Sony Alpha cameras and lenses deliver awe-inspiring imagery, preserving the invaluable moments that we experience on our journeys. In this Alpha Traveller series, follow our globetrotters as they set off to explore and discover the wonders of the world.

Faster processing speed. Superb image quality. Easier autofocus. These are just some of the features that make the Alpha 7 IV the preferred camera for those with a creative flair. For Aiksoon (@aiksooon), a multidisciplinary photographer based in Singapore, it was perfect for working on his branding and creative projects. Outside of that, the Alpha 7 IV is also used to portray spectacular street and travel snapshots that can be shared with his fellow enthusiasts online.

Aiksoon's travel photography project took him to the streets of Tokyo. However, instead of portraying the hustle and bustle of the city, he chose to focus on the quieter side of the famous metropolis - looking to pique curiosity through fleeting moments that juxtapose with the city's reputation. "I've had the opportunity to visit Japan a few times, and each trip only encourages me to go on new adventures and uncover hidden sights. In addition to showcasing well-known travel destinations through unique perspectives, I also want to document the typical lives of the locals residing in the city's quieter parts," he said.

Navigating his way around the city required Aiksoon to make a lot of preparations before heading out. "Since most of the signs are written in Japanese, I recommend doing some online research and using smartphone apps to look for photo-worthy spots. Plan out your daily itinerary so you have enough time to capture famous landmarks and explore lesser-known areas for new photo opportunities. Lastly, take some time to familiarize yourself with the city's transportation network and know which peak hours to avoid so you can enjoy taking pictures with minimal distractions," he advised.

Timing is everything in capturing the right mood - which is why Aiksoon goes to great lengths to study what times are ideal for the type of photos he wants to snap. "In my opinion, timing affects every facet of photography - from the direction of the lights to the way a photo's composition looks overall. And patience is huge part of this, too. For example, on a three-day trip to capture Mount Fuji, I had to wake up at 4 a.m. every morning to check the weather. While the first two days were too foggy to get any good shots, I was finally able to capture Mount Fuji in all of its glory on the last day. Moral of the story: patience and determination go a long way."

Being a hybrid photographer who enjoys capturing stills and videos on his travels, the Alpha 7 IV was a natural choice due to its ability to shift quickly between both shooting modes. "The quick switch feature allows me to capture unexpected moments on the fly, and the camera saves my preferred settings using the memory recall feature. On the photography side, the 33-megapixel sensor is perfect for maintaining high image quality during low-light conditions or when I'm cropping the picture. That being said, the real game changer is the 10-bit depth and S-Cinetone mode which create a pleasing, neutral colour profile that looks fantastic right out of the camera," Aiksoon explained.

The camera was paired with three different lenses, each bringing their own strength to the mix. "The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has always been the trusty, go-to lens for my photography adventures due to its high image quality and versatile focal length range. If I can manage a bit more weight, I also like to bring along the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, which is perfect for taking detailed snapshots and epic-looking landscapes from afar. The final addition to my kit is the lightweight FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens, which allows me to create stunning bokeh effects while capturing the streets."

For Aiksoon, photography is about constant growth and continual evolution, and he urges travel photographers to be open to new possibilities and leaning out of their comfort zone. "I find that the more I travel, the more photography skills and styles I pick up. This is why, even though I'm busy with my projects, I still make an effort to indulge in my love for travel and street photography,” he said.

He recommends those looking to break into the travel photography scene to make Japan their must-visit destination. "Japan is the perfect place for those who are looking to portray continuously transforming landscapes during different seasons. For those planning to visit the country, I hope that you will be able to experience the same feeling of joy and serenity as I have throughout my trips there."