Reigniting the Spark: How I Fell Back in Love with Photography Thanks to Olympus
Olympus Press Release image of the E-M1iii
For years, my professional photography gear of choice has always been Sony. My mirrorless Sony system has been a trusted companion for countless weddings, corporate events, school photography projects, and promotional videos across Warwickshire and beyond. It has never let me down.
But something strange happened when I wanted to capture my own family moments: I never wanted to take my Sony gear with me. It felt like… work. The thought of carrying thousands of pounds of professional equipment up Burton Dassett’s rolling hills, or down to the beach at Llandudno, filled me with dread. What if I damaged a lens? What if a splash of seawater fried my camera? Even more, picking up my “work camera” never quite felt like holiday mode. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job and the versatility it gives me. But I also love my hobby, and I wanted to keep those two separate.
So began my quest to find a camera that was fun, inspiring, and easy to carry — something that could capture all those memories without feeling like a job.
The Search for a Fun Camera
My first idea was to use the Sony Xperia phone — after all, phone cameras are improving every year. But while it was convenient, it just didn’t feel special enough. Next, I tried the compact Sony ZV-1. Great video capabilities, but still a little uninspiring for everyday photography.
Then I experimented with the Panasonic Lumix LX100, which has fantastic controls and image quality, and even the quirky Pentax Q series, hoping their tiny lenses might fit the bill. But none of them sparked that “joy” of photography again.
Enter the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
One day I stumbled on a bargain deal for an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and decided to take a chance. I’d never used the Micro Four Thirds system before — in fact, I wasn’t sure it could measure up to my full-frame Sony for sharpness or detail.
But wow… was I wrong.
From my very first walk through Burton Dassett Country Park, this camera blew me away. It’s so light and compact that I barely noticed carrying it, yet the images were beautifully sharp, vibrant, and full of character. The incredible in-body stabilisation opened up a new world of handheld photography, even in low light.
On our family holiday to Llandudno in Wales, I found myself reaching for it every day. Exploring Leamington Spa’s Georgian architecture, grabbing quick shots of the excitement at the Avon Dassett Soapbox Derby, even capturing atmospheric streets in Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon — this camera made photography fun again.
A Creative Awakening
The Olympus made me realise something I’d been missing: the joy of photography.
There’s something about its lightweight feel, the huge range of Micro Four Thirds lenses, and the surprisingly advanced technology that has completely reignited my creativity.
It’s so inspiring, in fact, that I’m seriously considering moving my entire professional system over to OM System cameras. If the E-M1 Mark III can perform this well in harsh, unpredictable conditions, there’s every chance its bigger siblings could match or exceed what I currently use for client work.
Why This Matters for My Clients
As a Southam-based photographer, I’m always looking to offer the very best to my clients — whether that’s school photography in Warwick, corporate headshots in Leamington Spa, wedding days in Stratford, or dynamic event coverage at places like the British Motor Museum.
Testing new equipment helps me stay ahead creatively, and reassures me I’m always giving clients the best combination of quality, reliability, and adaptability.
Wrapping Up
If you see me out and about on a family day in Warwickshire, I’ll probably have the Olympus E-M1 Mark III over my shoulder instead of my big Sony workhorse — and that’s a good thing. It has reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
If you’d like to see how I combine this technical passion with storytelling for schools, businesses, real estate, or weddings, let’s chat.
📧 brian@biopicphoto.co.uk
🌐 www.biopicphoto.co.uk
📍 Based in Southam — working across Warwickshire, Leamington Spa, Banbury, and beyond.
