Alexis Gaurin
Landscape | Last Updated: November 21, 2021
My name is Alexis Gaurin. I am thirty years old and I have taken pictures since 2015. Everything was begging to be captured during a road trip along on the west coast of the USA. These amazing landscapes of America have inspired in me the need to capture the beauty of nature.
Today, I shoot mostly landscapes, especially seascape, architecture and cityscapes. I try to create cinematographic ambiance with high contrasts and dark scenes.
Main Gear Talk
My first full frame camera was a Nikon D610 with two great lenses, a Nikon 24-70/f2.8 and the Nikon 70-200/f/4. It was a great set up but the hybrid camera invaded the market and I moved on to the Sony system. Today, I know that I made the right decision and my gear is perfect for my universe.
Cameras
Sony Alpha 7R III – I gave up my full frame Nikon three years ago and I now use the Sony Alpha 7R III, for its dynamic range, high resolution, the ability to watch the final result in the viewfinder, the efficient autofocus and its compactness.
The crop mode is an interesting feature to increase the range of your lens without making your bag heavy. All buttons can be preprogrammed and you can optimise these settings in a function that suits your workflow.
All of these points made me choose Sony, especially the R series. The features of this new technology are game-changers making it the perfect tool for me.
Lenses
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master – My main purpose is to shoot landscape, architecture and lifestyle. I prefer all-in-one lenses because in difficult situations, it is often dangerous to change lenses with the threat of dust on the sensor or on the lens.
So if I take only one, it must be the best and the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master is a natural choice. It is ultra sharp and excellent through the entire range of the lens. The bokeh is smooth and the starburst is great due to its 11-rounded blades.
Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master – This telephoto lens is the best that I have tried. The range is comfortable and the aperture is enough for all my practices.
I use it for close landscape pictures like mountains, minimalistic images or portraits and animals. Colors and sharpness are excellent and the bokeh is smooth.
Bags/Straps
Lowepro Whistler 350 AW – This bag is comfortable, spacious for gear, and there is a great pocket in the front that allows you to take spares or shoes for example. Just a real sturdy bag.
Tripods
Gitzo G4553S + Arca Swiss Z1dp – This is a tripod which will follow me all my life as it is strong, compact, reliable and maintainable. In every condition you can take pictures with tranquility. The Arca Swiss ball head allows panoramic images with the dual panoramic feature.
Filters
The Nisi S5 100mm system is very efficient. I use a polarised filter whenever there is water, a ND64 for sunrise/sunset, a ND1000 (+ND64) in the middle of the day and GND filter to correct the dynamic of the sky.
Others Accessories – Peak Design Capture V3, L-plate, Sony NPFZ100, Peak Design Cuff, Pholsy Remote, Blowing Pear and micro fibre cloths.
Hardware & Software
I use both Lightroom and Photoshop, developing my photos mainly in Lightroom and using the advanced features of Photoshop for some images.
Final Words
With my experience I selected my gear to be the most efficient – one ultra wide professional lens, one professional telephoto lens, a solid tripod and my Nisi filters. That’s all! The best gear is the one that does not limit you in your creations. Go out and shoot!
alexisgaurin.com | @alexis_gaurin
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