What were your first impressions of the Alpha 7 IV?

The first thing that struck me with the Alpha 7 IV was how comfortable it felt in the hand. I knew instinctively that it was going to be perfect for those long days on set or on an outdoor shoot. I particularly liked the new vari-angle screen, which makes it much easier to shoot landscapes with a soft foreground. The advanced Real-time Autofocus system is also a highlight for me when photographing moving subjects. I know I’ll be able to rely on this camera to give me a super sharp image, even in low-light conditions.

How will these new features impact the type of photography that you do?

I think that the Alpha 7 IV truly redefines the standard of photography and will open many doors to inspire new creative people. It is accessible, while offering the best technical features any photographer requires to tell their stories in a professional and impactful manner. A great piece of equipment should allow us to focus on channelling our creativity and not working around technical limitations. The Alpha 7 IV does exactly that.  A lot of travel photographers like myself often work in low light situations or harsh weather conditions. The low noise levels of the new 33MP sensor combined with its powerful dynamic range make the shooting experience more enjoyable, but also ensure we won’t encounter any crazy noise or interference in post-production. It creates a more enjoyable shooting experience overall.

The Alpha 7 IV aims to redefine what photography enthusiasts and video content creators should expect – Do you think it achieves this goal?

When I first started in photography years ago, I relied heavily on the technical aspects of my camera (an Alpha 6000 by the way) to help me deliver the kind of story I was envisioning. And while I have naturally grown to be well acquainted with the technical specifications of a ‘good’ photo these days, I still wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the ease of use and the image quality of Sony Alpha cameras. I know that the Alpha 7 IV will help photographers and videographers alike to redefine what they think is possible for their own creative work. It will allow them to produce sharp pictures and videos which they didn’t think was within reach before.

Lenses & accessories are another core component of creating images - Which Sony lenses and accessories did you use for your initial test and why?

I love to use a telephoto lens to have that little bit of compression and hopefully find a more unique angle in a vast scene. The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II was an obvious choice for my first few photos with this camera. We did a lot of hiking, so I wanted something light, versatile and yet powerful. In the low light situations, especially at the lake before dawn, I opted for one of my favourite primes, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM to gain more light. It worked incredibly well in helping me achieve a soft feel to the image while making sure my subject was nice and sharp. For wider landscape scenes, the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM is my go-to as it is my favourite field of view and it is pin sharp for landscapes. I also used the FE 14mm f/1.8 GM for some astrophotography shots and a wider perspective. This lens does not distort the corners – it is great and it allows me to properly capture the vast and impressive night sky.

What advice would you give aspiring photographers or content creators who look up to you and your work?

Something that has always worked for me and I still tell myself occasionally is to simply keep trying, one step after another. It sounds silly, but it is a whole lot easier and more realistic to achieve our goals if we retain a kind of momentum; the overnight success stories barely happen. The people you look up to have likely put an enormous amount of time and effort into getting where they are today, despite the many obstacles and doubts along the way. Don’t be afraid to try all kinds of photography until something sticks with you. When you feel that spark, follow it. There is always space for new creatives, new stories and new insights. I can’t wait to see yours, and I hope that the Alpha 7 IV will help creative people in their journey.