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Fashioning his own success - Sony Alpha Professional Su Yi Liang

With more than 30 years of fashion photography experience, renowned Taiwanese photographer, Su Yi Liang has created many iconic images. His relentless pursuit of perfection requires the highest image quality and speed. Read on to find out more.

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What does fashion photography mean to you?

Fashion photography is a complex amalgamation of key fundamentals: concept, technical skill, and an innate curiosity. It requires me to be clear about my photographic purpose and engage in a thought process that involves a keen sense of observation. My photographic mission is to create compelling images by engaging the model or subject. The Sony Alpha camera system helps me accomplish this mission with its great image quality, speed, and extensive lens selection.

Tell us, what's in your camera bag?

I primarily use the Sony Alpha 7R IV and the FE 135mm F1.8 G Master lens. The camera-lens combination feels so comfortable and ergonomic, making it perfect for shooting static or dynamic portraits. I love the Sony Alpha 7R IV for the incredible 61MP resolution it offers, giving me highly detailed files to work with. The FE 135mm F1.8 G Master lens is my favourite lens, as it has an amazing resolving power and is sharp even at a wide-open aperture. Autofocus performance is almost instantaneous and quiet with XD Linear Motor, so I never miss a moment.

What do you look for on a shoot?

Capturing facial expressions and body language is integral to my photography and the most minute changes can make the difference between a good shot and a great shot. I look forward to capturing a deeper insight into my subject’s personality that is not obvious at first. It might present itself in a fleeting moment in their facial expression and body language. I am also very particular about colour. I want it to be accurately represented during the shoot and I’m pleased with what Sony delivers in that area.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 135mm F1.8 GM | 135 mm | 1/200 sec | F14 | ISO 400

How has Sony Alpha’s focusing speed helped you?

I always use the camera’s Real-Time Eye AF function, which allows me to focus quickly and accurately. Regardless of how quickly the model is changing poses, I am assured that the eyes are captured in perfect focus, and with that confidence I can focus my efforts on being more creative. Take this shot of a frozen water splash on the model, for example. Shot at 1/200th sec shutter speed, the Real-time Eye AF effortlessly focused on the eyes – even though the model’s eyes were half closed. The artificial intelligence behind the Eye AF is just amazing. Achieving sharp shots while I am experimenting with new ideas has never been easier.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 135mm F1.8 GM | 135 mm | 1/200 sec | F14 | ISO 400

How has the high image quality benefitted you as a fashion photographer?

I strive to deliver the highest standards in fashion photography. The Sony Alpha 7R IV totally delivers on that front with the high dynamic range and rich shadow details. The camera also captures colours beautifully, which is essential to my story telling.Combined with the FE 135m F1.8 G Master lens, very fine details such as hair and eyelashes are captured with clarity and sharpness. My images may be used in large prints, so these high-resolution images mean that my creations look detailed at any size.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 135mm F1.8 GM | 135 mm | 1/200 sec | F14 | ISO 400

Overall, how would you describe your experience with Sony?

Ultimately, the five fundamentals of the Sony Alpha mirrorless system offer an unparalleled combination of image quality, speed, lens line-up, long battery life, and comfort. I trust Sony to help me realise my vision fully.

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