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https://alphauniverseglobal.media.zestyio.com/Alpha-Universe-BTS-Cristina-Mittermeier-DayoftheDead-4.jpg?width=500&height=500&fit=bounds

How To Pivot When Plans Change For An On-Location Photo Shoot

Born in Mexico City, Sony Artisan Cristina Mittermeier says that the most important day of the year where she’s from is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. “The day when the gates to the afterworld open, and our beloved ones come back to visit. A lot of cultures are scared of the afterlife, but in Mexico, we celebrate.” Mittermeier has always wanted to capture the Day of the Dead celebrations, and she finally had the opportunity. Learn more about the unexpected twists and turns that can happen during an on-location shoot as she shares her story behind the shot in the video below:

The Importance Of Adaptability

If you’re a photographer shooting on location, the ability to pivot when plans change is not just an asset – it's a necessity. Outdoor shoots are often at the mercy of unpredictable elements like weather, lighting conditions or unexpected environmental changes, all of which can disrupt meticulously crafted plans – like in this case it did for Mittermeier. As a photographer, being adaptable allows you to creatively leverage these unforeseen circumstances to your advantage, turning potential setbacks into unique opportunities.

Sony Artisan Cristina Mittermeier photographs during Day of the Dead

Photo by Cristina Mittermeier. Alpha 1 II. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master.

This flexibility not only enriches your portfolio with diverse and spontaneous shots but also hones your problem-solving skills, enabling you to capture the essence of your subject in ways you might not have initially envisioned. Ultimately, the ability to pivot enhances your storytelling capabilities, ensuring that you deliver compelling images regardless of the challenges you face.

Sony Artisan Cristina Mittermeier photographs during Day of the Dead

Photo by Cristina Mittermeier.

The Perfect Camera & Lens For Shooting On-Location

For this beachside photo shoot, Mittermeier was using her Alpha 1 II and 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. The Alpha 1 II is an excellent choice for the unpredictability of an on-location shoot because it gives you everything you need to achieve a higher capture success rate. Its 50MP high resolution, AI-based subject recognition AF, high-speed continuous shooting, and advanced workflow equips you with the efficiency and freedom that an on-location shoot requires.

Sony Artisan Cristina Mittermeier photographs during Day of the Dead

Photo by Cristina Mittermeier.

Mittermeier’s choice of a powerful zoom like the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master provides her with versatility and convenience when out in the field. A zoom lens is an invaluable tool for on-location shoots. With the ability to quickly adjust focal lengths, photographers can seamlessly transition between capturing wide landscape shots and detailed close-ups without needing to swap lenses. This flexibility is especially beneficial in dynamic environments where conditions change rapidly, allowing for quick framing adjustments to capture the perfect shot.

For more videos like this one, visit the Alpha Universe YouTube Channel.

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