Exploring the world through the lens: A conversation with Sonia Holst

Could you introduce yourself by telling us where you live, what you do, and what your interests are, such as hobbies, sports, music, dance, arts, or any other creative activities you pursue alongside photography?
My passion for Photography and Cinematography came very early, together with my interest in film & cinema. I initially began with black-and-white film stock.

I’m working in a film distribution company in Paris, and my passions include travelling and various forms of art: cinema, photography, books, jazz & world music.

Could you tell us about your passion for travel, the great outdoors, and your interest in wildlife?
Since I was a little girl, I have always dreamed of discovering the world. For instance, Patagonia was always a destination I wanted to see: I fulfilled that dream a couple of years ago (unfortunately not yet with an OM-1).

My passion for the «Commandant Cousteau» ( who is a well-known French Oceanographer) is also very important to me. And, obviously, I love all sorts of animals. When we were living in France with my parents, I grew up close to nature, with many animals around: foxes, does, deer, etc. Also, I practiced horse-riding on a competition level for many years: I was always in contact with animals.

What first sparked your interest in photography, and how did you decide to become a travel and nature photographer?
I discovered photography with magazines like “Geo”, as well as through my uncle, who travelled a lot and had many of his travel pictures published in Geo.

The decision to become a travel photographer was always in me, since my first trip to Turkey 32 years ago and to New York 29 years ago. At the time, I used film and developed the photos in a small mobile lab at home.

Which countries have you already visited?
Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Mainland USA , Alaska, New York, Senegal, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania. Russia, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Czech Republic, Iceland, Norway, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Thailand, India… To name just the most important.

When you are in nature, what inspires you and what prompts you to pick up the camera and take a shot?
I’m always looking around me for a photo motif, even in my daily life in the streets of Paris: There are always things to be interested in, to be touched by, to be inspired by…

Among all the different camera manufacturers, what were the reasons that led you to choose OM System?
My choice for OM System came from the quality and the weight of the M.Zuiko PRO lenses.

I’m using the OM-1 for wildlife with the M.Zuiko 100-400mm most of the time in Africa. In Norway in December, I love using the M.Zuiko 12-40mm PRO and the small M.Zuiko 12mm.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of the OM System M43 cameras for the type of photography you do?
The Olympus is perfect when you’re travelling and want a good quality of image. A negative point would be not getting the geolocation, even though it can be done via synchronisation. Not the same thing to have it just “iPhone–style” in the camera. As a travel photographer, I’m missing this feature a lot.

How important is the M43 system in keeping your camera bag light enough for travel without compromising image quality, and how has your OM System equipment performed under challenging conditions such as extreme heat, dust, humidity, or freezing temperatures?
I really can say that I am using the OM in extreme climates.  Winter in Norway, Iceland or Alaska, and dusty-hot countries in Africa, humid and hot as in Far East Asia! The OM is perfect for tough weather challenges. Because I tested it in these extreme conditions, it’s the perfect camera! It is also a perfect compromise between equipment weight and quality.