Capture the spirit of travel with @bombyul | Featuring FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Bombyul, who goes by @bombyul on Instagram, is a travel content creator hailing from South Korea. To fuel her spirit of adventure and preserve memories, she curates highlights of her travels in the form of relaxing, visually-pleasing reels. From scenic landscapes to majestic architecture, she turns her everyday walkabouts into scenes straight out of a film.
We had a chat with Bombyul to learn more about her creative process and how the FE 50mm F1.4 GM prime lens helped her in her quest to document a peaceful stroll along the streets of Paris.
Lens in focus | FE 50mm F1.4 GM
With a bright F1.4 aperture, the FE 50mm F1.4 GM allows Bombyul to capture more details, especially in low light conditions. The lens’ sharp corner-to-corner resolution also comes in handy for capturing far-out subjects without distortion or blurring at the edges.
Focal length: 50mm
Min. focus distance: 0.41m (AF), 0.38m (MF)
Max. magnification ratio (X): 0.16 (AF), 0.18 (MF)
Weight: 516g
As someone who shoots spontaneously, I always rely on one essential lens.”
As someone who shoots spontaneously, I always rely on one essential lens.”
Bombyul's take on the FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Although Bombyul had initial reservations about carrying heavy equipment on her travels, the lightweight and compact FE 50mm F1.4 GM changed her mind. When paired with her Alpha 7 IV, it forms an easily portable package perfect for on-the-go shooting. In addition, its in-built image stabilisation feature enables her to capture smooth footage even when handheld, which suits her spontaneous shooting style.
3 Reel Questions
What got you started on creating reels, and why has it become your preferred medium?
Although I enjoy photography, there are limitations when capturing dynamic movement. Reels allow me to effortlessly capture moments that I previously experienced through photos in the form of a video. I shoot videos that align with the still images I usually capture as a natural extension of them.
What are three points to keep in mind when shooting travel reels?
Firstly, take note of the weather. Most of my footage was captured by visiting a location multiple times. By comparing footage taken under different weather conditions and times of the day, I can choose the best shot — the ‘A-cut’ for my reels. Next, use equipment you are more comfortable with to capture footage more quickly and easily. Lastly, shoot as much footage that aligns with your preferences as possible so you won’t lack material later.
Apart from portability, what else do you like most about the FE 50mm F1.4 GM?
It has got to be its ability to reproduce details with high precision. In the reel that I shot in Parc de Bercy, I sought to bring out the beauty of the park through three elements — leaves, sunlight and shadows. The FE 50mm F1.4 enabled me to capture each element in delicate detail and depth. It also provided me with creamy bokeh whenever I needed it.
Words of encouragement
Being a content creator who relies heavily on social media, Bombyul recognises that the lack of traction on aspiring creators’ reels due to algorithms can be discouraging. However, with time and practice, you will reach viewers eventually. “If you continue to shoot and create reels featuring what you love, you will have more opportunities to show your videos to a larger audience.”
