OM SYSTEMS – four photographers share their relationship with nature & photography

In an era of bombardment through the internet and social media, OM System’s new ad campaign takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on technological advancement, OM Systems presents its cameras as a means to disconnect from life’s hustle and bustle and connect instead to nature by focusing on being in the present.

The ‘It’s in our NATURE’ campaign focuses on OM System’s ethos of Kacho Fugetsu (translating into “Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon”), a sixth-century Japanese ethos dedicated to the beauty of nature. To explore this idea, OM Systems invited four professional photographers to Japan, gave each of them a camera, and asked them to embody a respective element of Kacho Fugetsu. What follows is a series of genuinely lovely videos by OM Systems. Among slow, contemplative, sweeping views and stunning wildlife, photographers are seen walking through rugged mountains and historic Japanese towns, capturing spectacular images on their OM-I Mark II cameras.

In one, wildlife photographer Brooke Bartleson discusses her relationship with mental health and nature. In another, filmmaker Chris Eyre-Walker speaks about the total freedom he found being among the natural world. The campaign does an excellent job of showcasing OM Systems cameras’ ability to make great images and enhance photographic adventures.

Despite the campaign’s focus on nature and simplicity, it is important to note that OM Systems’ cameras stand out against other brands. Their lightweight design is perfect for nature photographers who traverse long distances, while the impressive 8.5-stop in-body stabilization ensures steady shots without needing a heavy tripod. Alongside this, OM Systems has pioneered the development of the in-camera live grad ND filter, allowing for seamless on-site adjustments without needing to carry filters or extra gear. Impressively, the OM Mark-II allows full-resolution photo capture at 120fps and highres capture at up to 80MP 14-bit RAW. This ultra-high-speed sensor is only matched by the Sony A9 III, at a third of the price. Notably, OM Systems’ cameras are the only digital interchangeable-lens cameras with an IP53 rating, making them the best-weatherproofed cameras on the market, capable of withstanding harsh environments while capturing high-quality images.

Indeed, we see this play out within the ad campaign. On each of their adventures, the photographers needed only the camera, capturing high-quality images without the bulky accessories that have become the standard in the field.

It is telling that OM Systems’ recent rebranding has brought the company even closer to its roots and the renowned Olympus camera line crafted by the legendary designer Yoshihisa Maitani. Maitani’s philosophy was straightforward: “A camera should be compact and impactful,” and the OM Systems cameras certainly embody this principle. By staying a small, customer-centric company committed to producing high-quality, professional-grade cameras and phenomenal lenses, they have created some of the most well-crafted, versatile, and value-driven items available today.

At its core, ‘It’s in our NATURE’ is a touching acknowledgment of life and nature, created by a company dedicated to producing top-notch photography equipment that emphasizes the beauty and fragility of the world around us.

To learn more about OM Systems’ new campaign and explore their range of cameras, visit their website.

Head On Foundation acknowledges OM System’s ongoing support of the Foundation through Head On Photo Awards. This support assisted Head On to feature the work of OM Systems ambassadors Michaela Skovranova with End of the world (banner photo) and Bridgette Gower with Disco bugs.