Natalia Dabek is a travel and hospitality photographer. "Through my photos, I tell stories of people around the world and document the reality around them," she explains. I started photography as a hobby three years ago. It was supposed to be a way to preserve my memories, but as time passed, it became more and more serious. My camera and I are inseparable now, and I’ve started working commercially as well."
Even though Dabek's gear may seem minimalistic compared to others, she says it's exactly why it’s great for long-term travel, when every gram you carry on your back counts (and you have to stay within the airline carry-on size limits!). Keep reading as she shares what you'll find in her bag.
Camera
Alpha 6100: The Alpha 6100 was my very first camera, and it's the one that turned photography from a hobby into my profession. It's lightweight, fast, and has autofocus I can rely on, making it the perfect companion for long days of travel and capturing fleeting moments. Even after thousands of photos around the world, it's still the camera I trust to tell the stories I want to share.
"Photo taken at a floating market on the Mekong River in southern Vietnam. These markets start very early in the morning (around 5:30–6:00 a.m.), and that's when I took this shot." Photo by Nat Dabek. Alpha 6100. 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/320-sec., f/4, ISO 2000
Lens
24-105mm f/4 G: Travel photography is very versatile, as you want to capture portraits of thepeople you meet, beautiful landscapes, busy city streets, stunning architecture, and that cozy beam of light in your hotel room. That’s why I chose thislens. With its 24–105 mm focal length range, I can do it all. I can photograph the mountains, where I usually shoot at 24 mm, the streets, where 35 or 50mm is often the perfect choice, portraits at 85 mm, and use the extra reach whenever needed. Also, I’m planning to upgrade to one of Sony’s Alpha 7 bodies, and this lens will be perfect for it.
"Tatry Bielskie, Slovakia; even the climber in the distance is sharp." Photo by Nat Dabek. Alpha 6100. 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/320-sec., f/4, ISO 2000
Accessories
Backup Memory Cards: In case the one I’m using gets full or (every photographer’s worst fear) I leave my main one at home.
SD Card Reader: To quickly transfer photos to my laptop or even phone.
Back Up Batteries: Especially useful when I’m away for longer and don’t have a chance tocharge them (e.g. during multi-day hikes).
Photo by Nat Dabek. Alpha 6100. 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/500-sec., f/4, ISO 100
Battery Charger: To speed things up by charging two batteries at the same time.
K&F ND Filter Nano B Series ND 2-400: I use it mainly for photographing waterfalls or when shooting videos.
Marumi DHG Circular Polarizing Filter: For bright, sunny days, especially handy when photographing landscapes.
Photo by Nat Dabek. Alpha 6100. 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/800-sec., f/4, ISO 100
Tripod: When I need to use a long exposure, take self-portraits, or photograph landscapes in low-light conditions.
Lens Hood: For incredibly bright and sunny days.
Lens Cleaning Kit: Includes a lens cleaning pen and microfiber cloths.
Photo by Nat Dabek. Alpha 6100. 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/400-sec., f/4, ISO 100
See more of Nat Dabek's work on Instagram @nat_dabek.
Explore what's inside the bags of more of your favorite creators at alphauniverse.com/wimb.
