Sony Alpha cameras and lenses deliver awe-inspiring imagery, preserving the invaluable moments that we experience on our journeys. In this Alpha Traveller series, follow our globetrotters as they set off to explore and discover the wonders of the world.

With higher resolution, a fast AutoFocus (AF) system, and Creative Look settings, the Sony Alpha 7 IV is the perfect camera for turning simple snapshots into artistic masterpieces. For photographer Bong Hasung (@bongtographer_), these features were especially eye-catching for travel photography. With the Alpha 7 IV by his side, he set off on an unforgettable adventure to capture the majestic landscape of the vast Gobi Desert in Mongolia.

Having previously set foot in Mongolia twice, Bong knew what he wanted to showcase to his viewers. "As there are few buildings or objects located in the area, I wanted to focus on the natural beauty and the semi-arid grandiosity of the Gobi Desert. This includes taking photos of the vast grasslands and sand, as well as the bright stars of the Milky Way," said Bong. Read on to learn more about Bong's creative direction in bringing the Gobi Desert to frame.

During the planning phase, Bong felt that the best way to journey through the Gobi Desert was with a group. "Through Instagram, I connected with other like-minded people who were interested in visiting Mongolia. Although we were strangers at first, we shared our love for photography and a desire to experience the unique serenity of the Gobi Desert. We chose to venture through the central route as it was the most fulfilling, with many sights to see along the way," he said.

For a more authentic experience, Bong and his companions chose to travel via a Russian-made van known as a Furgon. "As our makeshift base, the Furgon provided an efficient means of navigating Mongolia's off-road terrain, allowing us to capture some breathtaking views of the desert. Beyond that, riding in it was such a thrilling experience - giving us all a chance to share in the action and grow closer together as we ventured off into the unknown."

Of all the photos taken, two that stood out the most were silhouettes of him and his travel buddies taken amidst the setting sun. "The first photo was of me doing my signature pose with a crescent moon in the background. After taking the photo, I noticed my companions walking towards the soft orange sky. It was such a beautiful moment that I didn't want to pass up this opportunity to take a photo. Eventually, I gathered several others from the group and had them sit down together before capturing all of them alongside the moon and the sunset. Looking back now, I realise how lucky I was to be in that place at that time with these people. It was as if everything aligned with perfect serendipity."

Bong's choice of the Sony Alpha 7 IV was due to its many features that take the characteristics of its predecessor, the Alpha 7 III, to the next level. "The camera's swivelling LCD screen allows me to see the subjects when I'm shooting at high or low angles and is clear enough to look at, even during the intense daytime. And with the improved AF feature, no details are left out of focus. Not to mention, the Creative Look settings allow me to add a touch of colour to the photos and play around with the mood and feel of my snaps," Bong explained.

His camera is accompanied by a diverse range of zoom lenses to account for different shooting situations. "For everyday shots, I usually rely on the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens, which has a new aperture ring and improved resolution for clearer photos. Besides that, I also brought the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens, which is versatile enough to take beautiful shots of the Milky Way at night. Lastly, the lightweight FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens is perfect for capturing dramatic landscapes without straining my wrists."

Even with the excitement of exploring Mongolia behind him, Bong looks forward to more adventures and connecting with other travel photographers. "If there is one thing I enjoy more than anything else, it is going outside my comfort zone to take photos of unique sights and travel experiences for me to cherish," said Bong.

One piece of advice Bong gives to aspiring travel photographers is to take time to study the right angles. "There are a lot of scenarios you'll encounter during your travels. Before clicking the shutter, it's best to study which angles are perfect for capturing certain moments at their best. For me, I frequently used low angle shooting as there were little to no buildings or objects in the desert. In some situations, I would adjust the angles, like shooting from above ground to portray a spectacular view of the vast landscapes."