Dessy Rumenova (@tales_from_earth) is a Bulgarian self-taught street and travel photographer based in Sydney, Australia. “From a young age, I’ve been drawn to capturing people in their everyday lives, whether at home or while traveling. About eight years ago, I turned that passion into a real pursuit, and since then, street and travel photography have become my true obsession. I first started with a DSLR but at some point I realized it wasn’t enough and decided to switch to mirrorless.” Keep readying as Dessy shares what’s in her bag for dreamy street and travel photography.
Shop This Kit:
Cameras: Alpha 7R V, Alpha 7 III
Lenses: 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master, 24-105mm f/4 G
Cameras
Alpha 7R V (Buy Now): When I first acquired this camera, I was blown away by its autofocus capabilities. For someone passionate about street photography, having reliable, precise autofocus makes all the difference in capturing fleeting moments. The camera’s specs really elevate the way I shoot, and I couldn’t be happier with the results so far.
Photo Dessy Rumenova. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/1250-sec., f/8, ISO 400
Photo Dessy Rumenova. Alpha 7R V. 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/1000-sec., f/4, ISO 640
Alpha 7 III (Buy Now): After getting the Alpha 7R V, I decided to add the Alpha 7 III to my kit. Especially since I started working as a freelance photographer in weddings and events. I realized how important it is to have a second body so I don’t have to constantly switch lenses on the go. The Alpha 7 III has been the perfect complement, reliable, versatile, and a great partner to the Alpha 7R V for both pleasure and work.
Lenses
70-200mm f 2.8 G Master (Buy Now): Surprisingly for many, I’ve been using my Sony 70-200mm for street photography, and I love it! The way a telephoto lens compresses the scene gives this unique sense of depth and separation that makes the shots feel more layered and dynamic. It’s not the typical street setup, but that depth perception is exactly why I keep reaching for it.
Photo Dessy Rumenova. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/1000-sec., f/4, ISO 800
24-105mm f/4 G (Buy Now): While I love the depth and compression my 70-200mm gives me for street shots, my 24-105mm f4 G has become my go-to everyday lens. It’s such a versatile range, wide enough to capture the energy of the streets, yet long enough to isolate moments when I want that extra depth. For both street and travel photography, it’s the perfect balance between flexibility and creativity.
Photo Dessy Rumenova. Alpha 7R V. 24-105mm f/4 G. 2/5-sec., f/9, ISO 500
Accessories
Two Extra Batteries: Absolutely essential, especially when traveling.
ND filter (3-1000 stops): That allows me great control over light. LED panel light: helps me adapt quickly to low-light situations.
Photo Dessy Rumenova. Alpha 7R V. 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/320-sec., f/4.5, ISO 250
Watercolor & Sketchbook: Just like with my cameras, I never head out without my watercolors and sketchbook. Photography lets me capture fleeting moments instantly, while painting gives me the chance to slow down and reimagine a scene in a different way. Both help me hold onto the stories I find out in the world.
Photo Dessy Rumenova. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/320-sec., f/8, ISO 640
See more of Dessy Rumenova’s work on Instagram @tales_from_earth.
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