LUMIX STORIES

Joakim Odelberg is a Swedish wildlife and underwater photographer and conservation filmmaker who has covered many stories on marine pollution and other important environmental issues. His images reveal the beauty and splendour of our marine life and the natural world. As a LUMIX photographer, Joakim shares his passion and his first impression of the LUMIX G9.

The main reason he became a photographer is to raise awareness of environmental and animal welfare issues. ‘It began with marine related issues I encountered as a scuba diving instructor. I wanted people to be able to experience what I witnessed. With my photography I can reach out to people. I hope that when they see my photographs that not only will they see my portrayal of a problem but will also care for and acknowledge the value and importance of nature. We have to realise that we cannot survive without nature and biodiversity; however, nature can survive without us, explains Joakim.’

It’s very hard to relate to anything that isn’t in one’s immediate surroundings. Wildlife conservation photography presents a broader thought provoking perspective. It’s a window into another place or another creature’s perspective. It’s a way for us to empathise with wildlife and try to understand its plight. My passion for nature comes from my upbringing on the west coast of Sweden. We used to sail around the coast every summer and my relationship with the ocean grew by the year. I was given my first diving mask before I could swim. It was a window into an exciting and wonderful world. I got my first free diving certificate when I was 10 years old and I’ve been diving ever since. It didn’t take long for me to realise that everything was connected, and my love for marine life soon extended to all wildlife.

I shoot today most of my images with the LUMIX G9 camera. The first time I held the camera I noticed just how ergonomic it felt. The grip is easy to hold and since I have to carry it over long distances and for long periods this is incredibly important for me. All the buttons are well placed and I especially love the enhanced focus button, a totally new feature. With one easy press I can magnify the focus area and make absolutely sure that the focus is where I want it. This is great when working with telephoto lenses in the jungle and having to focus through trees or leaves.
Having worked with different LUMIX cameras before I believe this new camera will be very much appreciated by travellers and photographers who work outdoors. It has all the important outdoor features like weather sealing, but now combined with high performance burst speeds or studio like resolution shots in full RAW. This makes the camera extremely versatile and flexible to use in any situation. A perfect travelling companion…