Picture an urban setting with people interacting within their environment. This is no ordinary scene to Tavepong Pratoowong. In his eyes, people are his protagonists and every street corner is a potential venue for excitement to unfold. In Tavepong’s street photography, the ordinary street turns into extraordinary. Read on to find out how our Sony Alpha system keeps Tavepong at the top of his game.

What does street photography mean to you?

Street photography to me is about telling a story. In the short time I have on the street, I try to find as many interesting subjects as possible. I lose myself in the moment and just concentrate on the subject. The thrill is in not knowing what I am going to capture. Success is not assured. It requires a lot of effort on my part and the quality of my gear.

What is in your camera bag?

My favourite camera now is the Alpha 7C, paired with the FE 24mm F1.4GM and FE 35mm F1.8. The camera and lens combination is perfect for my style of shooting – compact, lightweight and responsive. In street photography, the perfect moment comes and goes in a blink of an eye.

What are you looking for in a shoot?

I am always looking for opportunities for a great shot. This is a combination of an interesting subject, good lighting and a great background. Luck plays a part, but hard work creates its own luck if you know what I mean. It’s been said that you will miss 100% of the shots that you did not point your camera to shoot. I draw inspiration from this quote and try to be alert to seek opportunities and create my own luck. A good example of what I look for is embodied in the shot below. It has all the qualities that make a good image - great light, great background and a dynamic subject running into the frame. But if I didn’t have my camera ready to shoot, it would have been gone in an instant. Being diligent is a must.

How does Sony’s mirrorless system help you achieve your shots?

A street photographer like me values compactness as it helps me remain discreet, unnoticed and light on my feet. With a compact yet capable camera in hand, I blend into the street and passers-by don’t take a second look at me. Additionally, the silent shutter feature of my Alpha 7C, allows me to document what I see without drawing attention to myself. Without an audible shutter sound, my subjects stay in character when I shoot them. Thanks to the fast Eye AF and 10fps, I can capture unexpected moments with perfect focus. I simply won’t miss a moment.

Overall, how would you describe your experience with Sony?

I would say that I have found an excellent partner in my street photography. Sony Alpha has given me a high-performing, compact and discrete tool that allows me to secure more winning shots than ever before.