Alpha 7 IV

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FE 20-70mm F4 G

Why Ha-sung chose FE 20-70mm F4 G

Travel Q&A with Ha-sung

Self-proclaimed laid-back traveller, South Korean photographer Bong Ha-sung explores the world to capture wondrous sights and shares them on his Instagram profile, @bongtographer_.

With the FE 20-70mm F4 G and Alpha 7 IV, Ha-sung captures a winter wonderland in Hokkaido, Japan during the Christmas season.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 50 mm | 1/320 sec | F13 | ISO 100

Lens highlights | FE 20-70mm F4 G

Compact and lightweight with fast AF, the FE 20-70mm F4 G redefines the standard zoom with an even wider focal length range, becoming a choice lens for versatile creators who are always on the go.

Focal length: 20-70mm
Min. focus distance: 0.30m (W), 0.25m (T)
Max. magnification ratio (X): 0.39
Weight: 488g

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 70 mm | 1/800 sec | F8 | ISO 100

The lens covers a wide range from wide-angle to telephoto, enabling me to capture everything I encountered on this journey.”

Why Ha-sung chose FE 20-70mm F4 G

As Ha-sung was travelling during winter when physical activity tends to be limited, he was looking for a versatile lens that could cover a wide range of focal lengths. “From expansive landscapes to distant subjects, the FE 20-70mm F4 G proved to be versatile, allowing me to capture it all.”

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 20 mm | 1/250 sec | F8 | ISO 160

Travel Q&A with Ha-sung

Tell us about the images you captured.

I wanted to capture the vastness of the snowy landscape. In the village, I aimed to capture the way people live in a snowy city and the small moments of their everyday lives.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 43 mm | 1/320 sec | F4 | ISO 100

What was your experience like with your camera gear?

When I was in a village called "Biei,” snow was pouring down so heavily. Despite the challenging conditions, I managed to consider the focal length and capture the shots. Even if the subject was far away and difficult to reach, I used the crop mode to capture the shot. This allowed me to cover up to 70mm, which was great. Since the houses in the village were designed higher than eye level, shooting with a wide-angle lens would have resulted in distortion when trying to capture the entire scene. However, at 20mm, I was able to avoid distortion.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 28 mm | 1/250 sec | F9 | ISO 100

What should fellow photographers look out for in winter?

I recommend trying slightly overexposed settings. Snow tends to appear darker than expected, so overexposure is often used to capture the bright feeling that snow gives. Also, since it's travel photography, I recommend capturing shots from various angles. With the swivel LCD monitor, you can shoot from eye level, as well as low or high angles, which is crucial for ensuring the diversity of your photos.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 50 mm | 1/1250 sec | F4 | ISO 100

In travel photography, even the coldest moments can become warm memories.”

Get inspired

If you’re heading to Japan too, give Hokkaido a visit. Its landscapes are especially stunning in winter, and it’s renowned for its snow-covered scenery.

See through the lens of more photographers.

Admire New York through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 20-70mm F4 G

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Admire New York through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 20-70mm F4 G

Calvin — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:58:29 +0000

Admire New York through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 20-70mm F4 G

Calvin Mon, 02/26/2024 - 14:28

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Lens highlights | FE 20-70mm F4 G

Lens Category

FE 20-70mm F4 G

Why Sung-Jin chose FE 20-70mm F4 G

Travel Q&A with Sung-Jin

Known as @jinifoto on Instagram, South Korean photographer Park Sung-Jin travels the world to capture the wonders each country brings.

Sung-Jin explores the architecture and cityscape of New York with his trusty and versatile FE 20-70mm F4 G and Alpha 7 IV. He takes us on a journey through New York and its Autumn hues, from dazzling nightscapes to sprawling architecture and towering skyscrapers.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 70 mm | 1/320 sec | F10 | ISO 100

Lens highlights | FE 20-70mm F4 G

Compact and lightweight with fast AF, the FE 20-70mm F4 G redefines the standard zoom with an even wider focal length range, becoming a choice lens for versatile creators who are always on the go.

Focal length: 20-70mm
Min. focus distance: 0.30m (W), 0.25m (T)
Max. magnification ratio (X): 0.39
Weight: 488g

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 34 mm | 1/125 sec | F8 | ISO 100

I chose this lens for its lightweight and compact size as it’s convenient for travel.”

Why Sung-Jin chose FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sung-Jin wanted to capture the beauty and colours of New York in autumn and needed a versatile lens that could capture everything from street shots to scenery. As he planned to do a fair bit of walking, a light and compact lens was important to him which is why he chose the FE 20-70mm F4 G.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 20 mm | 1/50 sec | F4.5 | ISO 1600

Travel Q&A with Sung-Jin

How did your equipment help you capture beautiful moments?

A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing fleeting moments. You get to capture a scene and appreciate more of it in a wider frame. At its widest the FE 20-70mm F4 G lens is great for shooting tall buildings.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 70 mm | 1/2000 sec | F9 | ISO 200

Where would you recommend fellow photographers to go in New York?

If you're visiting for the first time, I recommend strolling vertically through Manhattan. You can start from Lower Manhattan and walk all the way to Greenwich Village. You can also walk from Times Square to Central Park. I recommend early morning hours when there are fewer people.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 20 mm | 1/200 sec | F8 | ISO 100

What were your most memorable moments in New York?

On the last day of my trip at Central Park, the autumn colours of the maple leaves were beautifully coloured. The sunset made it even better.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20-70mm F4 G | 34 mm | 1/25 sec | F4 | ISO 1000

Photos are about documenting. Each photo takes me back and allows me to feel the joy of that moment.”

Get inspired

To other photographers planning a trip to New York, Sung-Jin recommends visiting one of its many observation decks for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

See through the lens of more photographers.

Japan in winter through the lens of @bongtographer_ | Featuring FE 20-70mm F4 G

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FE 16-35mm F4 | Best for selfies | Review by Choi Jihye

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 10:49:03 +0000

FE 16-35mm F4 | Best for selfies | Review by Choi Jihye

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 16:19

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Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

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Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 24mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 16mm | F8 | 1/100s | ISO 160

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 16mm | F4.0 | 1/2s | ISO 1000

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 26mm | F4.0 | 1/400s | ISO 100

Memories of your travels, captured for a lifetime

Since a young age, I've always loved beautiful landscapes. This includes the seasonal flowers, buildings and architecture that showcase a country's culture. That's why on my travels, I find happiness in taking photos of these landscapes. After some time, I started to capture myself in these landscapes, and now I shoot people (and myself) harmoniously with the environments they are in.

My favourite camera is the Alpha 7 IV, and my lens of choice is the outstanding FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G zoom lens. Today, I'll take you along on my journey to Singapore and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how I captured my “Singapore Project”.

The Singapore Project: Showcasing the city to the world

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 17mm | F4 | 1/2s | ISO 2000

This series was shot in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board. My goal was to capture the beauty of the country and give international audiences a reason to visit this wonderful location. On this journey, I snapped a collection of photos – often using myself as the subject – featuring the country's many picturesque gardens, parks and cityscapes.

Accompanying me on this trip were my Alpha 7 IV camera and FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G zoom lens. As I had planned to take many selfies and landscape shots, I also went prepared with my tripod for vertical shots. Even with the plate mounted on, I could take full advantage of the camera's swivel LCD, which proved to be very convenient.

This lightweight package was important as it allowed me to pack my outfits and props too. Weighing only 353g, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is both lightweight and compact – which meant I never strained my wrists, even after full days of shoots. And the high resolution of this zoom lens was essential for capturing every detail of this city's amazing landscapes.

The iconic Changi International Airport

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 16mm | F8 | 1/100s | ISO 160

This photo was taken at the Changi International Airport in Singapore. My vision was to capture a person surrounded by a forest, so I went to the second floor for a better angle. To take an unobscured shot, I leaned on a railing and stretched my arms as far (and low) as possible, so I could capture the leaves within the frame. And to capture the flowing waterfall in all its beauty, I set the shutter speed to 1/100 seconds.

The manoeuvrability of the Alpha 7 IV and FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G proved to be valuable in this show – as they made it easy to hold the camera and shoot with one hand.

Singapore, when the sun goes down

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 30mm | F4 | 1/2s | ISO 2000

There are many inspiring night views across Singapore, and this is one of my favourites. While the maximum open aperture value of the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is F4, the synergy between the Alpha 7 IV and this zoom lens provides outstanding results at night – without any clipped areas often seen in high-sensitivity shooting.

Another plus is how the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G delivers clear, high-resolution images, without any deterioration in on the periphery of the image.

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 30mm | F4 | 1/2s | ISO 1000

Here's another night shot that I really like from this series, and a tip for improving your nighttime selfies: To capture a subject along with the nightscape, there should be suitable lighting near your subject. In this photo, I was able to balance the exposure by placing wire lights in the shot.

For best results, illuminate your subjects with lighting that's similar in intensity to the environmental lighting. (Your results won't look as good if your lights are too bright.)

A lesson in contrasts and clothing

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 22mm | F4 | 1/1600s | ISO 160

This is a photo of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, which has a white building with a distinctive orange roof. For this shot, I prepared a red outfit to stand out against the building's white façade. In situations like this, solid colours are more effective than patterned clothes, as they emphasise the subject more.

As a bonus, the chiffon fabric was easily blown by the wind, giving the photo a more dramatic look. On days with no wind, you can always fly the skirt with your hands!

A gorgeous waterfall, lighting and architecture

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 26mm | F4 | 1/400s | ISO 100

Although this photo was taken in an airport, I didn't want it to appear as so. And because the large waterfall, surrounding trees, and light coming from the patterned ceiling gave off mysterious vibes, I wanted to project this “bright yet mysterious” atmosphere onto the subject.

So, I tied up my hair in a ponytail to show off the backless dress, while putting my arms down. I wanted this shot to look like a scene from the movie “Avatar”. As the camera was quite close to the waterfall, it was hit with some splashes of water – but thanks to the Alpha 7 IV's dust- and water-resistance, I could continue shooting without concerns.

Good things come to those who wait

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 17mm | F5.6 | 1/50s | ISO 200

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 17mm | F5.6 | 1/100s | ISO 200

This picture was very challenging to take, due to the large crowds in this space. So, I set up my tripod and shooting composition in advance, then waited… and waited. After an hour, I began to wonder, “Should I just give up now?” But I persevered until I got the shot – and because of the effort put into this photo, it now holds a special place in my heart and is one of my favourite photos.

Tips for photographers interested in travel selfies

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 24mm | F4 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 20mm | F4 | 1/500s | ISO 100

When it comes to travel selfies, know that if you want a good travel photo, you must choose a good scene. These two go hand-in-hand, and memorable shots often involve lots of advance preparation and effort.

Rather than simply pressing the shutter button, ask yourself questions like,

“What do I want to express through this photo?”

“What feeling do I want to convey to someone who's viewing this photo?”

Also, when looking at photos that others have taken, think about why the photographer chose this composition and why they snapped the photo at that particular time of day. These questions can lead you to interesting observations.

Of course, your equipment is very important too. I recommend choosing a lightweight and compact camera and lens combination. Personally, I feel that the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G provides outstanding high-resolution images and zoom performance for brilliant travel, landscape and selfie shots.

Where's my next adventure going to be? There are still many countries I haven't visited, and many landscapes I'd love to explore – so I'm going to keep seeking out new, beautiful landscapes and travel destinations!

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FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | Excellent for outdoor photography | Review by James Liu

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 09:11:33 +0000

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | Excellent for outdoor photography | Review by James Liu

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 14:41

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Alpha 7 IV | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 41mm | F4.5 | 1/125 sec | ISO 160

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70mm | F5.6 | 1/640 sec | ISO 320

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 50mm | F2.8 | 1/400 sec | ISO 160

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 25mm | F2.8 | 1/200 sec | ISO 200

Capturing the splendour of mountainous regions, through a lens

I love doing outdoor shoots, especially in mountainous areas. That's why a lightweight combination of camera and lens is an absolute must. My preferred camera is the Alpha 7 IV. For my lenses, I previously did a lot of shooting with the FE 55mm F1.8 ZA and FE 24mm F1.4 GM – switching between the two because each lens would perform better in specific situations.

Video Name

Mountains with James Liu | SEL2470GM2

However, I always wished I didn't have to keep swopping lenses for the best results. And after years of waiting, I finally got what I wished for when the arrival of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens!

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70mm | F3.5 | 1/125 sec | ISO 200

Lighting determines the success of your outdoor shots. Choose well.

I make it a point to frequently check my camera's viewfinder and display to see whether the lighting and shadows are suitable for the shot I've planned. It's important to do so, because the image your camera captures is often different from what you see with the naked eye.

Personally, I prefer side lighting as it feels like a more natural light source. When you're outdoors, the sun is always your best choice for lighting, with clouds acting as natural diffusers. When shooting in sunlight, look for side lighting angles, so your shots will look more layered and three-dimensional.

One issue you'll run into here is the constantly shifting lighting, which can be perfect one moment and off the next. This can happen so quickly that the time taken for a lens swap, could cost you the shot!

For me, I like zoom lenses that can handle my most commonly used focal lengths – 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 70mm. This is why, since I've picked up the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II, I've always brought it with me on outdoor shoots.

Previously, I would've said that fixed focus lenses provided better light transparency and colour performance than zoom lenses. But that's the case anymore. In fact, I dare say that the light transparency and colour performance of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens is entirely comparable to fixed focal lenses.

What's more, Sony's RAW file format is so adaptable, it's entirely possible to fix parts of the image that have bad backlighting. This is because details are preserved even in very dark conditions.

So, I'd recommend always choosing to preserve your RAW files in your camera settings. And if a halo in the highlights looks nice, you can even consider overexposing it – sometimes, you can get surprising results by breaking the rules of exposure! (Especially with Sony's powerful RAW file format.)

Capturing motion: Recording outdoor videos

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 45mm | F2.8 | 1/400 sec | ISO 320

When recording outdoors, it's a great idea to think from your audiences' perspective and try to immerse viewers in your scenes. Below, I share some recommendations on how to achieve this.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 45mm | F4 | 1/1250 sec | ISO 80

Whether I'm shooting people or landscapes, I like to practise using three angles (utilising different perspectives and focal lengths) and shoot at least three compositions for each project. There'll be an ideal focal length (or set of focal lengths) for every landscape you shoot – so be bold, experiment and see what works best! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results you'll get from each focal length you try out.

24mm : Great for aerial scenes as you can capture everything in the environment, showcasing the entire scene. You can even create a time-lapse video with this view, showing the eye-opening changes in the environment across a passage of time.
35mm, 50mm: Ideal for shooting movement. Whenever I have the choice, I try to use a longer focal length, look for a farther composition, and look for ways to create more layers in the scene. Remember to pre-set your composition and note that in most films, there are usually only one or two wide-angle shots – so choose yours wisely.
70mm: Shooting at this focal length requires a lot of stability, so plan these shots in advance. This means conceptualising how the shot will be incorporated into the story you want to tell in your video, how the shot will be presented, and other details.

There's one more type of shot that's worth mentioning – slow motion. This is perfect for scenes that involve splashing, running, hair being blown in the wind, and more. When used tastefully, these can add texture to the film. Just be careful not to overdo this, as it may leave your storytelling and video direction feeling unfocused.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 42mm | F3.5 | 1/1250 sec | ISO 160

Closing thoughts on the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens

Since having the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II in my collection, I've adopted a "one camera, one lens" philosophy for all my outdoor shoots. I'm very happy that I no longer need to tediously change lenses in outdoor environments, especially when time is of the essence.

Now, I can focus on the environment and subjects in front of me (instead of my equipment), and snap the perfect shots at the perfect moments. This feeling of freedom is something that every photographer wishes for, and I appreciate having it.

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Comforts of Home: Conveying Depth and Complexity with Bedroom Portraits

sneha — Tue, 09 May 2023 02:25:30 +0000

Comforts of Home: Conveying Depth and Complexity with Bedroom Portraits

sneha Tue, 05/09/2023 - 07:55

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FE 50mm F1.2 GM

FotoCandiny explores his creativity within the confines of the bedroom in his Creative Portrait Project

Portraying intimacy is something many photographers strive for throughout their careers. To explore the idea and honestly look beyond cliches, Nantpipat Vuthisak - also known as FotoCandiny - heads to the bedroom with a portraiture series that transcends the banal.

Working with a model to convey the cosiness and home comforts of the bedroom, Nantpipat sought to create images that go beyond the preconceived notions of what personal space means.

"The driving force for this concept was to look deeply at all the complexities associated with personal spaces like the bedroom," he said.

We connected with the experienced Thai photographer to delve deeper into how the familiar can open our eyes to new, spontaneous moments of life and channel a sense of timelessness.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/320 sec | F1.2 | ISO 160

Unlike street or wedding photography, Nantpipat was able to gain more control over the elements, reimagining his studio into a lush bedroom that was the epitome of comfort.

"However, we also needed to carefully assess how we would use lighting to communicate the snugness that one often thinks of in a place like the bedroom, which is akin to a sanctuary for people," explained Nantpipat.

"We also looked to utilise all the tools and equipment in my studio to match the theme we were going for," he added.

Get down or go high

While the typical challenges associated with surroundings were mitigated, Nantpipat still needed to convey intensity and spontaneity in equal measure. "Here lies the difficulties of this subject. Approaching themes like comfort and intimacy, which are intertwined in our collective experience of personal space, we naturally are drawn to shooting the mundane and trivial," he said.

"The challenge is to use creativity to bring a certain intensity to the photos," he added. To achieve this, Nantpipat went slightly against the grain by experimenting with angled shots. "Typically, photographers will advise that you do whatever possible to avoid crooked lines so as to not ruin photo composition. However, with this series I wanted to explore doing just that in a confined, cosy space," he said.

Though minimal, he also used props adroitly to add to this. "While we looked to keep things simple - just a simple bed, sheets, some pillows, a wood pallet and some greenery - we added a mirror and prism to make the photo more interesting," he said.

Nantpipat also guided the model to reflect on how she feels when in her own personal space. "Her professionalism and talent really shone through because she was able to convey the full gamut of emotions that I think many can relate to in their own personal space," he said.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/320 sec | F1.2 | ISO 160

Leave some things to the imagination

When trying to convey depth while shooting in confined spaces, sometimes snippets of the room can be a fun way to intrigue audiences. Using aesthetically pleasing shots that leave a few things to the imagination can pique people's interest, especially when done right.

"I wanted to gain a rainbow-like flare in some of my photos and figured that by using a prism to block one corner of my lens, I could get some very interesting shots. I also used the prism in different positions to see how this effect could convey a homey feel, while adding a dreamlike quality to the composition.

With the Alpha 7 IV, Nantpipat was able to explore colour schemes that fit in with the visuals he was striving for."The Alpha 7 IV's Creative Look Neutral setting is also a very flat profile so it was relatively easy to make changes where necessary to match the feeling that we wanted to convey in the photos," he said.

Making full use of the Alpha 7 IV's Creative Look Neutral setting, FotoCandiny was able to provide an intimate look into personal spaces

Undertaking this project gave Nantpipat the opportunity to put his skills to good use while exploring themes like vulnerability and authenticity. His advice for budding photographers is to try new things and search for inspiration in as many places as possible. "Always try to think outside the box. Especially when doing shoots in small spaces, you can make use of interior design and lighting to snap photos that stand out," he said.

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Out and About Town: Bringing Details to Life in Urban Videography

sneha — Tue, 09 May 2023 02:04:24 +0000

Out and About Town: Bringing Details to Life in Urban Videography

sneha Tue, 05/09/2023 - 07:34

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Jao's eye for detail allows him to capture urban life in his Creative Portrait project

Pinphong Niammanee, who goes by the handle of Jao Filmmaker (@jaopinphong), has a passion for bringing the intimate details of his subjects into view. Be it the thrill of exploring the unknown or a lone flower amongst the bushes, his works bring to light hidden wonders, providing a sense of curiosity and awe.

For his Creative Portrait project, Jao decided to go for the "Model and The City" theme that conveys a feeling of confidence and charm. "The whole idea of the video shoot is to capture both the masculine energy from the city as well as the feminine energy from the model. This gives the viewers a sort of upbeat and high-class experience," he said. We connected with Jao to learn more on how he was able to juxtapose these elements in his work.

Framing the perfect vibe

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20mm F1.8 G | 1/100 sec | F1.8 | ISO 800

Before the video shoot, he needed to consider locations that had a contemporary and modern vibe. "For my project, I chose Velaa Sindhorn Village in Bangkok as my backdrop, as it has a lot of city elements, including skyscrapers, windows, and artistic building facades," Jao said.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 35mm F1.8 | 1/100 sec | F1.8 | ISO 800

Since emotion is the focus of his video, Jao decided to not use props for this project. "I find that using props can distract viewers away from the model. The best moments are ones that are captured or recorded as they are through the right surroundings. For example, I would use the trees to create an elegant bokeh background, while the roof would act as the perfect framing device to keep the model in focus," he added.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 20mm F1.8 G | 1/100 sec | F1.8 | ISO 800

Dark-coloured clothes also complete the look by allowing the model to exude an air of style and luxury that fits the urban theme. "The model's jacket also provides the perfect complement for the rigid shapes in the background. At the same time, it also counterbalances her delicate energy, adding more dynamism to the image," he said.

With the Alpha 7 IV, he was able to take clear images without losing sight of both the model and the underlying details

The Alpha 7 IV is Jao's camera of choice as it gives him full control over his shooting setup. "One thing that I like about the camera is the S-Log3 picture profile which retains a superior image quality, regardless of how far you're shooting at. Even crucial elements like shadows and highlights don't get blurred out. This is coupled with the auto-focus and focus maps that keep moving subjects clear and sharp," he said.

The art of balancing light

Alpha 7 IV | FE 85mm F1.8 | 1/100 sec | F1.8 | ISO 800

Throughout the project, Jao's greatest challenge was controlling the amount of natural light. "Depending on the conditions, light can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. While it helps to accentuate minute details, overexposure can make it harder for viewers to focus on their subjects, who are the main focus. To avoid that, I would frequently check weather forecasts to figure out the best conditions for taking photos," he said.

On some occasions, Jao would manually adjust the white balance so that the model's facial features remain in full view. "When the weather suddenly changes and you need to compensate for certain light intensities, white balance is a lifesaver as it takes into account colour temperature. As a result, there are no unrealistic colour casts, and you can still produce vibrant tones without having to delay the project," he said.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 35mm F1.8 | 1/100 sec | F1.8 | ISO 800

Jao also chose the camera's FL Creative Look preset to enhance the video's cinematic appearance. "Shooting in FL mode resulted in captivating lights and visual effects that enhanced the subject's look and feel, saving me a lot of effort in post-processing. At the same time, I was able to get the right tones without having to resort to colour-grading," he said.

When it comes to capturing details, Jao believes that the two traits all videographers must have are a lot of patience and willingness to experiment. "My advice to those looking to pursue videography is not to be too eager to record immediately. Take some time to plan out the storytelling and always be open to new opportunities, even when things don't go your way. Most importantly, make them about you and your world so that you can inspire your viewers with fresh and unique perspectives."

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Stepping Into The Future, One Picture at a Time

sneha — Tue, 09 May 2023 01:39:25 +0000

Stepping Into The Future, One Picture at a Time

sneha Tue, 05/09/2023 - 07:09

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Jakkarin Moolmanus's love for sci-fi has translated into a strong cyberpunk influence on his style, presenting viewers with fresh takes on a much-loved aesthetic

Inspired by his love for all things sci-fi, Jakkarin Moolmanus has a knack for creating dark, cyberpunk-themed images that give his viewers a glimpse into the future. Jakkarin, who goes by the handle of Jkrnn (@jkrnn), typically incorporates a lot of contemporary elements including cityscapes, bridges, neon lights and urban fashion. Through an expansive range of shooting techniques, Jakkarin's work carries distinctly grandiose and out-of-this-world sensibilities.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/20 sec | F1.8 | ISO 2000

For his Creative Portrait project, he explored the use of dark atmospheres and laser lights to probe into the postmodern visual experience. "What I like most about the cyberpunk theme is its awe and peculiarity that takes viewers away from the real world and into another different plane of existence entirely. This is what I hope to portray through my works," he said. We connected with Jakkarin to find out his creative direction in bringing his futuristic worldview to life through his portraits.

No time machines, just the right setup

Alpha 7 IV | FE 35mm F1.4 GM | 1/30 sec | F2 | ISO 1600

Jakkarin's familiarity with the subject allowed him to have a shorter time in preparing his scenes. "One of the perks of being a huge cyberpunk fan is that I had an idea of what the model should look like, what clothes to wear, and how to pose. From there, it was simply a matter of finding the right location and equipment for the photoshoot," he said.

In terms of shooting locations, Jakkarin chose an abandoned warehouse as it emphasised the decaying qualities that are prominent in cyberpunk. "For me, the warehouse helped to convey the bleak and desolate atmosphere which was often present in cyberpunk media. It also helps that there are no distractions which might otherwise ruin a perfectly good shot," he said.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 35mm F1.4 GM | 1/30 sec | F1.8 | ISO 1600

Lasers were another key aspect in colouring the scene. "Watching the movie 'Ghost In The Shell', which featured a female cyborg in a dystopian future, gave me the idea to use dark blue and red for my portraits. For this reason, I used laser projectors that were often used for surveying or construction work. In each scene, I would often re-position the equipment so that they feel distinct from one another. I also added the use of LED tubes and smoke generators to complement the lasers and give the portraits an air of mystery," said Jakkarin.

Using the VV2 setting allowed Jakkarin to accentuate both the light and dark elements to create a sci-fi look

The Alpha 7 IV was his camera of choice as it gave him the freedom to choose between various creative look presets for the desired visual effect. "I used the VV2 setting which enhanced both the light effects and the dark contrasts for a sci-fi appearance," Jakkarin said.

Lighting up the joint

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/25 sec | F1.8 | ISO 2000

One of the main challenges Jakkarin faced during the photo shoot was ensuring that the lasers do not become a safety hazard for both him and the model. "This was my first time using lasers for my photography project, so I needed to be extra cautious to avoid any serious damage. During the pre-shooting stages, I would take a longer time in determining where best to position each projector so that they are only reflecting the model's face and upper torso. As an additional measure, I would also take test shots to see if they align with the initial planning as well as to find new angles to portray the subject better," he said.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 35mm F1.4 GM | 1/13 sec | F1.8 | ISO 2000

Besides that, Jakkarin also needed to balance the light elements to get the right moods. "I used two LED tubes as key and rim lights to enhance the cyberpunk theme. Another two were positioned behind the model to make her stand out from the dark background. In some scenes, I purposely removed the key light to make the lasers more intense," he said.

For Jakkarin, inspiration can serve as a compass that can guide photographers in capturing the world through their eyes. "My advice for beginner photographers is to use their favourite food, movies, music or hobbies as their starting point. This can motivate them to portray them genuinely while allowing them to hone their skills. The more time they spend learning the craft, the better they can capture other subjects," he said.

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Lights, Camera, Pastel: Applying Visual Artistry to Capture Unforgettable Moments

sneha — Mon, 08 May 2023 15:12:18 +0000

Lights, Camera, Pastel: Applying Visual Artistry to Capture Unforgettable Moments

sneha Mon, 05/08/2023 - 20:42

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Piyarad's Creative Portrait project aims to blend artistic shooting techniques to provide users with a soft and relaxing experience

A master in creative photography, Piyarad Taduk (@nho.fotophy) has captured truly emotional moments that convey a delicate, understated beauty. From tourist destinations to romantic couples, he was able to dazzle viewers with a unique touch of visual artistry achieved through a myriad of shooting techniques.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/8000 sec | F1.4 | ISO 160

His Creative Portrait project aims to showcase just that by creating a pastel colour effect to enhance an otherwise simple image of a girl in a field. "My goal is to give viewers a sense of enjoyment and calm from my works. This way, they can better relate to the subjects and get a sense of how special they really are," he said. We spoke with Piyarad to find out how he was able to bring out the essence of artistic photography in his works.

Location, location, location

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/6400 sec | F1.8 | ISO 100

For shooting locations, Piyarad wanted someplace which could be associated with the feeling of being free and lively. "I chose a place near the Mae Kuang river, which is located just 20 minutes away from the city of Chiang Mai. It is perfect for my project's minimalist and soft storytelling approach as it only has tall, green grass and clear, open sky," he said.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/8000 sec | F1.4 | ISO 100

To complement the dream-like atmosphere, Piyarad used flowers and a white cloth as his props and dressed the model in bright 70s-style clothing. "Both the props and clothing are picked out to attract the viewers' attention. At the same time, it provides a pleasant atmosphere that can make viewers feel like they want to be a part of that world," he said.

The Alpha 7 IV has an expansive range of settings which allows Piyarad to create artistic pastel effects, including the SH setting in Creative Look

With the Alpha 7 IV as his go-to camera, Piyarad was able to conjure up vibrant colours and tones that were perfect for accentuating the artistic design. "For this project, I chose to pair the camera with a 50mm F1.2 GM lens and had the F-stop set to F1.2 for smooth bokeh. With SH as my chosen Creative Look setting, I was able to create a low contrast that makes the colours clearer and more appealing to the viewers' eyes," he said.

An airy, delicate quality through natural light

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/8000 sec | F1.6 | ISO 160

One of the main aspects which Piyarad took advantage of to breathe life into his portraits was the use of natural light. "The late afternoon period was the best time for shooting as the warm lights create a glowing effect for the model's softer skin tones. In terms of poses, I also had her aligned her face and body straight towards where the sun was. With the camera's SH mode, I was able to bring certain details like shadows and highlights into focus, which gives the storytelling a little more style," he said.

Alpha 7 IV | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 1/3200 sec | F1.2 | ISO 160

The flowers also helped Piyarad in manifesting the storytelling aspects of each image. "I purposely chose flowers of various colours to create unique visual effects that make each image look and feel distinct from one another. In particular, red flowers help create contrast which brings out the model's natural beauty, while purple flowers can complement softer moods," he said.

With artistic photography, Piyarad was able to capture the world from a creative perspective. "Photography to me is an art form in which the 'artist' looks to showcase certain subjects, events or lives through their eyes. My advice for photographers is to think about what you want to present in your image. That way, you will be able to figure out the best props, costumes, shooting angles and tones for the perfect storytelling. Another important advice is to be patient for those perfect moments. Even if you can't get the elements to work for you, it might present you with new opportunities to capture subjects in a different light that are sure to attract viewers' interests," he said.

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Turning Simple Recordings Into Dreamlike Memories

sneha — Mon, 08 May 2023 14:34:20 +0000

Turning Simple Recordings Into Dreamlike Memories

sneha Mon, 05/08/2023 - 20:04

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