Photographer and Sony Artisan Katrin Eismann (@katrin_eismann) loves to travel, but she doesn’t want to be weighed down by gear. “In travel and street photography, for me it's best to be nimble and not draw a lot of attention to myself with a bulky backpack, showy camera straps or multiple camera bodies,” she explains. “When I travel, I am up and out with the dawn to experience the city or countryside as they wake up to a new day. In my early morning wanderings, I am most often by myself, needing to be aware of my surroundings, and move nimbly and quietly. It's just me and my Sony Alpha 7CR camera with a wrist strap and one of my fast Sony primes – no bag, no large lenses, nothing to slow me down.” Keep reading below as Eismann shares what’s in her kit in her own words, along with some of her top tips for travel and street photography.
Product Preview – In This Article You'll Find:
–Sony Alpha 7CR
–Sony 24mm f/2.8 G
–Sony 55mm f/1.8
Camera
Sony Alpha 7CR: I can carry the Sony Alpha 7CR with a wrist strap all day long without feeling exhausted by a heavy camera body and backpack that screams tourist. As an avid Alpha 1 and Alpha 7R V photographer, I wondered how the smaller camera and lenses would compare and perform to the larger camera bodies I've used for years and still use for portrait, landscape and studio work. Any skepticism I may have had for this smaller camera is in the past. The image quality and performance of the 61 MP full-frame sensor and improved processing engine packed into the smaller, lighter body of the Sony Alpha 7CR won me over by delivering the detailed files I am accustomed to.
Photo by Katrin Eismann. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 24mm f/2.8 G. 1/40-sec., f/6.3, ISO 160
In street photography, I rely on the Sony Alpha 7CR's AI-based autofocus to track moving subjects with real-time eye AF for humans, animals and birds, which I just love. As I mentioned, the camera is smaller and lighter, but it also sports 5-axis optical image stabilization, which is great in low light, allowing me to photograph the morning dawn or evening dusk and darker interiors and alleys all without the risk of camera shake.
Photo by Katrin Eismann. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 24mm f/2.8 G. 1/125-sec., f/11, ISO 100
The Sony Alpha 7CR is also great for capturing video clips, which are a must-have for social media. I use the Focus Map feature to see the focus and depth of field as the video is being captured. I love finding a new scene and identifying whether it will best be a still or a video with motion and sound. Switching between stills and video is a quick flick with my thumb, meaning I'm ready to gather the files that best fit the scenario.
Lenses
The Sony Alpha 7CR supports E-mount lenses, which means that I have a LOT of choices to work with. Although I have many G-Master lenses, I often use the G lenses, which are smaller and lighter without compromising image quality. Keep in mind that I prefer to avoid carrying heavy gear for extended periods, and the prime G lenses that I rely on are small, light, and sharp.
Sony 24mm f/2.8 G: I use the Sony 24mm f/2.8 G lens for interiors and broader views.
Photo by Katrin Eismann. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 24mm f/2.8 G. 1/400-sec., f/8, ISO 100
Sony 55mm f/1.8: I use the Sony 55mm f/1.8 for details and portraits.
Photo by Katrin Eismann. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 55mm f/1.8. 1/320-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100
My friend and fellow Sony Artisan Nino Rakichevich is doing great work with the Sony 40mm f/2.5 G lens and I plan on adding that lens to my street photography kit.
Accessories
Less is more, and I try to leave as much gear in the hotel room, but I have protective UV filters on all my lenses. I carry a small lens cloth and blower in a plastic bag to brush to remove dust or grime. One lens is always on the camera, so I need a small pouch or jacket pocket to hold the other lens and these few accessories. I carry an extra battery, which is more to reassure me as a fully charged battery lasts a long time.
Photo by Katrin Eismann. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 55mm f/1.8. 1/500-sec., f/6.3, ISO 160
Katrin's Quick Tips For Successful Street & Travel Photography
- Have your coffee or tea before you head out to explore. You cannot react quickly to get the shot if you have a coffee cup in your hand.
- The same goes for not walking down the street looking at your phone. Stay present and keep the phone in your pocket.
- Carry an ID and just a few bills in the local currency slipped into a discrete pocket.
- Walk confidently, photograph with respect, and say good morning or thank you after photographing someone.
- In travel and street photography, we are often the guests in someone's neighborhood. Showing your appreciation with a smile and a nod goes a long way.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and maintain orientation as to where your hotel or a busy thoroughfare is. If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable, backtrack and regroup.
- Find an interesting background, wait, and be ready for people to move into your frame.
- Enjoy the sense of discovery, and follow the light around the next corner, where a new picture will reveal itself.
Photo by Katrin Eismann. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 24mm f/2.8 G. 1/2000-sec., f/4, ISO 100
See more of Katrin Eismann’s work on Instagram (@katrin_eismann) and on her Alpha Universe Profile.
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