PHOTOGRAPHY IN TODAY'S WORLD: Leading photographers share their experiences, insights and images on how they've adapted their shooting

Professional and amateur photographers are capturing the changes around us, from the resurgence of nature to clearer night skies and deserted streets

Learn from Sony's Alpha Universe ambassadors; professional photographers provide their tips on how they're adjusting to the current situation and creating beautiful imagery to inspire

As our daily life adapts to the changing world, more of us have turned to photography to capture our perspectives and document this moment in history. From shooting observations from their windows, to the newly noticed intricacies of our homes and gardens, or even just documenting this time spent with our families and pets, photography has become an outlet for many.

Award-winning professional photographers, from Sony's Alpha Universe Ambassador programme, have shared tips and insights on photographing the new normal, to help guide and inspire. They've also shared a range of their photography, which you can access at the bottom of the page.

Night Sky Exposures - Stefan Lieberman, Germany | With clearer night time skies, Stefan Lieberman shares his tips on how less pollution can help your night time photography:

Stefan shoots on a Sony a7S & r Sony a7 III

As a night sky photographer, I'm active when it's darkest. I mostly work alone and rarely encounter people. Because of this, very little immediately changed for me. But I could see the difference in the sky.

The most critical thing for my work is avoiding light pollution. Too much light drowns out the sky. But the current situation means there's less traffic on roads, and ambient light from businesses has decreased. All in all, light pollution has noticeably reduced.

While we wait for the world to return to normal, we've all got a rare opportunity to get out and capture the sky with less interference. Travel restrictions may mean I'm staying local, but I've been able to capture beautiful shots while exploring the Thuringian Forest in Germany.

When it comes to making the most of the reduced light pollution, Stefan outlines the key elements:

First, it is important to avoid bright light sources. There are currently fewer, but it's still best if you're away from a city. Next, you'll need to use a tripod to keep the shot steady. Finally, you'll need to experiment with setting long exposures, and ideally trigger it with an external shutter release.

In addition, this sort of photography can benefit from a good understanding of post-processing techniques, such as stitching shots together. Now is a great chance to spend time learning about these.

Macro Photography - Petar Sabol, Croatia | While we've less space to roam, Petar Sabol talks us through capturing the beauty of smaller things, with macro photography:

Petar shoots on a Sony a7R IV

Where I live, I have been unable to leave my village. While that might normally limit me, macro photography focuses on small subjects. It's the perfect art to practice when you're confined, because any space is full of tiny details to capture.

I think that this period has given us all the chance to take a second look at the familiar. Over the years I've trained my eye to search for the beauty in the small details. But even I am finding that I'm noticing things that I'd normally pass by.

My focus lies on wildlife, with insects in particular, and this time has given me the chance to really learn the habits of local creatures. I'm able to get up early, when it's cold and quiet, and the insects are still sleeping. That's when they're most still, and I can capture the best shots.

I'm interested in insects, but therell be something small and close to home for everyone to capture. The textures, the abstract details we normally ignore. The possibilities are limitless.

To capture great macro shots, Petar suggests:

This is a time to improve skills indoors. Take ordinary items and use them as your focus, whether it's sugar or a kitchen utensil. Find the detail worth observing in things we use every day, but don't normally pay attention to. Make sure you're learning how to light small subjects to capture all the details.

If you've got a garden, or even just an outdoor space, look for the insects! Get out early when it's cold and they're still. Get down low and on their level but be sure to respect their space and not damage their environment while you're photographing them.

Macro photography takes patience and practice. But now is the best time to learn or perfect the art, because a lot of us have a bit more spare time.

Wildlife Photography - Will Burrard Lucas, UK | Having gone from shooting in Africa to home in the UK, Will Burrard Lucas talks us through how best to capture wildlife in your immediate surroundings:

Will shoots on a Sony a7R IV

Last year, I was photographing a rare black panther in Kenya. I was finishing this up, and planning to collect my cameras, when the coronavirus struck. Things are definitely different now, but it doesnt mean I haven't kept busy.

Having time to experiment with techniques and practice with your camera is a good opportunity to improve your photography. I've been setting up camera traps in the garden, and they're perfect for getting intimate images of shy garden wildlife. While I might not have any panthers around, there are many similarities between photographing wild animals and our household pets.

Not to mention, now I have time to catch up on all of the office tasks I had previously put off; I'm laying foundations so that when this is over I will emerge in a better position to be able to concentrate on my photography.

There are three types of image Will is looking for when capturing wildlife and pets:

Firstly, I try to capture candid images that show behaviour. Wh

LINK:	https://presscentre.sony.eu/pressreleases/photography-in-todays-world-...
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