Documentary/Events

Filmmaking

FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Take beautiful couple photos | Review by Miki Chang

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:26:37 +0000

FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Take beautiful couple photos | Review by Miki Chang

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 08:56

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

Lens Category

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 38mm | F4 | 1/320s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 26mm | F4 | 1/2000s | ISO 250

Couple photography: Perfect for two or three

As a photographer, I've helped many couples photograph lasting memories that they can enjoy for many years to come. However, I would sometimes wonder, “Can a couple take these photos themselves, then use the money they've saved (from hiring a photographer and makeup artist) to travel to more countries instead?”

One day, I decided to answer this question definitively. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our 5th anniversary and going on a holiday – so I brought along my Sony Alpha 7C camera, FE 40mm F2.5 G prime lens, Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens, and a tripod.

I decided to be my own “couple photographer” and see the results! The photos you'll see below, have all been taken either by hand or with a tripod.

General tips for couple photography

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 50mm | F10 | 1/4000s | ISO 5000

Coordinate your colours!
The basics of couple photography begins with matching your outfits. Choose a similar colour and style, or go with complementary colours to create visual harmony.

Mornings are best
Generally, the most suitable time for outdoor shoots is in the morning (but not too early) and before dusk in the afternoon, as the light is softer during this period. You'll want to avoid harsh sunlight as the colours in your photos will be affected by light that's too bright.

Get the Sony mobile app
If you own a Sony Alpha camera, you can download Sony's mobile app to your phone. It'll make controlling your shots and timers so much easier, especially when you've set up your camera perfectly on your tripod.

Expand your possibilities with zoom

The Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens adds a level of convenience and flexibility to your shoots, as you can adjust the focal length of our lens while remaining in one spot. Also, when choosing the wide-angle 24MM, you will be able to capture more of the scene.

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F4 | 1/4000s | ISO 320

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F6.3 | 1/4000s | ISO 800

Sublime coastlines
For shots like these, choose a time closer to dusk for more beautifully coloured coasts.

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 63mm | F4 | 1/250s | ISO 12800

Vivid indoor shots
Although we were indoors (and I could have used my prime lens), I decided to shoot these with my Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens. The slightly longer focal length created more vivid photos, which told more compelling stories.

You can also experiment with creating distance and intimacy in your photos with your poses – or even look away from the camera if you (or your partner) feel shy about looking into the lens.

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F4 | 1/320s | ISO 12800

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F4 | 1/2000s | ISO 100

The Sony Alpha 7C and Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens perform well in both bright and dark environments, like these!

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 63mm | F4 | 1/4000s | ISO 3200

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 47mm | F4 | 1/2500s | ISO 3200

Experimenting with focal lengths
One of the joys of using a zoom lens is easily changing the focal length to get different shots.

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 70mm | F4 | 1/4000s | ISO 12800

Mobile convenience at a tap
After downloading the “Imaging Edge Mobile” app to your smartphone, you can connect it to your Sony Alpha 7C camera, which opens up a world of possibilities. Now, you can use your phone to operate the shutter, shooting mode, white balance, and other operations of your camera.

And after taking a shot, you can view the photo from your phone – and even upload it to your phone to share on social media within seconds!

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F4 | 1/4000s | 2000

The romance of couple photography

I set out on this trip to find an answer to my question, “Can couple photography be done with just two people, a camera and lenses, and a tripod?”

Objectively speaking, if there's a special moment that you really want to capture – a photographer can certainly be helpful, as you can get vivid photographs from more angles. Also, your photographer may capture a magical moment that happens spontaneously.

Ultimately, this is a decision that you'll have to make on your own. But one thing's for sure – by having a great camera and lenses with you, you and your partner will be able to capture a lot more of life's precious moments – so you'll have more amazing memories to reminisce on in the years ahead.

Products

Featured

Alpha 7C

Compact Full Frame Camera

Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

ZEISS Standard Zoom Lens for Full Frame

HVL-F28RM

GN28 Wireless Radio Control External Flash

SF-M64T

SF-M series Tough Memory Card

NP-FZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

Article Theme

Wedding

FE 40mm F2.5 G | Capture beautiful memories| Review by Miki Chang

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:08:12 +0000

FE 40mm F2.5 G | Capture beautiful memories| Review by Miki Chang

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 08:38

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Lens Category

FE 40mm F2.5 G

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 100

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/2500s | ISO 50

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 200

Couple photography: Perfect for two or three

I decided to be my own “couple photographer” and see the results! The photos you'll see below, have all been taken either by hand or with a tripod.

General tips for couple photography

Coordinate your colours!
The basics of couple photography begins with matching your outfits. Choose a similar colour and style, or go with complementary colours to create visual harmony.

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 GM | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/250s | ISO 1600

Snapshots from my prime lens

The fixed focus FE 40mm F2.5 G prime lens is simply fantastic for close-up shots. Its large aperture captures images with warmth and softness, and the bokeh in the background is exquisite.

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40 mm F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 250

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 125

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 200

Also, its lightweight lens is easily manoeuvrable, even with one hand. Check out this single-handed shot I took while riding a scooter in Hengchun.

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/2000s | ISO 100

So, what can you do with all the energy saved (by carrying a lightweight prime lens)? Walk further and explore more destinations!

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/1250s | ISO 2500

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/2500s | ISO 12800

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F4 | 1/500s | ISO 1600

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/1600s | ISO 12800

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/2500s | ISO 50

Continuous action shots are fantastic with a prime lens
I really enjoy shooting continuous action shots with my FE 40mm F2.5 G prime lens. Just set up your tripod, mode and timer, and smile! These are some of my most treasured memories from the trip.

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 100

The romance of couple photography

I set out on this trip to find an answer to my question, “Can couple photography be done with just two people, a camera and lenses, and a tripod?”

Products

Featured

Alpha 7C

Compact Full Frame Camera

FE 40mm F2.5 G

G Standard Prime Lens for Full Frame

HVL-F28RM

GN28 Wireless Radio Control External Flash

SF-M64T

SF-M series Tough Memory Card

NP-FZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

Article Theme

Wedding

FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Ideal for family photography | Review by Kerry Cheah

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 02:38:23 +0000

FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Ideal for family photography | Review by Kerry Cheah

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 08:08

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

Lens Category

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F5.6 | 1/200s | ISO 1600

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/50s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Fleeting moments, lifelong memories

My interest in photography – and specifically, family photography – took off when my second son was born. I had dabbled in it before, but it really clicked when I became a “mom with a camera”. I was stuck at home with two children and was looking to entertain myself!

I love that a photograph can satisfy on different fronts – emotionally through the subjects that are photographed and the moments that are documented; artistically through the look and feel that is created by light and perspective; and intellectually through the arrangement of different elements in the photo to convey a message.

For me, inspiration comes from “the moment” – a fleeting expression, a meaningful interaction, a sudden pang of familiarity from a seemingly ordinary action. That moment, seen through my FE 24-70MM F4 ZA OSS zoom lens and captured with my Alpha 7C camera, is layered with light and filtered through composition, all in an instant.

Why a zoom lens is fantastic for family photos

If you have ever struggled to get your children to cooperate for a simple selfie, you'll understand that efficiency is paramount to minimising stress for everyone. A zoom lens gives you the flexibility to take a variety of portraits just by switching up the focal distance, without fussing over lens changes or perfect tripod placement. You can also easily “add” or “subtract” family members in the portrait, while adjusting the focal distance to keep the portrait tight.

Playing with perspectives

(Example 1: Fixed tripod position)

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 50mm | F4.0 | 1/400s | ISO 400

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 70mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Portraits in the park
This series of images was taken in a park, with the tripod in a fixed position at around 4m away from where we stood to be photographed. As I had the benefit of space, I chose to stand further away and use a minimum focal distance of 35mm to minimise distortion.

Shooting at 35mm, 50mm and 70mm from the same tripod position enabled me to “create” a variety of portrait backgrounds, even though we were standing in the same spot.

Playing with perspectives

(Example 2: Moving your tripod)

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 70mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 800

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F5.6 | 1/200s | ISO 1600

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F5.6 | 1/250s | ISO 1600

Home is where the heart is
These images were taken at home, and the tripod was placed at different distances from where we were. From the furthest position of around 3m, and using a 70mm focal distance, I was able to take a tight portrait that isolated our faces against the creamy background – even with an aperture of F4.

What if you don't have the luxury of space? I simulated taking the same shot in a smaller space by moving the tripod closer to us and shooting wide using a 24mm focal distance. This created a less compressed background and provided a more accurate sense of space, but also resulted in a little distortion.

Moving the tripod slightly back to around 2m and using a 35mm focal distance instead, minimised the distortion while still retaining the sense of space.

This lack of distortion, combined with a sense of environment, is why I usually use a 35mm focal distance inside my home. I also recommend shooting at a minimum shutter speed of 1/250s to avoid any motion blur – which could happen if one of the kids suddenly decides to move their head or hands!

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 1000

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 50mm | F4.0 | 1/50s | ISO 640

Family fun!
I am a huge proponent of injecting fun and personality into all my shoots, even staged portraits. To achieve this, I let my kids show the way!

Since I know exactly what my boys are like, and how they think, I use small prompts like, “Show your brother how much you love him!” to instantly bring out their playful side. Or you could let your kids get creative, and ask them to direct a shot or two!

Fun with flash

(Using flash for better lighting)

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 1000

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 50mm | F4.0 | 1/50s | ISO 640

Families stick together – in dark times, and in brightness
While natural lighting is fantastic, the timing of family gatherings or prevailing weather conditions may mean that natural light isn't good enough. In this example, it was getting close to dusk and was really dark outdoors.

Using flash - bounced at an angle - enabled me to overcome the orange lights and take a photo without having to use an extremely high ISO, which would have introduced a lot of noise into the file.

Photographing the photographer (using the timer)
The self-timer on the Alpha 7C can be set to take either 3 or 5 continuous shots after a 2, 5 or 10 second delay. I usually:

Position everyone else for the portrait and leave a space for myself
Compose the photo and set the AF point on a family member's face, while using Eye AF to further sharpen focus
Set the self-timer on 5 seconds
Join the portrait (before the timer is up)

In this example, I used a 2 second timer because my kids were super fidgety and would make faces with every passing second!

Staying calm during a pandemic, and finding inspiration in family

While the pandemic has caused varying degrees of uncertainty and disruption to all our lives, I recognise that I've been luckier than many others – as my husband and I have been able to work safely from home most of the time – and my kids have their grandparents living in the same country.

Shooting family portraits has been one way for us to remember the importance of family ties.

I believe that everyone can benefit from taking your own family portraits (rather than only doing it in a studio). You'll be able to commemorate more family events, have the flexibility of choosing your own backgrounds, and during this pandemic, can have peace of mind knowing that your family (especially the elderly) is in a safe environment.

All you need is a camera and zoom lens that can capture your family at their very best, like my favourites, the Alpha 7C and FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS.

Products

Featured

Alpha 7C

Compact Full Frame Camera

Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

ZEISS Standard Zoom Lens for Full Frame

HVL-F28RM

GN28 Wireless Radio Control External Flash

SF-M64T

SF-M series Tough Memory Card

NP-FZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

Article Theme

FE 50mm F1.2 GM | Ideal for newborn photography | Review by Ding Dong

Harriman — Wed, 17 May 2023 08:13:03 +0000

FE 50mm F1.2 GM | Ideal for newborn photography | Review by Ding Dong

Harriman Wed, 05/17/2023 - 13:43

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Lens Category

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.4 | 1/3200s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/5000s | ISO 1000

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.8 | 1/125s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/2000s | ISO 1600

Memories that last (beyond) a lifetime

My fondness for photography started from a young age. I still remember the dozens of family photo albums we had in my childhood home. My father took lots of photos of our family as we visited the parks, beaches and playgrounds that were near our home.

And though those photos are now old and faded, they are still an important part of my youth – and a big part of our family's shared memories. Every time anyone opens up one of these family albums, my mum lights up and reminisces on the memories we had growing up.

What's more, these albums have also shown me another side of my dad. Growing up, I always remembered him as a typically strict father who was always concerned about our safety and making sure we followed the rules – but flipping through the pages of our family albums, I see another side of him. I see his expressiveness, openness and the deep love that he's always had for our family.

Now that I'm a father too, I understand why my dad was so enthusiastic about taking photos of his kids - and I share that same compulsion to photograph my daughter, Xiaoshi.

It's all because of love.

And thanks to modern camera and lens technology, instead of taking a few snapshots, I can capture my lovely daughter from all angles – in high-resolution photos and videos.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/6400s | ISO 640

My camera of choice is the Sony Alpha 7C, and my favourite lens is the FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens, from Sony's outstanding G Master range.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM 50mm | F1.2 | 1/6400s | ISO 640

The reasons I choose a prime lens

I've used every model of the Sony Alpha 7 series that's ever been released, but have kept one thing constant – a 50mm prime lens.

Being engaged in a scene

The reason is simple – the fixed focal length of a prime lens means I need to move around the scene more to get the “perfect shot”, which makes me feel more involved with the scene (instead of being just someone who's “shooting from the outside”).

It's a small shift in perspective, but it means a lot when taking photos of your child.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F.12 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/1250s | ISO 125

Larger aperture
The biggest difference between a prime lens and a zoom lens (besides the zoom) is the size of the aperture. Generally, the aperture of a prime lens will be larger than F2 – giving your photos a greater sense of clarity, which also translates into more impressive bokeh.

It takes a bit of practice, but the results are worth it!

Lightweight, easy to use
With the Sony Alpha 7C and FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens, I've changed the way I take photos (for the better). I can now operate this lightweight combination of camera and lens with one hand, which means I can now use the touchscreen (instead of the viewfinder) for better angles and simply tap the shutter to capture the moment perfectly. It's a simpler way of shooting, and one that's given me better results.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM 50mm | F1.4 | 1/8000s | ISO 1600

Capturing every meticulous detail with natural lighting
One recommendation I have when shooting with the FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens, is to shoot against the light. This is where you'll really appreciate the strength of this G Master lens. The photos you'll get are clear and meticulously detailed, while also giving you a “relaxed” feel that adds warmth and charm to your photos of babies and toddlers.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM 50mm | F1.2 | 1/8000s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/6400s | ISO 640

Convenient aperture ring
A feature I really like on the FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens is its aperture ring, which is especially convenient when shooting on the Sony Alpha 7C. You can just let the dial on the camera control the shutter.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F.12 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/1250s | ISO 125

Quiet, fast and intelligent focus
When taking photos of sleeping babies, silence is incredibly important. That's why I value the FE 50mm F1.2 GM's simple and quiet focus. Plus, when your child is awake, the lens can detect your child's eyes and focus quickly and automatically – making it easy to capture all the special moments of your child's development. I remember having lots of fun with this feature, while documenting Xiaoshi as she learnt to crawl!

The Sony Alpha 7C's flip screen is great for shooting from the waist. This allows you to shoot at low angles without bending over (as you would with a viewfinder). As first-time parents, my wife and I would always be bending over when changing our daughter's diapers, giving her a bath and cleaning things she's scattered onto the floor. So, being able to capture these moments without having to bend over, has been a definite plus!

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.4 | 1/8000s | ISO 640

A moment to snap. A lifetime to remember.

While I love having digital albums of Xiaoshi's growing years, I also plan on developing these photos for her – so she'll be able to flip through the pages of our memories when she grows up, just like how I've enjoyed looking through my dad's photo albums.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/8000s | ISO 1600

Since Xiaoshi was born, I've realised the value of having a compact camera and lens with me – as this combination allows me to snap photos of Xiaoshi at any time.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/1000s | ISO 1000

Plus, even if my daughter doesn't remember any of these moments when she grows up, she'll always have a collection of clear, detailed photos of our time together as a newborn – and proof of her parents' love for her.

Products

Featured

Alpha 7C

Compact Full Frame Camera

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

G Master Standard Prime Lens for Full Frame

ECM-B1M

Shotgun Microphone

HVL-F60RM2

GN60 Wireless Radio Control External Flash

SF-M64T

SF-M series Tough Memory Card

Article Theme

FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | Create inspirational stories | Review by Tung Jing Yan

Harriman — Tue, 16 May 2023 05:23:51 +0000

FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | Create inspirational stories | Review by Tung Jing Yan

Harriman Tue, 05/16/2023 - 10:53

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Alpha 7S III

Lens Category

FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G

Feature film: Push To Inspire

“Push to Inspire” is Jing Yan's debut short documentary, and the 15-minute film takes audiences through one man's inspirational journey of qualifying for the Paralympics in his racing wheelchair. That man is Daniel Lee, a Malaysian athlete who was born with extremely brittle bones, making walking impossible. This heartwarming documentary showcases how one competitor's efforts are also inspiring many others across the country – both disabled and able-bodied alike – and creating ripples of change across communities.

Filmed during the pandemic-ridden year of 2021, the shoots were plagued with logistical challenges. But Jing Yan's passion for the project, and his desire to share Daniel's story, spurred this film to the finish line – and to a winning spot at the celebrated World of Film 2021.

Read about filmmaker Jing Yan's personal journey to complete this award-winning documentary, and learn about his favourite shooting techniques and equipment here.

Products

Featured

Alpha 7S III

Full Frame Camera with Pro Movie/Still Capability

FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G

G Wide Zoom Lens for Full Frame

ECM-W2BT

Wireless Microphone

ECM-B1M

Shotgun Microphone

GP-VPT2BT

Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander

Article Theme

Filmmaking

Videography with No Limits – Sony Alpha Ambassador Upie Guava

sneha — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:48:43 +0000

Videography with No Limits – Sony Alpha Ambassador Upie Guava

sneha Wed, 11/23/2022 - 18:18

Article Categories

Featured

Body Category

Alpha 7S III

Lens Category

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Award-winning videographer Upie Guava is a creative force of nature. Always creating in his mind’s eye, he has found the perfect partner in our Alpha series. Let Upie take you on a journey to an alternate reality and discover the secrets of his success.

What does videography mean to you?

I use videography to communicate my ideas and creativity. Through it, I craft an alternate reality that transports my audience to another world, where they can see and feel through my perspective. You can say it is a journey of mind, and I am the guide and author. Through videography, I give my audience a myriad of experiences. From a Bladerunner-type adventure to a celebration of natural beauty. It can also be funny or dramatic. My creativity knows no limits.

Tell us, what’s in your camera bag?

Going into a hectic film set I know I can trust the Alpha 7S III with its wide range of G Master lenses to deliver the quality and reliability that I need. The low light sensitivity of the camera combined with amazing slow-motion capability opens up many creative possibilities and allows me to easily explore more exciting visual ideas. It’s also super compact and easy to work with. With professional video profiles, it integrates into my video editing profile seamlessly.

I love the G Master (GM) lenses, and one of my go-to lenses is the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II. Its flexible zoom range covers both wide and close-up shots so I rarely need to change lenses. The sharpness, colour, and skin tone reproduction renders each scene accurately, making it a joy to use. I also enjoy its excellent resolution across the frame and very fast autofocus performance.

What are you looking for when you are out on a shoot?

I am looking to bring ideas to their full potential. That means injecting more emotion, more beautiful lighting, and capturing spontaneous reactions as the shoot progresses. That usually means getting up close and personal with handheld shots. I like the fluidity and intimacy of handheld videography. It allows me to capture not just the visible image, but also the “soul” of the scene. I turn the camera into a paintbrush, and I become the artist wielding it. When I get behind a Sony camera, I connect with it like a guitarist with his instrument.

How does Sony’s mirrorless system benefit you for your work?

The Sony mirrorless system truly excels in videography because it gets the fundamentals right. Having an extensive library of high-quality E-mount lenses with fast, decisive, and silent autofocus is key for video production. Combined with 1-mount compatibility across Sony Alpha to Sony Venice systems, it helps to keep the cost of investment low.

Having professional video profile support is very important in my work. My Alpha 7S III comes with S-Log3 and is able to capture in 10-bit 4:2:2 format for the best dynamic range and colours. It makes it so easy to grade the footage for a wide range of applications from green screen to cinematic productions.

The camera’s Eye Autofocus (AF) is a game-changer for videographers. It cuts down setup time for dynamic movement shots. Traditionally, I would need to manually focus and rehearse extensively with the actors. With Eye AF, the camera latches on to the eye of the actors and keeps them in focus as they move across the frame. This has resulted in smoother on-site production.

I have a penchant for handheld shots. The Alpha 7S III’s compact size plays right into my strength. It allows me to produce great visuals with minimum effort. Thanks to its compact form factor, I am better able to get the best angle for the best moment.

To sum it all up, I am glad to have a partner like Sony who believes in the 5 fundamentals of superb image quality, speed, expansive lens line-up, long battery life and compact size. It has made my work as a videographer that much easier and allows me to fulfill my vision.

5 Fundamentals - Uniquely Alpha

Sony’s Alpha mirrorless system encompasses the best in image quality, speed, lenses, stamina and compactness to forge the 5 Fundamentals of Alpha DNA. Journey with us as we discover how these winning qualities put Sony Alpha photographers at the front of the pack.

Featured

5 Fundamentals - Uniquely Alpha

Videography with No Limits – Sony Alpha Ambassador Upie Guava

Traveling the World in Search of Natural Beauty – Sony Alpha Professional Hoàng Thế Nhiệm

Capturing Unique moments in Everyday Street Life – Sony Alpha Professional Tavepong Pratoomwong

Street Smarts - Sony Alpha Professional Lee Won-Seok

Winning shots from a sharpshooter - Sony Alpha Professional Lampson Yip

Architect of His Own Vision – Sony Alpha Professional Darren Soh

An Alpha on The Move – Sony Alpha Professional Pat Kay

Fashioning his own success - Sony Alpha Professional Su Yi Liang

Products

Featured

Alpha 7S III

Full Frame Camera with Pro Movie/Still Capability

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

G Master Standard Zoom Lens for Full Frame

Article Theme

Boost your creativity with the FX6’s features

Calvin — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 04:21:56 +0000

Boost your creativity with the FX6’s features

Calvin Fri, 08/05/2022 - 09:51

Article Categories

Tips

Body Category

FX6

Lens Category

FE 35mm F1.4 GM

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

The Sony Cinema Line FX6 features the very best of Sony’s cinema technology, making it a solid choice without any sacrifices. Being smaller compared to the FX9, the FX6 has been a delightful addition to the Sony cinema camera lineup by targeting different market divisions. Its primary focus is on filmmakers who want a more compact camera to film quality footage. Though the most common settings on the FX6 can be found quickly and are readily available, it can be overwhelming to navigate around the camera. Below are the best tools and settings to help you get started on your creative journey with the camera.

S-Cinetone

Sony developed the S-Cinetone to offer shooters the option to quickly and effortlessly produce richer content directly from the camera without the need to conduct post-production colour-grading. This picture profile was built to resemble the Sony VENICE’s celebrated cinematic look renowned for optimising skin tones and providing a film-like colour to your videos. Hence, if you’re looking for fast shoots and minimal editing, S-Cinetone is the profile to go.

Electronic Variable ND

The Electronic Variable ND (Neutral Density) filter is hands down one of the best features that exist in Sony cinema cameras. The revolutionary ND filter can be adjusted manually or automatically without affecting the depth of field or shutter angle, letting you achieve perfect exposure even moving between different environments.

Low-light Performance

Shoot between a wide ISO sensitivity range, from base sensitivity at ISO 800 to enhanced sensitivity at ISO 12800. If you shoot at base ISO, you may do so in well-lit indoor settings as well as outdoors in areas with lots of natural light. If you shoot at a higher ISO level, you can get noise-free shots.

While enhanced sensitivity allows you to shoot under low light, in the morning and in the evening.

Seamless AF and MF Operation

The FX6 has one of the most fantastic autofocus and manual focus systems in the Sony Cinema Line, giving pro filmmakers the flexibility of using either mode when the situation calls for it. With phase-detect installed in the sensor, you can expect fast and accurate autofocus when filming. It also features face and eye detection where even if the subject goes out of frame completely, the FX6 will make sure that the autofocus does not move on to other subjects but will continue to stay on the last location of the subject’s face.

Furthermore, the FX6’s AF Assist function provides you with the seamless switching of AF and MF operations. By turning the focus ring on the attached lens when AF Assist is on, the camera seamlessly switches from AF to MF, allowing them to make rough focus adjustments manually. While the MF function enables you to freely manage your camera's focus speed and approximate focus location, the AF function enables you to accurately modify the focus position of your camera.

XLR Inputs

The FX6 has two full-sized XLR inputs on the removable top handle to ensure a smooth workflow. You can connect your pro mics easily, whether a shotgun mic or wireless system you want to mount on the FX6 itself.

The perfect camera for aspiring filmmakers

The FX6 has quickly become one of the more versatile cinema cameras out there and will be remembered for a long time. With the S-Cinetone profile to its intelligent autofocus system, this camera packs a punch with its incredibly complete set of functions and features to work with on your first creative film, all in a single compact camera.

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Filmmaking

Photography in a slump: The challenges, opportunities, and successes

monika — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 10:18:01 +0000

Photography in a slump: The challenges, opportunities, and successes

monika Thu, 06/02/2022 - 15:48

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FE 135mm F1.8 GM

Aloysius Lim, an accredited photographer and one of the two creative minds behind renowned wedding studio Lightedpixels, has always been passionate for music. From following concerts and music festivals in his earlier years, he has risen to become one of Singapore’s top-of-mind event photographers. Despite his impressively diverse portfolio, he wasn’t exempted from the challenges of the past two years. We spoke with Aloysius to learn the direct effects of such challenges to him, what he did to cope, and how he foresees it affecting his craft in the long term.

Alpha 9 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM | 70mm | 1/125 sec | F4 | ISO 2000

How did you get into event photography? Please share with us how you started?

When I first picked up photography, I was trying to figure out what genre I would really love and enjoy shooting without ever getting bored of it. It didn’t take long to conclude that I wanted to focus on music and concert photography.

Some time back in 2003, Electrico, a local band I used to follow, decided to come out of hiatus and started playing shows again. I went to their shows and brought a digital point-and-shoot camera gifted to me by my father. The photos weren’t great, and I really wanted to be able to take better photos with the camera, so I started shooting more by going to more free concerts and just learning through trial and error.

As the point-and-shoot camera had its limitations, I saved up and bought a DSLR camera, hoping to get better photos at concerts. It took me quite a while to get there, but I think I managed pretty well.

Alpha 9 | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM | 16mm | 1/80 sec | F4 | ISO 8000

The past two years have been quite a challenge for photographers. What did you do to cope with this?

I think the past two years have been challenging for everyone but the human spirit is amazing. We learn to adapt and make the best out of the situation.

I dabbled a little into the world of livestreaming. The team received some requests for livestreaming weddings since the number of guests needed to be limited, and so we gave it a shot.

Alpha 9 | FE 85mm F1.4 GM | 85mm | 1/200 sec | F2 | ISO 100

This new adventure came with many challenges. We had to basically learn a whole lot within a short period of time. I spoke to friends who have done livestreaming for a while, read online and watched a lot of YouTube videos. However, that was the easier part! The tough part was getting all the equipment and accessories needed. The entire world was into livestreaming during that time, which caused a global shortage of many necessary items, like video capture card and multi camera switcher. Luckily, I was able to order both online but they took a while to arrive. After procuring the equipment, we still needed to learn to set up, so we did countless test runs in preparation for the actual event.

There were so many variables at play to get it to work. We had to learn to set our cameras up for live streaming and learn how to use our new livestreaming equipment. We then had to learn how to set up the audio and use the software to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Alpha 9 | FE 35mm F1.4 ZA | 35mm | 1/100 sec | F1.4 | ISO 2500

When the actual event came, we had to head to the venue at least two hours before it started to set up and do a test-run to make sure that it ran smoothly. Even with that, there were still variables beyond our control like the platform used for the live stream. It was very much a learn-as-you-go process. I was thankful for friends who were able to help and guide us when we had issues.

It was a good learning process for all of us and that kept us busy for a while.

I’ve also learnt to use a pen and tablet for post-processing work during the circuit breaker period. I am still not good with it, but at least I know how to use it now.

Alpha 9 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM | 24mm | 1/80 sec | F2.8 | ISO 500

Were there other areas of photography you explored? What were these?

During the past two years, I’ve also had many opportunities to try out food photography. It’s definitely new territory and one of the more challenging genres to shoot.

Alpha 9 II | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM | 57mm | 1/200 sec | F4.5 | ISO 160

Food photography is not as simple as it looks. Along the way, I’ve learnt a little about lighting and the importance of food styling. In the first few shoots, I focused on the lighting and keeping the image clean and simple. Soon, I learnt that we could add props to make the images more interesting and have more depth. Even human elements such as a hand holding a bowl of rice can help elevate a shot.

One time, I had to shoot steamed buns in a dim sum basket. After getting the clean and close-up shots, I saw a steamer used for tablecloths. I thought I could put the steamer below the basket to make it look as though the buns were steaming hot. After some trial and error with the backdrop and lighting, we managed to get the shot and it was a success for the team!

Alpha 9 II | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM | 53mm | 1/80 sec | F4 | ISO 160

What did you turn to for motivation, especially whenever a creative block hits?

Music remains my biggest motivation. I listen to a lot of music and follow many musicians on social media. I worked with many of them during the past 2 years whenever the opportunity arose. It’s always nice to see fellow creatives go through their own creative process—it keeps me motivated. With that, I tell myself that I can do the same!

Alpha 9 | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM | 16mm | 1/100 sec | F4 | ISO 1600

Like many others, I’ve consumed a lot of information from social media. Lots of photographers, videographers and artists have put out amazing content, especially these two years.

One takeaway is that we are usually inspired by recent images that speak out to you. If I see an image I’m really amazed by, I will usually spend a little more time looking at it and wonder how the photographer shot it and the equipment used.

I follow a couple of accounts that show the behind-the-scene shots, equipment used and the final processed image. That helps a lot in understanding the process. I’ve also been more interested in learning about using external lighting for portraits and products, so looking at more of these images on social media helps in improving my craft. I’ve also been learning a lot from reading photography-related articles and watching new photography techniques on YouTube. I then practice these new techniques on my own whenever I’m out to shoot or even at home.

Alpha 9 | FE 35mm F1.4 ZA | 35mm | 1/100 sec | F1.4 | ISO 3200

When I experience a creative block, one of the ways I’ve tried to keep creative is to just take one lens that I wouldn’t normally use, head out and try to get some interesting photos.

Using just one less commonly used lens forces me to step back and take my time to compose my images and frame them properly. Since it is not an assignment, there is no pressure to deliver anything. It’s quite liberating. At the same time, it allows me familiarise myself with a new focal length. For example, I have always used the FE 135mm F1.8 GM (SEL135F18GM) lens solely for portraits and decided to just head on out with it to do some street photography. After more time out with it, I now use it more often at events and concerts. The lens’ versatility has allowed me to elevate my skills and helped me dive deeper into other genres of photography, which I now do with better finesse.

How has your work benefitted from your venture into these new avenues of photography?

I do hope my work will be better than ever! Of course, I strive to give my 100% at every shoot, and the goal is to always be better at the next.

Alpha 9 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM | 53mm | 1/250 sec | F2.8 | ISO 3200

The past two years has taught me to slow down a little and appreciate the things and environment around us. I think that would help to see the bigger picture and approach a shoot in a more positive manner, which hopefully would translate to better images.

One of the main things I’ve done differently is to force myself to use lenses that I won’t normally use. For example, the SEL135F18GM lens isn’t one lens that I would have brought out for events but now I would bring it out and use it even to take a few photos to see the difference in perspective. It might not translate to better images all the time, but it adds to the variety that you’re able to have and give your client.

Alpha 9 II | FE 35mm F1.4 ZA | 35mm | 1/60 sec | F1.4 | ISO 3200

What do you think should aspiring photographers and hobbyists prioritise when they experience challenges in terms of motivation and lack of creativity?

I think taking good care of your mental health is just as important as your physical body.

The importance of mental health has been talked about a lot during the pandemic as more people are affected by it. When you feel off, take the time to breathe and acknowledge that something is not right. When you feel a little stressed, it’s good to take time off and do something that you really love. It could be going for a walk, run, cycle or just lying in bed and listening to music. There are apps and smart watches that teach you breathing methods to help clear your mind and calm you down.

I’ve been trying to go for jogs and walks more often and my favourite route would be along the Marina Bay area. If I see anything interesting along the way, I stop to take some photos with my phone.

I believe that if you take good care of yourself, you would be able to live and work better!

Alpha 9 II | FE 85mm F1.4 GM | 85mm | 1/200 sec | F1.4 | ISO 800

What is your final advice to photographers, amateurs, and professionals alike, to continue with their craft?

I think it’s important to just take out your camera and take as many photos as you can. It can be in the comfort of your home or simply around the neighbourhood. You can start by using one lens, preferably one that you wouldn’t normally use. If you want to try a new lens, you could borrow from a friend, rent, or even loan it from the Sony Loan a Lens program.

A good practice is to take your camera out every day with you. It’s important to be familiar with your gear and get out to experience different shooting environments. Shooting and experimenting with friends help too! You can make it a point to head out to the same venue at different times of the day and be surprised with the kinds of photos you will create. There are many forums and social media groups where you can post images and get feedback on your work and seek advice on camera issues too. Photography communities online are very approachable and you can learn a lot from them.

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