Guest Author: Caroline Jensen - Sony Alpha Universe
Sony Artisan Caroline Jensen is a fine art floral photographer and flower farmer. Her approach to photography is less about the work created, and more about the feeling while creating it. She views her botanical photography as therapeutic in many ways, and the connection between any form of photography and stress relief is a big part of her work. Jensen is a long-time Sony Alpha user and we connected with her to learn more about the specific gear she uses to make her beautiful fine art floral images. Keep reading as she shares what’s in her bag.
Camera
Sony Alpha 7R V: I use the Sony Alpha 7R V as my primary camera for many reasons, but one of the biggest advantages of this camera is the high resolution. I create images with a lot of detail and the ability to zoom in and make multiple crops from one image is essential in my workflow. My usual method is to create a large arrangement image and then slice and dice it into various crops to string together for a video.
Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G. 1/200-sec., f/16, ISO 320
I have used this camera since its launch and couldn’t be happier! It pairs well with my off-camera lighting and makes images that blow me away with their detail. I rely heavily on the focus system as I often shoot with back button focus with one hand.
I often shoot RAW + Jpeg and love the Jpeg Creative Styles in-camera. I love the IN and Neutral profiles, which I tweaked in the adjustment menu to lower highlights and open shadows. While RAW is awesome, I often find I can make great images with the jpegs in the camera, especially if I am controlling the light and shadows in my studio.
Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/200-sec., f/16, ISO 200
Lenses
Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master: This diminutive lens is perfect for creating larger-than-life images. Its close-focusing ability makes shooting and filling the frame easy, and its small size makes shooting with one hand possible for long shoots. I prefer this lens for days when I will be shooting all day, such a s trip to a botanical garden. I use this lens much like I would a macro and have been very pleased with its resolution and color rendition.
Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/80-sec., f/16, ISO 50
Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G: I have used this lens since its launch, and it holds a special place in my heart. It has been my macro go-to for many years. It has a great build quality, which is important for macro lenses, as they tend to get beat up a lot. This lens tends to be rode hard and put away wet and yet it holds up and continually makes great images. This lens is a bit longer so I usually reserve this lens for situations where I have a light on a stand or I’m shooting with natural light. This lens also opens up the world to true macro and makes the most amazing images of tiny things. This is my go-to lens for insects and fine details.
Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G. 1/250-sec., f/16, ISO 250
Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master: This lens is my rock! I seriously would cry if I didn’t have this lens! I use it for the majority of my images. It has unbeatable sharpness, amazing color rendition, and the dreamiest bokeh ever. It stands out both with flash and in natural lighting conditions. If I had to pick one lens to shoot with for a year, this would be that lens. It rarely leaves my camera and never disappoints! It is equally beautiful whether you are shooting at f/1.2 or f/16.
Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/250-sec., f/16, ISO 64
Accessories
Lighting: I light my images in various ways, but one key lighting set-up I adore is a portable flash and a small umbrella. I often hold these in one hand and shoot with the other so I can maneuver through gardens and shoot in places where a traditional light stand is not practical. Not shown: I occasionally amp this up by using a 400-watt strobe and large umbrella. Recently, I have leaned into smaller and more portable gear.
Sony TOUGH Cards, Sony Card Case, Sony External Hard Drive & Extra Sony Batteries: All of these stay with my gear. I find that the TOUGH Cards are truly stronger and hold up to my abuse which often includes sticky sap and water.
Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G. 1/250-sec., f/18, ISO 125
Flower Snips: I am never without high-quality flower snips! I often make arrangements on a whim and its important to be ready to clip stems.
Antique Flower Frogs: I am OBSESSED with collecting vintage flower frogs. These pin kenzans are my favorite way to secure flowers and I often let this mechanical aspect of my arrangements show in the final images. I usually have several in my bag at all times.
Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/125-sec., f/8, ISO 320
See more of Caroline Jensen’s work on her Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @carolinej.
Learn how to make your own fine art floral images in her free audio course.
Featured in this blog:
Sony a7R V
Sony FE 35mm f1.4 GM
Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
Sony FE 50mm f1.2 GMTo read the original article, click here.
