Glorious Germany through the lens of @withkhyun | Featuring FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
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
While lightweight, the lens consistently delivers sharp resolution and satisfying results.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love capturing unique moments that people around the world experience.”
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."
