Pierre Pauwels a French photographer based in Annecy, but he says the town of Nice, where he lived for almost six years, is truly where he started street photography. “I’ve always been interested in photography,” he says, “and it was during my graphic design studies in Paris that I discovered the magic of imagery. In 2017, I bought my Sony Alpha 7R II before leaving for a month-long trip to Morocco. I needed a discreet and fast camera instead of the DSLR I had been using until then.”
Product Preview – In This Article You’ll Find:
–Sony Alpha 7R II
–Sony 40mm f/2.5 G
After putting photography aside for several years, he finally went back in 2021 and edited his work from Morocco. “I realized I had something meaningful, so I dusted off my Sony Alpha 7R II and started shooting the streets of Nice every day for two years. I fell head over heels in love with street photography and my camera, which, even today, remains ideal for street photography.”
We caught up with Pauwels, who’s been awarded twice at the Siena Awards and twice at the Paris International Photography Awards, to learn more about his classic and compact setup for street photography. Keep reading below as he shares what’s in his bag.
Camera
Sony Alpha 7R II: The compactness and lightness of the Sony Alpha 7R II are the qualities that led me to use it for all my work. I also do private shootings for couples, artists, or, more recently, with a theater troupe. The silent mode is one of its main advantages when I need to take photos during a performance.
In the streets, I only use manual mode. I need absolute control over light and settings, and the camera’s ergonomics allow me to confidently adapt to any situation. I mainly use autofocus with the “focus area: Flexible Spot” option. I also sometimes use AF Lock, which is quite reliable for a 2017 camera! And obviously, what changed my life is the possibility of shooting within low light without feeling the fear of having a totally ruined shot by insane noise! I know I can push the ISO to around 6000 without being afraid of too much noise and it feels great.
Lens
Sony 40mm f/2.5 G: For several years, I used an affordable 35mm lens from another brand. But two years ago, I treated myself to a Sony 40mm f/2.5 G – and what a joy! Sure, I had to adapt to the slight focal length change, but once I did, I never went back to my old lens. The sharpness is amazing, there’s no vignette at all and no distortion either, which is all I ask of the lens.
Also, I spent the winter holidays in Oslo and experienced a full day in the blizzard, which was a first, and I truly enjoyed the full tropicalization of my Sony products. My eyes were crying while my gear was perfectly functional all day long. The G-series is perfect for street photography because the lenses are compact and lightweight. The ability to adjust the aperture using the lens ring gives a greater sense of control and saves valuable time in street photography.
Accessories
Extra Battery: An essential for working all day.
Cleaning Tools: For my sensor and to dust off the camera and lens – the streets are dirty!
Camera Strap: I made my own camera strap using black boat rope, keeping it discreet.
Headphones: My wireless earphones are my second-best friends after my camera. I often listen to a podcast or music while shooting, but I only use one earbud to stay alert to the street. Hearing plays a crucial role in street photography.
Notebook & Pen: A notebook and a pen as I like to write almost everyday about this and that.
Lighter: I always carry a lighter in my pocket; you’d be surprised how many conversations can start just by lighting a cigarette.
Good Shoes: And finally, probably the most important: shoes that can handle the miles without making them feel! Simple sneakers are ideal for me, as my hiking shoes recently gave out after over 15 years of loyal service.
See more of Pierre Pauwels’ work on Instagram @pierre_pauwels.
