GLOBAL PRO GALLERY
A sparrowhawk soars in the morning light. Utilizing C-AF as I followed its path I captured the moment when the horizon entered the frame. The beauty of its wings captured by the high-resolution lens is breathtaking.
Takanori Sugawara
Takanori SugawaraJapan
Born in 1990, Sugawara studied oceanography at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, the University of Norway, and studied seabird ecology at Nagoya University Graduate School. Now a photographer after his education. He actively travels throughout Japan and across the globe in search of birds in different environments. His published books include Zukai de Wakaru Yacho Satsuei Nyumon (Introduction to Wild Bird Photography Illustrated) (Genkosha), Nakigoe Kara Shiraberu Yacho Zukan (Encyclopedia of Wild Birdcalls), and SNAP! BIRDS! He is a member of the Society of Scientific Photography (SSP).
Ever since I was little, I have loved venturing into nature to observe the lives of the creatures I encounter. My fondness for nature grew as I became an adult and I wish to be in the field as often as time permits. More than anything, I’m strongly attracted to the lives of wild birds. Their variety in appearance and behavior fascinates me. Every day, as I read through the pages of bird spotting guides, I get excited by the thought of expanding my experience with different birds in the future. It’s my desire to share these birds with people around the world. With this in mind I continue to take wild bird photographs, hoping to inspire an interest in nature in the people who see them.
The field of wild bird photography varies depending on the type of bird targeted. There are days when I have to deal with various weather conditions as I explore the forest. Exposure to rain or snow can be a daily occurrence. With the OM-D system, you can go about photographing comfortably without being burdened by the weight of your equipment. Likewise, with its excellent dustproof and drip-proof properties there’s no need to worry about rain and snow. And what’s more, thanks to its powerful image stabilization capabilities, you can make the most of brief encounters with wild birds.
One particular day I was caught in a sudden rain storm. However, I continued shooting. Once the weather cleared I looked up to see a rainbow.
For my work I carry two lenses: the ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO lens and the ED 150-400mm TC1.25x IS PRO lens, and a teleconverter. With these lenses you can cover a 24mm to 2000mm focal range with high image quality. For someone like me who wants to capture as many birds as possible, the mobility which the OM-D system offers is very attractive, indeed.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO
Super-telephoto PRO lens that enables 1000mm equivalent handheld shooting.