My name is Maki Galimberti, I’m 53 years old and have done little else but take pictures since I was 18. I began working as a photojournalist for local newspapers, and even though I now shoot portraits for glossy magazine covers, the photojournalist angle is still present in my work.

This realistic, journalist language is my style for advertising campaigns where images have to be created. I like to think outside of the box – to try and understand my subjects as humans and grab their inner, more intimate selves.

You were one of the first professional photographer to test the Sony Alpha 1 – what were your first impressions and stand-out features for you?  

Since photography became digital, photographers have always had to choose between a fast camera and one that makes large, high-quality files. It seems to me that speed and resolution have come together for the first time (like a sports and a studio camera) in one body with the Alpha 1. On top of that, it revolutionises high flash sync speed – a highly valuable feature for me that used to be only available in very old cameras.

Simone Moro, mountain climbing specialist

How do you think these technological improvements help your workflow and creativity?

I love using flash in daylight for my portraits and the feature I liked most is the sync speed at 1/400th sec in full frame. The ability to perfectly control the balance of natural and artificial light, especially with moving subjects, allows me to get more opportunity shooting on location, without fear of excessive sunlight.

What other features stand out for you and in which scenario?

For me, instead of a feature, what is important are the new improvements in this camera. It helps me to think about my work in a different way than usual, allowing me to add more movements in the portraits set and more quality in improvised situations. The autofocus really is incredible – always ready to capture any movement. It’s like driving a fast car with great road holding that prevents you from crashing!

Lenses/accessories are another core component of photography and filmmaking  – What lenses and accessories did you use for your initial test and why?

For this shoot, I wanted to use lenses I was confident with, so I naturally reached for my FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM. Its quality rivals that of a prime lens, and its flexibility is essential for on-location portraits, when you need to quickly balance the subject and the landscape behind.

I also used the FE 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS – a surprising choice as it’s usually considered a sports/wildlife lens, but shooting from a distance allows the subject to move freely, and the result is a more natural image with a more candid and natural look. It’s focus speed is incredible and I didn’t miss a shot.

What advice would you give aspiring photographers that want to follow your steps?  

Established photographers often forget the passion which made them photographers in the first place. The most precious thing for someone who starts portrait photography is passion, and the goal should always be to develop the ability to repeat the best results. Anyone can take beautiful photos by chance but a good photographer knows how to find them.

My advice would be to take inspiration from other photographers and to find your own personal style. Another tip – Be eager to get close to your subjects, understand who they are, regardless if they are people in the street or celebrities, and go beyond what they see to show them what they perceive through your images.

Any last words – thank you or last advice for our readers

I was extremely happy to be asked to test the Alpha 1 and be a part of the global launch. To be honest, I much prefer to be behind the camera rather than in front, especially if I have to speak English! I enjoyed the experience though and I’d like to thank the crew who filmed me and Simone Moro, who agreed to be part of this adventure in the snow and who took us to the top of the mountain by helicopter. I’ll admit I was a bit afraid, but he was so professional and calm that I’m almost ready to do it again.