, all defined by a Jury that is also involved in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy and the Pebble Beach Competition in the USA.

While the 60th anniversary of the legendary Aston Martin DB4 and the Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Pininfarina were celebrated by two dedicated classes, the exhibition also included gems such as the Hispano Suiza H6B, Delage D8-120, Bugatti Type 57 S, and the Mercedes-Benz 500K, among others.

This event was a good occasion to bring out my new Nikon D850. Shiny cars in the bright sun are indeed a torture test for the camera’s dynamic range. Judged in many reviews as perhaps the best (last) DSLR on the market, it is surprising that the D850 is still not on stock everywhere. And with the recent QA problems, I had to wait until I could test the flange and sensor alignment in the shop – before pulling out the credit card.

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Photoessay: Semana Santa

Semana Santa, Granada. Alhambra brotherhood.

Spain is famous for its Holy Week (Semana Santa) traditions. It’s a tribute to the passion of Jesus by Catholic brotherhoods, with processions on the streets of almost every Spanish city during the week before Easter. The brotherhoods have their origins in the Middle Ages, though a number of them were created later during the baroque period.

Elaborately decorated floats (pasos) with wood or plaster sculptures of Jesus and Virgin Mary are carried through the streets from their parish church to the cathedral and back. The Pasos can weigh up to five metric tons. In front of them walk the Penitentes, dressed in long robes, followed by women in black carrying candles, groups of Nazarenos, and brass bands comprising up to a hundred persons. Good Friday (commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus) is the climax, when the processions leave the churches at midnight and arrive at the cathedral at about 2:30 in the morning.

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Olympus OM-D Mk II and Fuji X-T2 versus Nikon D810: An unfair fight?

Olympus OM-D Mk II and Fuji X-T2 versus Nikon D810