Architecture

Glorious Germany through the lens of @withkhyun | Featuring FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Calvin — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 03:01:23 +0000

Glorious Germany through the lens of @withkhyun | Featuring FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Calvin Mon, 03/25/2024 - 08:31

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Alpha 7CR

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FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM

Lens highlights | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Why Seok-Hyun chose FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Travel Q&A with Seok-Hyun

South Korean filmmaker Park Seok-Hyun, recognised as @withkhyun on Instagram, is acclaimed for his captivating cinematic outdoor and travel videography. During his latest journey, Seok-Hyun artfully encapsulates the enchanting streets and architecture of Germany, renowned for its rich cultural heritage.

Discover Seok-Hyun's creative approach as he shares insights into how he utilised the powerful FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens to showcase Germany's diverse and picturesque scenes.

Lens highlights | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Seize moments with the versatile FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens. This wide-angle zoom lens has a wide maximum aperture of F2.8, which allows photographers to capture stunning shots even in challenging lighting conditions. This feature makes it a reliable choice for night photography, indoor settings, or any situation where you need to maintain image quality in low light.

Focal Length: 16mm - 35mm
Min. focus distance: 0.22 (W,T)m / 0.73 (W,T)ft
Max. magnification ratio (x): 0.32
Weight: 547g

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 18 mm | 1/30 sec | F2.8 | ISO 500

While lightweight, the lens consistently delivers sharp resolution and satisfying results.”

Why Seok-Hyun chose FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Seok-Hyun believes that the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens was the perfect choice for capturing every moment. This was especially true during his trip to Germany, where he beautifully captured the vibrant holiday lights during the Christmas season. Despite the lens’s lightweight design, it provided consistently sharp resolution, providing him with incredibly satisfying results, even in low-light conditions.

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 35 mm | 1/50 sec | F2.8 | ISO 320

Travel Q&A with Seok-Hyun

What equipment did you take with you on this trip?

During this shoot in Germany, I opted for the Sony Alpha 7CR camera paired with the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens. I considered the distance I had to travel and the need for a high-resolution camera body, which was essential for future prints and exhibitions. Furthermore, I selected this equipment to capture landscape photos during the Christmas season, where ultra-high image quality was imperative. Thanks to the lightweight yet optically superior camera and lens combination, I was able to achieve excellent results.

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 35 mm | 1/50 sec | F2.8 | ISO 320

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 35 mm | 6 sec | F2.8 | ISO 64

What should you be mindful of when shooting in low light?

It's best to avoid high ISO settings in situations with abundant red lights. Maintaining a clean image is crucial to effectively convey the emotional impact in each section of the image. I recommend lowering the shutter speed as much as possible to aid in capturing the shot. ISO settings of 400 or lower are suitable, and a shutter speed of 1/5 second can be used without any blurriness, thanks to the support of optical technology.

However, to achieve the best results, precise white balance (WB) adjustment is essential. Instead of relying on automatic settings, finely tune the red lighting using a colour temperature filter.

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 33 mm | 1/80 sec | F2.8 | ISO 2500

Which location left the most lasting impression?

The end of the year feels like a festival, no matter where you are. It's a time to prepare for welcoming the new year with joy after all the hard work done throughout the year. I wanted to capture the overall mood rather than a specific place in my photos. As expected, the images came out nicely. I was delighted with the results when using the Alpha 7CR and FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II together, so I worked harder to capture the perfect shots. Among them, I remember the beauty of an afternoon in Dresden's Christmas market, where all the lights came on.

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 33 mm | 1/80 sec | F2.8 | ISO 2500

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 34 mm | 1/400 sec | F2.8 | ISO 2500

I love capturing unique moments that people around the world experience.”

Get inspired

When discussing his future plans, Seok-Hyun envisions producing a range of photographic works that the public can directly engage with. Like the results achieved during this Christmas season, his goal is to “participate in activities that inspire the public through various seasonal photoshoots."

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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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Alpha 7 IV

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Lens highlights | 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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Travel

Incredible India through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Calvin — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 09:53:58 +0000

Incredible India through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Calvin Mon, 12/18/2023 - 15:23

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

He takes us on a trip to India armed with the well-rounded and versatile combination, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and Alpha 1. Join him as he captures beautiful moments and incredible sights, from tranquil sunsets to sprawling architecture.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24 mm | 1/80 sec | F8 | ISO 100

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II highlights

Travel Q&A

Get inspired

Lens highlights | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

The versatile choice for a wide range of shooting situations, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a next-generation standard zoom with evolved optics and unrivalled AF performance, yet compact and lightweight.

Focal length: 24-70mm
Min. focus distance: 0.21m (W), 0.3m (T)
Max. magnification ratio (X): 0.32
Weight: 695g

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24 mm | 1/125 sec | F3.2 | ISO 500

Why Sung-Jin chose FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

I wanted to be able to cover a wide range of angles while travelling light.”

When travelling to India, Sung-Jin’s biggest concern was the weight and size of his photography equipment. It was important that he had a lightweight lens that could also capture wider angles of the rich architecture in India, which is why he picked the ultra-versatile FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24 mm | 1/400 sec | F7.1 | ISO 100

Travel Q&A with Sung-Jin

How does your equipment help you capture your travels?

The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is a companion for all travels. Those who have used it can feel how lightweight and compact it is, which allows for prolonged focus during photography and adds to the satisfaction of shooting. When I viewed the images on a large monitor, the landscapes were captured with sharp resolution from the centre to the edges.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70 mm | 1/500 sec | F8 | ISO 100

What are your tips for capturing great photos in India?

First of all, always have your camera with you and turned on, so you can react quickly when the moment comes. It's a busy city with lots of people, cars and motorcycles moving fast, so you need a camera with a fast shutter speed like the Alpha 1 to capture the moment. I tend to set it to 1/500 second or faster when shooting on the streets. Autofocus is also important, that’s why the combination of FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II with Alpha 1 was so good that I never missed a shot.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70 mm | 1/125 sec | F3.5 | ISO 80

What are the most important things to watch out for when photographing in India?

Theft is the biggest thing to watch out for when travelling. There are so many people, cars, and motorcycles, so it's easy to get stolen from while you're distracted for a moment. So I was constantly aware of my surroundings while shooting. I always prioritised safety by carrying my camera around my waist with a hook or small bag in front of me. Cameras are expensive, and you can easily attract attention when you're shooting, so you have to be careful.

Get inspired

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24 mm | 1/125 sec | F5.6 | ISO 100

Experiment and try to get something out of the ordinary. Sometimes the best shots come from the most unexpected places.”

If you plan to travel to India too, Sung-Jin recommends visiting the Taj Mahal. “You have to see it in person to feel the magnificence of it.” And to those who aspire to travel the world and capture every wondrous moment, Sung-Jin advises to have patience and take your time with your camera.

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Luminous London through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Calvin — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 09:25:11 +0000

Luminous London through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Calvin Mon, 12/18/2023 - 14:55

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South Korean photographer Park Sung-Jin, known as @jinifoto on Instagram, is renowned for his exceptional travel photography. In his latest endeavour, Sung-Jin skillfully captures breathtaking scenes in London, famed for its blend of old and modern architecture, offering his unique perspective of the city’s marvels.

Delve into Sung-Jin's creative approach as he reveals how he leveraged the capabilities of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens to showcase the urban landscape of London.

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II highlights

Travel Q&A

Get inspired

Lens highlights | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is an evolved standard zoom lens that combines versatility with superior performance. It covers a broad range of focal lengths in a lightweight and compact body. Designed to push the boundaries of creativity, this lens delivers exceptional image quality and precision for photographers.

Focal Length: 24mm - 70mm
Min. focus distance: 0.21m (W)-0.3m (T) / 0.6ft. (W)-0.99ft. (T)
Max. magnification ratio (x): 0.32
Weight: 695g

Why Sung-Jin chose FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

It’s portable and incredibly versatile for all your photography needs.”

To Sung-Jin, the most notable advantage of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens has to be its compact size and lightweight design. Additionally, this lens offers him the flexibility to capture everything from wide-angle to telephoto shots.

Travel Q&A with Sung-Jin

What equipment did you take with you on this trip?

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70 mm | 1/160 sec | F4.5 | ISO 100

For this trip, I used the Alpha 1 camera and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens. Owing to their compact size and lightweight design, they’re extremely portable. This allowed me to quickly take them out and shoot, even in unexpected moments. Plus, this setup provided the benefit of capturing shots from various angles with ease.

What advice would you give to those looking to capture travel photos in London?

I always carry my camera with me. While this applies to all travel destinations, it's especially crucial in London, bustling with a variety of rapidly changing scenes.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 28mm | 1/125 sec | F9 | ISO 100

London’s narrow streets and tall buildings make it somewhat challenging to gauge the direction of light. When shooting street scenes, I looked for alleys facing the direction of the rising or setting sun. This way, I could ensure that the colours of the buildings were fully captured in the light.

What are some of your most memorable shots?

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 48 mm | 1/100 sec | F4.5 | ISO 1600

The photos I took on Shoreditch High Street are the most memorable. I used the telephoto end of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens to capture London's narrow yet orderly essence. I aimed to replicate the landscape as our eyes see it, creating a sense of space with the appropriate aperture value.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70 mm | 1/500 sec | F7.1 | ISO 100

I also vividly recall the sunrise photo taken from the London Eye. Witnessing the sunrise from it early in the morning was truly spectacular! The backlighting beautifully illuminated the cityscape, reflecting off the river. To capture this expansive view, I used the wide-angle part of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens. I intentionally shot the pictures slightly darker, then brought out their full potential in post-editing.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24 mm | 1/1600 sec | F8 | ISO 100

Additionally, to accentuate the drama of the river's reflection, I zoomed in using the standard zoom range of the lens. This technique allowed me to capture the scene exactly as I envisioned, resulting in a shot that left a lasting impression.

Get inspired

The most important thing is always to have your camera in hand.”

This philosophy has guided Sung Jin as he explores new countries, capturing their beauty with a keen eye and a readiness to seize every moment. The versatility and precision of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens have been indispensable in this quest, enabling him to encapsulate fleeting moments and unique perspectives. "The sharpness of this lens truly exceeded my expectations."

Discover more travel destinations and photography tips from Sung-Jin.

Luminous London through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Incredible India through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

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

See through the lens of more photographers.

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

Scenic South Korea through the lens of @bombyul | Featuring FE 20-70mm F4 G

Dazzling Taiwan through the lens of @siniple | Featuring FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II

Enchanting Vietnam through the lens of @spookylens | Featuring FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II

Vibrant Hong Kong through the lens of @withkhyun | Featuring FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

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The Architect Turned Photographer

sneha — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 12:39:01 +0000

The Architect Turned Photographer

sneha Wed, 09/21/2022 - 18:09

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Seasoned architect Kris Provoost, with his Master’s Degree in Architecture and his breadth of expertise in the field, acknowledges that his years of experience have provided a springboard for him to pursue architecture, interior and infrastructure photography. Thanks to this head start, all he had to do was to learn the rules of photography. Then, he knew that fusing these two interests together was going be smooth.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 24mm | 1/160 sec | F2.8 | ISO 100

Building The Shot

As a trained architect, Kris was taught that the design of a building tells a story. When he eventually became a photographer, this idea of a story became the foundation of his approach to shooting buildings.

"With the equipment available to photographers today, there's no limit to what is possible. The right lens depends on the story I wish to tell. For cityscapes, a telephoto lens is indispensable as it helps capture a part of the scenery while letting you focus on the subject. In dense cities like Hong Kong, it singles out the subject and keeps the background mellow."

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 24mm | 1/800 sec | F2.8 | ISO 100

Kris often researches and plans his shoots in advance, and tests out different shooting angles for the building before returning to the location at/during golden hour. Despite the thorough preparation, Kris emphasises the importance of having dependable equipment. "Lighting is everything in architecture photography. Light gives contrast and depth to buildings and is part of the storytelling. You can't control the sun or the weather, which can be frustrating, but it is also an opportunity to shoot something out of the ordinary. That's why having key equipment that is completely trustworthy is necessary, as I know I can rely on them from simple shots to switching lenses instantly according to my needs," added Kris.

The Alpha 7R IV has been a tremendous help in Kris’ photography journey. Among the multitude of features that allows him the creative freedom to add his personal style to his shots, its high pixel count is one of his favourites. Its 61-megapixel image quality enables him to produce larger photos while having the flexibility to crop an image as appropriate to tell a different side of a story. "A cropped photo still turns out breath-taking even when printed on a large scale, and that's why I'm a fan.It ultimately means being able to reuse your photos with just a simple creative twist!"

Alpha 7R IV | FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | 200mm | 1/60 sec | F2.8 | ISO 640

Lighting Sets the Mood

That being said, Kris is careful not to over plan. "There needs to be an element of surprise that sets the photo apart from the rest. That sudden spark from the sun, or the sudden reflection, or a moving object with perfect alignment can all make your photos stand out."

Taking advantage of the different lighting provided by different sunlight, like warmer or cooler colours, can affect the mood of a building photograph. Lighting plays an active role, and it is essential for cityscape photographers to learn how to play around with it. According to Kris, different types of light can result in a totally different mood. While he often avoids midday lights, he enjoys taking full opportunity of the early morning light, late afternoon to golden, as well as the blue hour.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 14mm F1.8 GM | 14mm | 1/80 sec | F1.8 | ISO 400

Having studied natural lighting for quite some time, he has established that the early morning light brings a level of excitement to the photo, where it visibly translates that it is a new day. The softer afternoon light, on the other hand, adds in a relaxed atmosphere since the hustle and bustle of work is finally over. A couple of hours later, is the much-awaited golden hour. For Kris, the contrasting light, alongside the colour gradient in the changing sky, is what makes the magic happen.“After a whole day of shooting, this hour is where I'm totally in-tune with my photography and the movement of light. This has resulted in my best work yet," said a proud Kris.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 22mm | 1/400 sec | F2.8 | ISO 100

Architecture photos, except those captured under the blue hour, tend to have a warmer colour temperature because of the sun. Due to this, Kris maintains that it is crucial for photographers to first decide which mood they want to imbue in their photos. While post-process gives slight control over the hues, he personally prefers to do less digital editing to create more real representations of the structures.“There's no single colour temperature that is considered correct, and it is up to the photographer to control each frame—from reflections, building surfaces, and even building material to achieve the desired effect."

As an architecture photographer, Kris relies heavily on a tripod. Its stability allows him to hit lower ISOs and get photos with less noise, while the slower shutter speed grants him flexibility to capture visual movement. Kris has found that a slower shutter speed provides absolute sharpness when it comes to the buildings and shooting at a higher f-stop ensures the whole photo, edge to edge, is thoroughly crisp.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | 70mm | 1/60 sec | F2.8 | ISO 400

Highlight your perspective

For photography freshies, Kris' advice is to focus on your story. "Sometimes, shifting your horizon or balance slightly is enough to avoid making your photos look like the other million images of skylines online. Learn how to use foreground and background objects to guide the viewer's focus back to your story. I always go back to buildings I've done to see if I can put a new perspective on things," quipped Kris.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 23mm | 1/500 sec | F2.8 | ISO 100

Some photographers can be so eager to tell their story, that their photo can become cluttered with too many things. For him, a singular story requires restraint, and calls for the photographer to think things through and portray the essence of their subjects. Picking the right theme and sticking to it means that elements that don't echothe same message have to be cut. For Kris, having the discipline to focus on the story he wants to tell means the resulting work is more purposeful and impactful.

"You can never be fully prepared or fully anticipate what can happen. Don't be afraid to experiment, and it's ok to limit yourself to 1 lens, as limitations force you to think on your feet and might even help you step into a new perspective. The spontaneity in shooting buildings is what drives me," concluded Kris.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | 178mm | 1/60 sec | F2.8 | ISO 400

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Veron Ang’s Guide to Perfecting Architecture Photography

sneha — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 11:26:06 +0000

Veron Ang’s Guide to Perfecting Architecture Photography

sneha Wed, 08/17/2022 - 16:56

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In addition to providing utility, architecture serves as large art installations that define cultures and societies. It’s easy to think of architecture photography as the mere capturing of structures, but it’s more than that. It is an artistic pursuit and must thus remain visually interesting for the viewers. But how does one make it so?

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 24mm | 1/200 sec | F13 | ISO 100

For Singapore-based architecture photographer Veron Ang, capturing these iconic art pieces in the streets requires more than just snapping away in front of buildings. “When shooting for leisure, I will simply look for a building that has an interesting facade or details and then try to make it as visually interesting as I can. Shooting for assignments is more complicated. I usually do a little study of the architect and his creation to understand the inspiration and look out for special features on the building,” Veron said.

“On the actual shoot day, I will walk through every part of the building to avoid missing out on any interesting perspectives. I usually go twice a day, morning and late afternoon, to catch the building from a different light at that time of the day.”

Veron’s camera guide

In photography, skill and equipment must go hand in hand. Excelling in photography means knowing how to play around with the subject and having the right gear to help realise the creative vision.

Architecture photography requires the right set of equipment and the cooperation of external elements like time of day and the weather. When she’s out shooting, Veron sets her ISO to 100 under manual mode, unless shooting in low light conditions, to ensure the quality of the photos. The rest will always be set depending on the situation, with no fixed settings.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 85mm F1.4 GM | 1/250 sec | F14 | ISO 100

Veron shares that she enjoys shooting with the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM (SEL1224GM), as it allows her to capture the beauty of the building in its entirety. Meanwhile, for shooting intricate details of a structure or the equally visually complex cityscape, she prefers to use the FE 85mm F1.4 GM (SEL85F14GM).

The Alpha 7R IV’s 61MP and 16-pixel multi-shift shooting capabilities enable her to obtain crisp photo quality with accurate colours. “With the Alpha 7R IV, I can do major editing and still maintain the quality. The sharpness of the pictures also helps me produce high-quality prints.”

The Alpha 7R IV’s sensor capabilities can guarantee great results in all kinds of situations, said Veron. Even when shooting in low light conditions, using auto mode, the photographer will only need to focus on the composition as they know that they can rely on the gear for sharp picture quality.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 18mm | 3.2 sec | F13 | ISO 100

“Once you get a well-composed picture, then you are ready to start exploring other functions of the camera, such as long exposure light trails, panning for fun shots or beautiful bokeh for portraits,” Veron said, relaying personal tips to beginner photographers.

3 steps to creating simple but impressive visuals

1. Find good natural lighting

During a shoot, one of the most important things Veron looks for is good natural lighting. In this regard, it is also important to do your homework and check the weather forecast before going on location. There were some cases, Veron shares, where she had to return to the same location daily just to chance upon the right natural lighting for her.

In architecture photography, the weather is among the most crucial elements. It takes patience to find the natural lighting that accords with your vision. Veron’s work, however, is a demonstration that it will all be worth it in the end.

“Two years ago, I had a project for Changi Airport. It was during the rainy season, so I had to go back after around three weeks to get the right natural lighting for my shoot. Sometimes, I do think that architecture photography is hard work,” she said.

2. Play around with composition

“To me, composition plays a big part in creating good images. You can get very sharp images with good technical skills but if you are unable to compose, your pictures will not be able to stand out. It will be another normal sharp picture,” she shared. “Additionally, if you have good composition but poor focusing skills, it will be futile too as the images will be blurry. Hence, to create good visuals, good composition and technical skills have to come together.”

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 12mm | 1/80 sec | F11 | ISO 100

Playing around with the elements presented to you can help you capture a striking photo. It is evident in her architecture photos how Veron uses the geometry of the structures to create remarkable visuals. In general, geometry plays an important role in architecture photography. Shapes like squares and rectangles form interesting repeat patterns, while unconsciously giving the viewers the feeling of conformity and order. Triangles, on the other hand, are great in drawing a person’s attention to a subject, and circles bring the attention inward.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 12mm | 1/200 sec | F6.3 | ISO 100

To get better at composition, Veron suggests beginners to “Get the right camera, learn from other photographers about composition, and start shooting!”

3. Learn to find your own style

“As architecture is a fixed structure, any new perspective can easily be copied. Unlike street photography where a smile or a scene is unique, architectural photography can be replicated. So, finding your style and honing your craft goes a long way to growing your trade,” said Veron.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 12mm | 1/200 sec | F14 | ISO 100

Finding her style did not come overnight. Like many other photographers, Veron ventured into photography with zero knowledge, using a phone camera. Since then, she has not stopped snapping. Given all the photos she has taken through the years, she admits that there had been a lot of wasted photos with compositions that did not seem to pass her own standards. This learning process, including the great number of self-rejected photos, significantly contributed to gradually forming her own style.

Through practice and constantly training herself to improve in the craft, she has learned to see and shoot architecture with a unique perspective. This has brought other aspiring photographers to use her work as a means to learn about composition, copy them, and soon develop their own style.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | 12mm | 1/200 sec | F6.3 | ISO 100

For beginners, Veron suggests continuing to explore the world of photography and experiment with their creativity to learn what works for them and what does not. “Never stop clicking, the more mistakes we make the better we will get and the fastest we will find our own style. Happy clicking, happy learning.”

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Phichai Keawvichit sets his creativity free with the RX100 VII

Aysu — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 08:53:58 +0000

Phichai Keawvichit sets his creativity free with the RX100 VII

Aysu Thu, 02/17/2022 - 14:23

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RX100 VII

Phichai Keawvichit

Thailand

Different people have different stages of blooming. It is never too late to pick up a skill, chase a new passion, or finally find meaning in life. Phichai Keawvichit is a walking testament to this sentiment. Growing up in an impoverished neighbourhood and working most of his life as a motorcycle taxi driver, the Thailand native only developed a penchant for photography later and it turns out, he has a knack for it.

Peep into the creative mind of Phichai as he captures unique angles of ordinary subjects, making the most of the high zoom lens and large 1.0-type sensor packed in the RX100 VII’s compact body.

Phichai Keawvichit sets his creativity free with the RX100 VII

“I chose to pursue this career because I love art and photography,” he shared. “With these two things, I discovered another world that allowed me to see more things than ever before.”

Phichai’s introspection can be seen in his style of photography. He describes it as ‘photographing from the senses’ where one frees oneself from what is plainly seen. It can be anything, from the subject’s lines, shape and colour to even the light and shadow, that inspires how Phichai’s photographic expressions.

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/800sec | F11 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/800sec | F11 | ISO 200

The impetus to Phichai’s photography ability is Sony’s RX100 VII, which he solely uses for all his works of art.

An all-round camera

The RX100 VII has continued to prove itself as a versatile camera for a wide variety of stunning captures. Phichai confirmed this.

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/200sec | F4.5 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/200sec | F4 | ISO 200

‘Flexibility,’ he put it simply when asked about his first impression of the RX100 VII, seeing how he counts on it for both casual and professional shots. It’s not difficult to see why. To start, the camera is lightweight and compact for easy one-hand shooting. Next, it boasts pro-level features and superior performance, of which the full potential of the high zoom lens and large 1.0-type sensor are displayed in Phichai’s arresting photos.

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/1000sec | F8 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/1000sec | F8 | ISO 200

Changing perspectives with zoom

A glance at Phichai’s works and one can tell his affinity for architecture. And he has a unique way of showcasing them; first by grabbing your attention with a detailed close-up, before revealing the same subject’s entirety with a wide-angle shot. He carries this out easily with the RX100 VII’s broad 24-200mm zoom range.

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/200sec | F9 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/200sec | F9 | ISO 200

Furthermore, the camera’s high-magnification optical zoom lens consistently delivers maximum resolution and clarity across the entire range. Visual reproduction is excellent, thanks to the RX100 VII’s large 1.0-type image sensor of 20.1 megapixels. Textures and colours in each shot are produced more realistically such as the surface of a rugged wall or the bright architectural elements. Phichai concurred this, expressing how he was impressed by the vibrancy of the colours in his captures.

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/250sec | F8 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/320sec | F8 | ISO 200

An underrated feature for creative shots

With a remarkable telephoto capability and stunning image quality, the RX100 VII offers one more aspect that has helped Phichai set his creativity free.

That is the camera’s tiltable display monitor that flips upwards by 180° and downwards by around 90°.

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/400sec | F11 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/400sec | F11 | ISO 200

Phichai said he can take shots from unique angles such as shooting at waist level. This is a very useful function for architectural photography, where some buildings span high and wide and may require the photographer to position himself awkwardly in order to shoot the entirety.

Left: RX100 VII | 139mm | 1/40sec | F11 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/40sec | F11 | ISO 200

Perfect for all photographers

Phichai’s captures with the RX100 VII prove that one can find beauty in the mundane. There’s no need to travel far and wide to achieve a stunning shot. Whether it’s on the street or part of your daily routine, the RX100 VII helps to shine light on new perspectives that are often left unseen.

From zoom range to various features, Phichai drilled again the RX100 VII’s flexibility and high image quality that makes it suited for photographers. Aside from understanding the camera’s fundamentals, he went on to share that making the best out of photography is to put your heart in taking pictures.

“It is a matter of beauty that comes from the heart of every human being that should be conveyed in photography.” he concluded.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of Phichai Keawvichit. They do not reflect the opinions or views of Sony Singapore.

Gallery

Left: RX100 VII | 186mm | 1/80sec | F11 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/80sec | F11 | ISO 200

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/800sec | F11 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/800sec | F11 | ISO 200

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/200sec | F4.5 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/200sec | F4 | ISO 200

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/1000sec | F8 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/1000sec | F8 | ISO 200

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/200sec | F9 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/200sec | F9 | ISO 200

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/250sec | F8 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/320sec | F8 | ISO 200

Left: RX100 VII | 200mm | 1/400sec | F11 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/400sec | F11 | ISO 200

Left: RX100 VII | 139mm | 1/40sec | F11 | ISO 200
Right: RX100 VII | 24mm | 1/40sec | F11 | ISO 200

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