I’ve been spending a lot of time wandering around my new town alone – or as I like to call it “lone wolfin'”. You might recall that I moved here from states away a few months ago and started a brand new career as a blogger. It’s been hard being away from my friends and everything I was used to, so I’ve been trying to create routines and find favorite places.
On my most recent lone wolf experience, I brought my new Olympus PEN E-PL7 camera along to document everything. I’m learning to be a better photographer, and not only is the PEN E-PL7 easy to use for a noob like me, but it’s also cute and compact, and its vintage look makes me feel hipster-cool.
There have been some major lone wolfin’ misses, but come along with me for a few recent hits from the weekend!
When I set my mind to something, I want to accomplish it as soon as I can. So lately it’s been bothering me that I can’t quite afford to move into my own apartment right now, when I’d lived alone for the past several years. Turns out that when you do a complete 180 in your career path, there’s a bit of “paying your dues” that has to go on. Guess I got wrapped up in all the excitement and forgot about the reality of the thing!
So as an exercise in patience, I’m trying to see the beauty in the little things around me.
A mural hidden away in Uptown Greenville | Captured by me with the auto setting on an Olympus PEN E-PL7 and M.ZUIKO14 – 42mm II R Black Lens.
Like the beauty in a cat that loves me so much she cries all day when I’m gone.
Or in a blue sky after weeks of rain.
Reminds me of Marfa, TX | Captured by me with the auto setting on an Olympus PEN E-PL7 and M.ZUIKO14 – 42mm II R Black Lens.
I was feeling a bit sad when I headed out of the house on this particular weekend, but photo by photo, I cheered up. The images I was capturing were so crisp and made me feel like a real photographer (even though I’m far from it). I just can’t get this kind of quality when I use my iPhone camera.
Luckily, I can easily share images from this camera to my phone through a secure wifi connection. Watch out, Instagram.
A vignette at Dapper Dan’s Antiques | Captured by me with the auto setting on an Olympus PEN E-PL7 and M.ZUIKO14 – 42mm II R Black Lens.
Having been sufficiently cheered by the colors at the antique shop and in the sky, I headed to my favorite local coffee shop/bar/music venue for a free concert by the bluegrass band Paleface.
Paleface in concert | Captured by me with the night portrait setting on an Olympus PEN E-PL7 and M.ZUIKO14 – 42mm II R Black Lens.
From where I sat | Captured by me with the night portrait setting on an Olympus PEN E-PL7 and M.ZUIKO14 – 42mm II R Black Lens.
It was just as warm and cozy as it appears in these photos, and the simple act of having a nice beer and listening to good music in a comfortable seat gave me a burst of hope. I thought, “Maybe it isn’t so bad starting over after all if I get to do things like this.”
For those who know a little something about photography, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 can be used manually. But I’ve been shooting in automatic and trying some of the “scene” settings, like the night portrait one I used in the concert photos above. It also has “art” settings, like what you might be used to from Picmonkey or Instagram. But no matter how you choose to shoot with the PEN E-PL7, your images will be professional quality.
Purchase or find out more about the Olympus PEN E-PL7 here and PEN your own story! #PENworthy
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Linda Carmical says
First. Love the photography.
Second. I would kill to have this camera.
Third. I switched from a camera to my LG G4 phone. I cannot find a camera to give me as good of quality, or the type of images I want. Love what yours does.
Travel Blogger says
This looks like a great camera. I really need to buy one. I use my cell phone for all of my photos, but I miss a lot of great shots. I will have to check this out as an option.
Terri Beavers says
I really like your camera, the photos are so clear and beautiful. I love wandering around me new town and I need to look into purchasing a cam like this.
CourtneyLynne says
One what a great camera!!! I’m in the middle of doing some camera shopping myself. I will have to check more into this one 🙂
The L's Mum says
I love photography and you have took some great captures here.
Rebecca Swenor says
This sounds like a great way to cheer up by looking at the beautify of everything around you. I am going to have to check this camera out. It sounds amazing and I love the size along with how easy it is to use. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Maria says
I have a Nikon and I’ve always wondered about the Olympus – thanks for sharing!
Stefanie Davis says
I love photography and the joy it brings capturing life! Good luck !
Kendra says
Your camera takes great pics! It’s good to have handy when you’re exploring your new town.
JanetGoingCrazy says
I used to love lone-wolfin’ around Austin when I was single. I didn’t have a camera back then, but I wish I had because I saw some interesting stuff!
Toughcookiemommy.com says
Wow, this camera really takes some amazing photos. I love that it is also compact and not bulky at all.
Lauren says
I still can’t get over the wifi capabilities of cameras these days! Man does that help make things sooooo much easier
Dhemz Apdian - Dias says
how cool is that! I love how convenient and easy to carry this camera compared to bulky DSLRs.
christina aliperti says
Your photos are awesome! Starting over can be scary but it’s nice to look at all the little things that make it not so scary. It definitely helps ease the transition.
Patty says
That looks like a really nice camera. I have to admit to not know much about Olympus but I’m looking for a new one so I’ll check them out
Shanéy Maharaj says
I recently started reading reviews on camera because I want one for blog pictures and videos. Thanks for introducing me to the brand.
Tracey says
Wow that camera takes amazing pictures! I definitely need one like to improve the quality of my blog pictures.
April G says
These are some great pictures. I really need a new camera, not on my phone.
Chasing Joy says
I like how you call it lonewolfin. I do that from time to time. I hope your paying your dues time is short.
jacqui odell says
I am fixing to have a new little one around. I think it’s time for me to upgrade my camera!
LauraFunk says
A wifi enabled camera! Love it. The pictures look great and what a wonderful way to get to know your new surroundings
Toughcookiemommy.com says
The WiFi part is huge. That makes it so much easier to share photos out to social media right away.
Jasmine Watts says
Truly beautiful camera and those photos are stunning!!
Katarina says
I love the places you visited! And it looks like you have there one amazing camera!
Crystal Lopez says
Too cute! I just became really familiar with my camera. Sometimes it is just tough to find something that works the way you want. This one sounds amazing!
Angie Scheie says
I have a lot to learn with my DSRL yet, but it is a lot of fun “lone wolfin'”around. Great pics!
Krystal says
What a truly beautiful camera. It captured images great in low light. Very cool settings and camera quality!
Chubskulit Rose says
My very first digital camera is Olympus and I loved it! It still works but I don’t use it anymore.
Britni says
I have been looking into cameras lately. I think I will have to add this to my list. I need something new asap and these pictures look awesome!
Chanelle says
I think you’d really love everything it can do. Plus, it makes a cute accessory. 🙂
Mimi Green says
I love this, I’ve taken a lone wolf approach in a city and town where I know lots of people. It has been a rather interesting adventure.
Marielle Altenor says
What a great camera. Sure takes some nice pictures! I’m also using my Iphone for pictures on my blog! The quality just isn’t the same.
andi says
i’ve never used a camera like this – and since it’s been a while since i’ve used any kind of camera….
Scott says
I’ve been trying to use our manual settings more and more. There’s nothing like a good shot that you’ve taken on your own without using the auto settings.
Rosey says
I could really use a new camera. Mine is starting to not turn on when I push the button and it’s making me very nervous.
Eileen says
I love this camera. I have an oldie that I really need to trade in soon, this is one that I will be looking at – seems like a great camera for bloggers
Jeanette Mays says
That is an awesome camera, and it can share online! wow. You took some great photos with it!
Crystal says
That’s one of my favorite features! Who needs more steps!
MyTeenGuide says
I love the photos. I need a good camera like this.
Ashley says
Beautiful photos! I love that shot of the old storefronts. What a way to acknowledge the beauty in the everyday.
Amy D says
I love testing out new photography equipment! I would love to try this product too and see how it compares.
Shaylee says
This looks like a really great camera! And a lot easier to use than some of the other cameras I’ve recently been looking at!
Bonnie @wemake7 says
That sounds like a really nice camera. Looks like it takes some very nice pictures too.
Alicia says
Oh this camera takes great pictures! It looks like you had a nice time, plus Olympus has great products. I am needing a good camera for blogging. I will take a look at these.
Lynndee says
Art setting? That is so cool! I think this is the first time that I’ve heard of a camera that has that setting. I would love to have one! Paging Santa!
Amber c says
Those are some really beautiful pictures!! I don’t know how you do it. I would be so nervous moving to a different state.
Rocio Chavez says
I love the size and that it connects to the phone – talk about a bloggers dream. 😀 And it takes good pics, come on 😉
Melissa says
I love that you can share images from you camera to your phone. That is spectacular! I would love to be able to do that!
Lexie Lane says
I’m in love with it now!! This would be perfect for my travel to caption all my memories with it.
Michelle T says
Congrats on the new camera. It definitely took some really nice pictures. Looks like you had a nice day out. I wish I could get a day to myself. Is blogging really paying off as a main job? I would love just to blog and that’s it. But I don’t think there’s that much money to be made from it where I could quit my job and just blog.
Alissa Apel says
I love taking photos. I think it’s so fun. It’s more fun with lots of lens, but they are heavy to carry around. Your pictures turned out great!
Nikki says
I haven’t heard this before but I like it now, my husband would also love it.
Tiffany Cruz says
I like the look of this camera. I also really like the photos you took.
Pam says
I love the Delicious wall mural. That is a great shot and would be something cute to hang up in your kitchen. Your camera and you take some really great pictures. It takes the combo to work because I have a quality camera but the other half ( which is me) does’t do her part. lol
Chanelle says
Awesome idea about the kitchen art! I am definitely going to do that!
Valerie says
This sounds like a wonderful camera. I love how easy it is to use and share on social media.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I don’t NEED another camera but boy does that one look like fun! The vintage design is great but those crisp images are AWESOME!
deanna says
Looks like a great camera. I am do for an upgrade soon, I will check it out!
Claudette says
Is it bad to admit that I have not held a traditional camera in ages? Your photos make me want to go out and get one.
Christie says
I’m always loving how the camera technology gets better and better. And what a small lightweight camera too!
Clo Nevaeh says
I have an older Olympus. I can’t wait to give this one a try! We have a sampling at a local store to check out the new cameras. I heard they had this one on sale!
Chanelle says
You should def go try it out!
lisa says
I’ve been looking at getting a new camera and this looks like a nice one. This would be a great Christmas present for myself and the hubby.
WendysHat says
I love photography too. This looks like a really great camera.
Ana De- Jesus says
It is hard to do things on your own but sometimes it is the only way you can progress and I love the photos that you have take on your camera. I like the mural its simple but fab.
victoria says
My hubby would love to have an own camera but he didn’t afford. This camera was look great i wish someone can send us like this lol.
Nicole Escat says
One of my wish this coming Christmas is to have a camera :). This one really sounds perfect for me.
Carol Bryant says
I have received a new camera for Christmas in the past and love it and this is a brand name I own, too – your pics are fantastic.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
That Olympus camera sounds like a great tool for bloggers. You got some amazing shots in different lighting conditions showing how versatile this is.
Crystal says
It did a great job all over. I love having the setting options so you can get different looks.
tiaras and tantrums says
Looks like a fun camera. Now to get you out of auto mode!
Chanelle says
Soon, soon! 🙂
Star Traci says
New paths can be hard but can prove the most rewarding. I am so glad that on your lone wolf trip you truly saw things differently. That blue sky is amazing. I know that great things are awaiting around many corners for you!
🙂
Traci
Censie says
Love seeing peoples photography. More than just the instragram photos too! Thanks for sharing. You are very talented.
Maureen says
This seems like every blogger’s dream camera. So nice.
Jessica Harlow says
I totally love that you can share photos directly to Instagram with this camera! That will make for a fabulous Instagram feed! I”ll be watching! 🙂
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I honestly had never heard of the Olympus Pen. It looks like it takes amazing pictures, I will definitely have to look into it!
Anita Fonte says
When you have a good camera it shows in your pictures. Your Olympus camera has taken beautiful pictures. I love the picture in the antique store as I fell in love with the cups on the display.
Crystal says
What a great adventure exploring and photographing. Your camera did a great job capturing the beauty of the various locations.
Amanda says
Wow, this camera seems amazing. I am really working on improving my photography skills and I think investing in a new camera like this would definitely help.
Jennifer says
I so need a camera like this. Takes awesome pictures but small and compact. Lugging my DSLR around is such a pain… most of the time. And I think walking around on your own is good for the soul, sometimes.
Elizabeth Lampman says
I would love to learn how to take beautiful photos like this. Olympus is a name i hear a lot when i am looking at cameras.
Tammi Roy says
These are great photos. I have been thinking of getting a new camera after Christmas. I will have to check out the Olympus web site.
Ann Bacciaglia says
Olympus makes amazing cameras. These photos are fantastic. I love the night setting in the band photo.
Mitch says
I am bookmarking this post because I have been searching for the right camera for a long time! I use my phone which is good, but as a blogger I should be doing better in the photography area, like you did above!
thanks,
Mitch
Mardene Carr says
Very beautiful camera
Brett Martin says
I am in the market for a new DSLR. I so love the Olympus brand.
Terri Beavers says
Everything turned out picture perfect with your camera. I normally shoot with a Canon Rebel eos T3 but I’d love to add another camera to my collection. I’ll check this one out.
Trisha says
These are some great shots! I really like the vintage look of the Olympus PEN. This is a camera tat I actually might be interested in getting myself!
Kristen says
my sister in law has this camera and really loves it. She is a blogger in Chicago and finds that it is easy to transport to blogging events.
Amanda says
Any camera that has a wifi connect for my phone goes to the top of my wishlist!
Candice says
Nice Camera… takes great pic. you post was very informative and I like the detail and colour you get from indoor pics.
Vera sweeney says
This sounds like a great camera! I didn’t realize you could send pictures from a camera to a phone like that.
carissa garabedian says
beautiful camera,, I have so much to learn , I wish I could take better pics.
Jeanine says
What a gorgeous camera. You have a really great eye! I would love to wander around a smaller town and get some neat shots!
Elizabeth O. says
Beautiful camera! I love how god the quality of the pictures are! I would love one for myself.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) says
This is such a fun post–you are getting to be a wonderful photographer!!
Bri says
I really love the clarity that this camera offers. This would make a great gift for my mom.
Tina @ My Highest Self says
I really enjoyed reading about your day out and seeing your great photos. What an awesome camera!
Danielle says
I love experimenting with photography. I tend to get more aggravated when I can’t get the perfect pic, but that’s just part of the learning curve.
Marcie W. says
I am sure uprooting and starting over is never easy but it looks like you are on your way to success. The beautiful photos you captured will make great memories someday!
Kim @ Two Kids and a Coupon says
Wow. Great shots. I’m learning to be a better photographer for my blog and this sounds like an easy to use camera for beginners.
Theresa says
It is really cute and it does seem to take really great photos! I think it would be much better than my bulky camera that I have to lug around for photo taking!
Aimee Smith says
Learning the ins and outs of a new camera is so much fun! Looks like a great one.
Michelle says
I am very proud of you for lone wolfing because i know it can be hard to do things on your own but you miss out on a lot if you don’t. I’m also liking the camera
Paulline @ milastolemyheart says
Now I’m jealous. That PEN is on my Christmas wishlist and I still need extra dose of sweetness to the hubby to get it. 🙂
Amber Nelson says
What a beautiful camera. I definitely need a new one!
Jaime Nicole says
The Night Portrait setting really did a wonderful job capturing such great images. I love a camera that can take great low light pics – they come in so handy!
Wendy says
I’ve never thought of taking pictures while just hanging out about town. Will have to give it a try. I’m sure I can get some good ones this time of year.
Stacie says
I love photography. Even though I don’t do it often enough, getting out and just snapping pics is a great way to unwind.
Catherine S says
This sounds like a great camera and your pictures came out great. The night out at the coffee shop looks like fun.
Victoria Sconion says
I need this camera in my life. I currently cant find my cannon point and shoot camera. I want to cry in the meantime im using my samsung galaxy 5 and its alright. But this camera is way better. Might be my next investment.
Joanna says
Great looking camera u have made me want to go out and take loads of photos. Fab images.
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking says
Wow, that looks fabulous. I love that it has a night setting!
tara pittman says
I need a camera. This one sure does great photos.
Christina says
Photography is such a good way to notice the beauty around you & be more present. That camera sounds amazing!
Jeanette says
I need to do this! I am always with someone whenever I go out. A time to myself is a great idea to do. I love all your pictures, what a great day of exploration.
Julie says
This really looks like a great camera. Beautiful picture at the Dapper Dan’s Antiques!
Pam says
I love how cute the camera is! It takes really great pictures, too, which is important!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That PEN sounds like a great camera. You certainly got some amazing pictures with it.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I did lots of lone wolfin’ back in the day :-)) Looks like you’ve got it down! Keep your chin up– change can have big pay offs!
Ida says
Love “lone wolfin” What a fun term. I have never used an Olympus and I in love with all your pictures in this post!
Jennifer says
That sounds like a great camera. I love that shot you got of the band. Very cool.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Nice! I’ve never used an Olympus myself, but I like the looks of this one!
Angela from MommyMoment says
These are beautiful pictures!
I need someone to come and teach me how to take pictures like these.
(And then I need someone to buy me a new camera)
Angie says
I used an Olympus camera in my High School photography class. It was such a great little camera.
Tonya says
I’ve been wanting to walk around my town for days and keep putting it off. It’s amazing what you see when you take a look with fresh eyes. This camera is on my wish list. I too, love the vintage look and compact size. And that it offers the ability to get off automatic and begin to shoot manual- though I’m just learning how to do this and boy is it a learning curve! Great pics!
Kimberly S says
Thanks for the reminder about why simply taking photographs is fun. I would adore the wifi ability! Never really looked into the Olympus brand ~ guess I’ll shoot through your link to the website and focus on the features. 🙂
Elizabeth Ferree says
The pictures are definitely a small town. Reminds me of living in 29 Palms just a few short months ago. I must admit I probably should’ve went out more and took photos, maybe it would’ve made life there a little bit easier. Love antique shops, I’d definitely be visiting that place often.
Jaime says
The photos turned out so great. I remember my mom starting out with an Olympus years ago and it’s such a great camera!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
Oh a direct link to SHARE photos? I like that a lot. And the title of this post has me rolling. Are you a one man wolf pack??? (The Hangover)
Chanelle says
Hahah you know it!
Saidah Washington says
That picture of the small town shops looks just like a spot near where my in-laws live. Looking forward to seeing more amazing photos with your new camera.
Foodie. Wife. Life. says
I love the look of this camera and the pictures are pretty good. Good luck to you on your newest endeavor, it’s always tough moving cities, or in my case countries, but you’ll get through this little lone wolfin’ and no only be surviving, but thriving in your new city. I look forward to more posts from you.
Dogvills says
I’ve been saving up for a camera. I know Olympus is a great brand. I will check this out.
Elizabeth O. says
As bloggers, it’s great to have a reliable camera that’s light and easy to carry but gives good quality pics!
OurFamilyWorld says
Beautiful photos. I like going to antique shops. You can find a lot of treasures there.
Amy Orvin says
I was thinking of actually upgrading to a better Canon Rebel digital this year. I love taking pictures, especially of my pets. This is a very nice camera, too.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am the same way, but with pictures of my kids. My dog won’t sit still for a picture.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am definitely in the market for a new camera and this one sounds perfect for me. The photos it takes are GREAT!