Carolyn Ferreira (@go.out.in.joy) is a photographer and a practicing psychologist from Bend, Oregon. She says she was blown away by the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest when she moved to Oregon from the East Coast. She explains. “I aspired to pursue landscape photography once I completed graduate school, and I finally made that dream a reality two years ago. I purchased the Sony Alpha 7 III and as an avid hiker, my camera accompanies me on all of my adventures. This area of the world is truly magical, and I hope everyone feels a glimmer of that magic through my photos.” We caught up with Carolyn to learn more about the one-camera, one-lens kit she packs for a hike in the PNW. Keep reading as she shares what’s in her minimalist bag and how she works with an often-overlooked compact zoom.
Product Preview – In This Article You'll Find:
–Sony Alpha 7 III
–Sony 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6
Camera
Sony Alpha 7 III: When I was deciding which camera to buy, the Sony Alpha series was recommended by a friend for its stellar performance in low-light conditions. I thought that sounded like the perfect type of camera for capturing the moody and mountainous Pacific Northwest, and the Alpha 7 III has indeed been absolutely perfect for that. The textures, shading, and details in my photos from places like Smith Rock and Bandon Beach have that signature Sony Alpha look that you just don’t see in photos from other camera brands; I like to say this camera rocks at taking photos of rocks! I also absolutely love shooting dramatic skies, which we have no shortage of here in Oregon, especially when it is wildfire season. At the same time, I love how this camera captures soft and still moments in nature, such as raindrops on pine needles. Learning a new hobby can be burdensome, especially an art as complex as photography, but this camera has been easy to use, easy to learn, easy to carry around, and it has taken my appreciation for photography to a completely different level.
Lens
Sony 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6: This lens was included in the kit with the Alpha 7 III, and it has been a fantastic lens to use as I learn what I’m doing. My shots come out great whether I’m shooting indoors or outdoors, mountains or macro, my musician friends playing at a gig or my dog rolling around in the grass. I never worry about getting a good shot when I’m unsure what I’ll discover on my adventure because the lens is so versatile. I highly recommend this lens for anybody who is just starting out in photography or who might be unsure of their photography goals; this lens helped me learn that I enjoy shooting macro images like wildflowers more than I initially thought I would.
Accessories
Gregory Nackpack: My camera and lens fit perfectly into my hiking daypack bolstered with the extra socks, gloves, and rain shell that I always carry with me. I love all of the separate compartments of this daypack, which lets me store my camera, accessories, trail snacks, water, and first aid items all in their own designated places.
National Geographic Map: Although I have my phone with the Gaia app for navigation, I always carry a National Geographic map of the wilderness area or national park that I am going to. There is something about referencing a paper map that feels wilder and more adventurous than staring at my phone.
Lens Cover: It only took losing a lens cover on the trail once to make sure that I have an extra lens cover with me in my pack.
Zeiss Lens Wipes: I live in dirty, dusty Central Oregon where the springtime weather can alternate from sun, hail, rain, and snow within the same hour. Therefore, these lens wipes are a must!
Anker Portable Charger: I have been impressed with the battery life of the Alpha 7 III. I’ve never run out of battery life on my day hikes, even on the days when I’m hiking 8+ miles. I bring this charger for 2+ day camping/adventure trips.
REI Co-op Polartek Gloves: I wanted gloves for this winter season that would keep my hands warm and dry from the elements yet were thin enough to enable me to use my camera and take the lens cover on and off, and these have been perfect!
Electrolytes: When I add electrolytes from the Beachbody performance collection to my water, I have so much more endurance and vitality on my adventures, which not only keeps the adventure going but also keeps my creative senses sharp.
See more of Carolyn Ferreira’s on Instagram @go.out.in.joy.
