Master creative light painting
with the M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO Lens

By Hannu Huhtamo, OM SYSTEM Ambassador (Finland)

My photography journey began in dark urban environments, exploring abandoned buildings and tunnels for light painting. These confined spaces often called for an ultra-wide lens to capture the intricate textures of decay. Over time, my focus shifted to outdoor locations like national parks and shorelines, where the night provided the perfect canvas for light painting.

The M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II became my go-to lens, but certain compositions required a wider perspective. As Finland embraced its darkest season, I turned to the M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO, experimenting with light art while expanding my starry sky collection.

1

Illuminate the Foreground:

For Milky Way photography, simple lighting techniques—such as using a phone screen to subtly illuminate a tree or rock—can enhance the foreground. Keep the light gentle to avoid overpowering the scene.


OM-1 | M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO

30s (Manual) | F2.8 | ISO 3200 | 7mm

2

Star Trails with a Twist:

The Live Composite feature simplifies capturing star trails by displaying their development in real time. Pairing the 7-14mm F2.8 PRO lens with urban elements—such as a rusted car or an abandoned structure—creates a striking contrast against the stars.


OM-1 | M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO

5s (389x), Live composite | F2.8 | ISO 3200 | 7mm

3

Milky Way & Light Painting:

Combining astrophotography with light painting can be challenging due to the camera's sensitivity when capturing the Milky Way. Using the lowest possible light source for light painting, especially when the camera's sensitivity is increased, helps maintain a balanced exposure for different elements. The 7-14mm F2.8 PRO lens allows for up to 35 seconds of exposure before noticeable star trails begin to form.


OM-1 | M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO

30s (Manual) | F2.8 | ISO 3200 | 7mm

4

Play with Perspective:

Ultra-wide lenses like the 7-14mm F2.8 PRO allow for dramatic compositions by exaggerating the center, edges, and corners of the frame. This results in dynamic perspectives with strong leading lines and sharp focus throughout the image.


OM-1 | M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO

1s (484x) Live composite | F5.6 | ISO 400 | 7mm

Final Thoughts:

The M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO is perfect for low-light conditions, combining a fast aperture and exceptional sharpness for light painting and astrophotography. When paired with the OM SYSTEM camera’s Live Composite feature, it becomes a powerful tool for exploring creative angles and capturing stunning perspectives of the night sky.


Hannu Huhtamo, OM SYSTEM Ambassador (Finland)

Instagram: @hannuhuhtamo