"If you don't have a challenge, you're not telling a good enough story!"
Jennifer Maring

Lumix Stories are short videos about my favorite camera system, Panasonic's Lumix line. They feature some of the most diverse photographers in our industry, 

I chose this particular video to share because it features one of my favorite artists, and longtime friend Jennifer Maring. She's on location in Verona, Italy doing an editorial assignment with the GH5, which is not only responsible for the still images I pulled off the clip but the filming of the video itself.

I love her reference to the GH5 as a "stealth camera," because it's so light. We've all traveled with heavy bags of camera gear, and at the end of the day felt every ache and pain, a reminder of the weight of that bag!

The GH5 is loaded with features, outstanding optics and technology giving artists an incredible selection of creative tools.  But, when one of the benefits is the weight of the gear, you're free to be creative without physical restrictions. Your energy is being channeled into capturing each vision in your mind's eye without regard to "schlepping" equipment!

As you watch the video, pay attention to the way Jennifer sets up some of her shots. There's some great subliminal education about shooting on location, including her lighting. She's traveling with Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System, giving her the opportunity for more creativity in images where in the past she would have been limited.

To see more of Jennifer's work visit Maring Visuals. To learn more about Lumix, along with Jennifer's favorite lens, the Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm, F1.2, visit the Lumix Lounge and meet the rest of the Luminary team. Just click on the GH5 to the left!

Panasonic's tagline for Lumix is "Changing Photography," and they're living up to that reputation with every product in the lineup!

I want to set the stage for this post by reminding you I do not make a living as a photographer. My passion is the business and marketing side of imaging. However, after all these years at Hasselblad, Rangefinder/WPPI and working with some of the finest artists in the industry, I've learned a lot and often know more than I let on. The difference is, while I could light and capture a stunning portrait, it would take me the entire day when many of you would have the image in a few minutes! But, I'll match my passion for the craft with anybody!

I've been playing with the LUMIX GX85 and what a kick. For the first time, I tried shooting in the Post Focus Mode and then stacking the images. I've shared several posts on the feature, most recently a demo with the NEW GH5 by good buddy and Lumix Luminary, Bob Coates.

This morning I grabbed the GX85, the Lumix 30mm macro lens, a tripod and headed out to the butterfly garden. All I wanted was to show you the process which couldn't be simpler. While this is hardly a scientific demo, here are some of the focus points I chose to stack and blend. It's all done in camera and using the feature couldn't be easier.

Remember, I'm just playing with the feature. The image without focus stacking is on the right.

The flowers of the lantana are relatively small, probably no more than 1-2 inches across for a cluster. I started out in search of a monarch butterfly, and typical of chasing critters, they're never there when you need them!

Check out the GX85, the new GH5 and the rest of the Lumix family with a trip to the Lumix Lounge, and then your Lumix dealer. Take the time to get to know the Luminary team. They're some of the most diverse artists and educators in the industry, and an outstanding resource to be in your network!

I realize many of you don't typically shoot landscapes, but this short video featuring Ben Grunow is loaded with some great "how-to" material. In fact, you could almost turn off the sound and simply watch his technique. One of my favorite images above was captured with the new Lumix 8-18 mm lens. It got me thinking about photographs with similar composition but as a ring shot or components in an environmental portrait shoot where elements related to the subject were important.

Then there's simply Ben's style of shooting that combines his creativity with his technique and the tools that Lumix brings to the table. In fact, in the history of photography there have never been more creative tools to help you capture those images in your mind's eye!

Remember too; I'm sharing screen shots here not the original files!

And there's one more point I love about this video - Ben's advice for landscape artists is to pack light. In that backpack he's carrying throughout his hike, are two camera bodies and eight lenses! For those of you who still haven't taken a Lumix system for a test drive - imagine carrying that much gear with whatever camera gear you currently use.

Panasonic's tagline is "Changing Photography," and it's what I've experienced myself over the last few years. I'm never without a member of the Lumix family!

To see more of Ben's work, along with the rest of the Panasonic Luminary team, visit the Lumix Lounge. This is one of the most diverse group of artists in the industry, and over and again they're sharing their expertise and insight to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images and skill set.

P.S. When you visit a Lumix dealer, check out the new GH5. This entire video, along with Ben's still images, was captured on this amazing new "over achiever" in the Lumix family!