Mostly Smaller Sensors

A fellow EMA/photographer friend of mine (JW) shared an image yesterday that he recorded using a GoPro camera. His photo was the inspiration for a photography challenge for me today. The question was, could I produce decent images using smaller sensor cameras - in today’s case my GoPro and my drone.

To illustrate my efforts I will begin with the GoPro photos.

This first image was intended to challenge close-focus abilities. I know they will not compare to my Nikon macro capabilities, but this could be acceptable if I was carrying only one camera.

Next on the challenge list came when I spotted this hollow tree. Making the picture was easy - put the camera inside the tree and use voice commands to take the picture. (Note - I do like “voice command” on GoPros.)

Then I wanted to record something with strong leading lines. The swinging bridge over the Wapsipinicon River provided plenty to lead a viewer’s eyes into the image.

Finally on the GoPro, I wanted to record a traditional landscape/scenic composition. I think this worked!

Now let’s take a look at photos recorded from the drone. We will start with a downward look at my favorite little island on the Wapsie - especially when viewed in fog. This is just a straight-down view with no image editing done.

Now I will share a couple of images that do not represent reality, but I really like them. Both were edited for effect.

Notice how the title of today’s post was “Mostly Small Sensors.” When I spotted a river otter swimming on the river, I headed downstream, jumped out of the truck to get close to the shore, and talked to the otter (making hacking noises in my throat). Soon the otter swam by to check me out. I shot pictures with my larger sensor Nikon. I have no small sensor camera that has the reach my Nikon with a long lens has.

Thanks for the inspiration JW!