Alpha Universe Podcast (Alpha Universe Podcast)

On today’s show, guest host Chris Orwig continues his series of conversations with creative colleagues, friends and mentors. Chris is joined by fellow photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery, Colby Brown as they talk about how coronavirus travel restrictions are affecting Colby’s work and professional life and the positives that are coming out of this unique time in our history.

Colby Brown is constantly in motion. The landscape], travel and humanitarian photographer is on the road for more than half the year. In addition to being a professional shooter, Colby also keeps an active website with detailed gear reviews and he had an opportunity to test the new Sony a7R IV with the Sony 200-600mm G lens in Alaska. AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson caught up with Colby when they were both in New York for the a7R IV launch event. Having had a chance to use the new camera in demanding conditions, he shares what he learned and why the camera is going to be his next go-to.

Alpha Universe Editor Christopher Robinson connects with Sony’s El Deane Naude about the new a6400. The latest 24.2 megapixel APS-C camera has Real Time Tracking AF, 4K video, and a flip-up touchscreen.

El-Deane explains the ins and outs of the new AF system, what Real Time Tracking AF is and how it incorporates advancements in tracking Eye AF, as well as some of the features that vloggers in particular will be interested in.

“We've come to a point where the technology allows itself to be put onto smaller cameras as well as full-frame cameras. So essentially, this is taking most of the features that you’ll find on a camera like the α7 III or even some features from the a9 and putting it into an ultra-compact APS-C body.”

See more at AlphaUniverse.com 

In this episode of the podcast, AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson speaks with photographer, writer and international man of mystery, Kishore Sawh, Editor-In-Chief of SLR Lounge. Based in Miami, Kish is also a devoted dog lover and, when he's not writing about trends in photography or making pictures, Kish works with a variety animal rescue organizations including PetsInDistress.

In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude explains the ins and outs of the Sony Live View Display Setting Effect.

We get some Do This Now tips from Kish for photographers who are looking to up their writing game to be multi-faceted story tellers.

See more at AlphaUniverse.com

In this episode of the Alpha Universe podcast we connect with landscape photographer and Alpha Collective member Nate Luebbe (@nateinthewild) about NFTs. In Tech Talk we take a look at a feature in some Sony cameras that allows you to make huge image files up to 240 megapixels. Then we get some Do This Now tips from Nate Luebbe for taking your first steps into the world of NFTs.

Here are links to Nate Luebbe’s NFT’s on Open Sea HERE and on  Foundation HERE.

Also, in our interview, Nate and Christopher talked about fellow Alpha Collective member Cath Simard’s recent NFT drop on Super Rare. You can see more about it our article HERE.

One of the early adopters of NFTs was JN Silva. See more about his projects HERE. 

In this special episode of the Alpha Universe Podcast, we’re taking a look into the motion picture side of content creation. During the coronavirus shutdowns that have halted film and television production in Southern California, SonyCine.com editor Jeff Berlin interviewed cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw. Maddox, who has worked on Fox’s Empire series as well as the FX series Snowfall and Netflix’ s Huge In France (see all of his credits on IMDB), has been taking the time away from production to study cinema from around the world and to exchange ideas with small groups of friends and colleagues online.

This is the first time we’ve had an opportunity to feature an interview with a leading Hollywood DP on the podcast. It’s an opportunity to get a glimpse into that world during this strange and challenging time. Jeff Berlin connected with Maddox remotely for this interview.

You can see more about Maddox at SonyCine.com. Subscribe to the Alpha Universe Podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode of was produced in conjunction with Jeff Berlin and SonyCine.com.

This Alpha Universe Podcast is all about lenses. AlphaUniverse.com's Christopher Robinson speaks with Lensrentals founder and all around optical mad scientist, Roger Cicala to talk about what makes a great lens and a proper lens review.

We connect with Sony's El-Deane Naude to get the inside story on what makes a G Master lens a G Master.

And Roger Cicala comes back to offer up some Do This Now Tips  about how to clean a lens the right way.

On today’s show, guest host Chris Orwig continues his series of conversations with creative colleagues, friends and mentors. Chris is joined by the ever thoughtful adventure photographer and filmmaker Ben Moon. Chris and Ben talk about getting to where you’re going by pointing your compass at what’s important to you and discovering the sometimes hidden opportunities that lay upon that path and about dealing with the unique challenges presented by the coronavirus.  

See more about Chris Orwig and Benn Moon at alphauniverse.com

Christopher Robinson, editor of AlphaUniverse.com speaks with music photographer Chad Wadsworth about how he photographs in and around festivals, concerts and music shows big and small.

In Tech Talk, Mark Weir joins us to explain the ins and outs of Hybrid Autofocus technology and the Sony Hybrid Autofocus systems.

Chad Wadsworth also offers his number one Do This Now tip to improve your concert and music festival photography.

Chris Burkard had a chance to use the Sony α7R III prior to its introduction. Taking advantage of this special opportunity, Burkard along with fellow Sony Artisan Of Imagery Renan Ozturk took the camera on a whirlwind project through the desert southwest. In this special episode of the Alpha Universe podcast, we spoke with Burkard on the eve of the camera’s global launch to find out why it’s going to be his new workhorse camera.

On today’s Alpha Universe Podcast we’re doing something new. Over the coming weeks, portrait photographer and Sony Artisan Of Imagery Chris Orwig will be an occasional guest host of the podcast. Orwig will be interviewing his friends, mentors and colleagues to talk about what they are doing to move forward in these days of social distancing and isolation. In the first in this mini series, Orwig talks with Caroline Jensen. See more about Chris Orwig and Caroline Jensen in the show notes at AlphaUniverse.com.

Alpha Universe editor Christopher Robinson speaks with timelapse cinematographer Drew Geraci. In Tech Talk, we’ll rundown some camera setup tips for shooting timelapse. And finally we’ll wrap up with Drew Geraci sharing his top tip for aspiring timelapse movie makers in Do This Now.

Drew Geraci is a timebending cinematographer who has built a vast library of work that includes everything from captivating commercials for Cartier to breathtaking timelapse captures across the Alps and the Grand Canyon to the mesmerizing opening sequence to Netflix’s House of Cards. Drew is here to talk about the technology of timelapse, his surprising revelation about the new Sony Alpha 1, and the processing power he uses to produce his latest projects.

See more about Drew at alphauniverse.com and subscribe to his  YouTube channel HERE.

Alpha Universe sits down with landscape professionals Don Smith and Gary Hart to discuss the new Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master and the Sony 12-24mm f/4 G lenses. Smith and Hart have been using the pair of wide-angle zooms and we find out their impressions of how the lenses perform.

Today we’re running a special show for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Guest host Chris Orwig interviews conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier. Cristina is a co-founder of Sea Legacy and she has made it her life’s mission to use her images to help empower indigenous peoples and to bring attention to the natural world and convert apathy into action.

See more about Cristina Mittermeier and Chris Orwig at AlphaUniverse.com.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson speaks with the Eyenamics duo, Garrette and Amber Baird, about wedding videography and photography. In Tech Talk, El Deane Naude explains more about Sony's unique 4K capabilities. Then Garrette and Amber return with Do This Now tips to take your wedding work to the next level.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson speaks with veteran sports photojournalist and portrait pro, Patrick Murphy-Racey about his #2042020 project, the lost craft of shooting in black and white and why he was driven to do more than binge-watch Tiger King during the national coronavirus shutdown.

In Tech Talk, we’ll explain how to set up a Sony Alpha mirrorless camera to shoot in black and white.

And for photographers who want to make "seeing" and shooting in black and white second nature, Patrick Murphy-Racey has some Do This Now tips. 

See more about camera setup, shooting in black and white, Patrick Murphy-Racey and the #2042020 project at AlphaUniverse.com. 

As Sony unveils one of the most highly-anticipated cameras of all time, AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson sits down with photojournalist Patrick Murphy-Racey who had the opportunity to use the a9 out in the wild. Patrick explains his favorite features why the camera is poised to leapfrog pro DSLRs.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson speaks with travel writer and photographer Erin Sullivan, founder of the immensely popular Erin Outdoors blog and member of the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude explains the ins and outs of face detection in Sony cameras. And Erin Sullivan returns with some Do This Now tips about how you can be a global adventure traveler.

Photojournalist and portrait photographer Paul Gero joins Alpha Universe editor Christopher Robinson to talk about his Portraits In The Time Of Corona project. Shooting pictures from the porch to adhere to social distancing guidelines, Gero is creating a unique look at life in his small mid-western town during this unprecedented time. 

We also walk you through the how to set up your Sony Alpha or RX camera to livestream. The setup is easy and the step up in image quality from your computer webcam is stunning.

As he's making portraits from the porch, Gero has to work very fast. His background as a newspaper photographer trained him to do that. Gero offers up some Do This Now tips to getting the shot quickly.

We sit down with Pulitzer-prize-winning photographer and Sony Artisan Of Imagery, Brian Smith. As one of the most accomplished photographers of his generation, Smith’s photographs have appeared on countless magazine covers, ad campaigns around the world, newspapers and more. We talk with Brian about how his career began as a sports photographer, his early conversion to Sony cameras and lenses, and how he approaches portraits, especially celebrity portraits.

In Tech Talk, we speak with Sony’s Mark Weir about lens technology and the many complex steps that go into creating a great lens.

In our Do This Now segment, Brian Smith returns with his tips to help you become a better portrait photographer.

Sony's Michaela Ion and Alpha Universe editor Christopher Robinson discuss the just-launched Alpha Female program and how it aims to level the playing field for women in creative fields. At the heart of the program are $25,000 and mentoring from the Sony Artisans Of Imagery. Join us as Ion describes how Alpha Female came into being and how you can apply for the  Find out more at alphauniverse.com/alpha-female

Christopher Robinson, editor of AlphaUniverse.com sits down with renowned New York street photographer Vivienne Gucwa. They discuss the unlikely path she took to becoming a photographer, her love of shooting in extreme conditions and her once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the Arctic where she was limited to just a Sony α7R II and 24-70mm G Master lens. Vivienne also talk about the ins and outs of social media for photographers and how her career has flourished through social media.

In Tech Talk, Sony’s Mark Weir describes the lesser-known advantages of Sony mirrorless camera and lens design.

Our Do This Now tip comes from Vivienne Gucwa to help beginning photographers jump start their craft.

Alpha Universe editor Christopher Robinson connects with travel writer and photographer turned macro world shooter, Erin Sullivan (@erinoutdoors). In Tech Talk, we’ll go through of the best camera settings for macro photography. And we get some Do This Now tips from Erin Sullivan for anyone looking to create their own macro world in quarantine. 

Erin Sullivan is frequently on the move. When the coronavirus lockdowns started in March and travel became impossible, she got creative and brought the outdoors indoors. Erin purchased some HO- and N-scale model railroad figures and, within the confines of her apartment, she started to craft macro scenes. Through her macro lens, Erin created places where she could let her mind wander and explore. Through the hashtag #ourgreatindoors she invited her community and the whole world to come along on a journey during quarantine. The idea has caught on in a big way and Erin has been featured on television, online and in print. We spoke from our respective coronavirus home offices over Skype.

See more including our step by step camera setup guide for macro at alphauniverse.com.

With the 2019 Major League season just underway, pro sports photographer and new Artisan Of Imagery, Jean Fruth joins AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson to talk about photographing the action on and off the diamond. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude gives us insight into the extended battery life in the latest generation of Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. Then Jean Fruth returns to offer up some of her top tips for photographers who are want to capture all of the action on the baseball field this spring and summer.

Editor of AlphaUniverse.com, Christopher Robinson speaks with National Geographic photographer Ira Block about photo essays in an Instagram world. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude explains how Eye AF works and how to set it up on your camera. And Ira Block offers some Do This Now tips for getting National Geographic-caliber photos.

Prior to its release, wedding pro Robert Evans had a chance to use the Sony α7 III, doing what he does. We sat down with Evans to talk about how the camera works and why he says "it's the perfect cameras for wedding photographers."

Before its early June release, Katrin Eismann had a chance to use the new Sony RX100 VI around the streets of New York. AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson sits down with Eismann at her School of Visual Arts office in New York to learn more about her approach to street photography and why the new RX100 VI is such a powerful camera for capturing life in the city.

In a special edition of the Alpha Universe Podcast, we talk about the new a6500 with a photographer who had one in hand for several weeks prior to its unveiling

Sony Artisan Of Imagery Patrick Murphy Racey sat down with Alpha Universe Podcast host Christopher Robinson about the using the a6500 for a range of sporting events. Prior to its public announcement, Patrick had the camera for several weeks and he photographed everything from football to volleyball and even a drag race as he evaluated how the camera would perform. In this special edition of the Alpha Universe Podcast we get his impressions of the new APS-C flagship camera.

Christopher Robinson, editor of AlphaUniverse.com speaks with The Nomad Filmmaker, Brandon Li. We talk about his film, Hong Kong Strong and how he works around the world without a permanent address. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El-Deane Naude explains some of the key benefits of shooting in 4K no matter what your final output. Then Brandon Li has a Do This Now tip for anyone who has dreams of picking up and living where your creative whims take you.

In 2017, Sony created Kando Trip to be a special retreat where the Sony Artisans Of Imagery and the Alpha Imaging Collective could step back from their hectic lives and spend a few days pushing their creative boundaries. In 2018, for Kando Trip 2.0, members of the public were given the opportunity to come and be part of the experience at Asilomar on the Monterey peninsula in California.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson had a chance to sit down with Sony's Matt Parnell at Asilomar to talk about what "Kando" is and how Kando Trip 2.0 was made to create creative synergy and give the photographers and filmmakers a chance to explore the power of "Wow!". 

See more at AlphaUniverse.com and follow #sonykandotrip on Instagram.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson sits down with landscape and travel photographer Colby Brown about what it takes to be a successful landscape photographer and about giving back through photography. In Tech Talk, we're joined by Kenta Honjo to learn about the E mount and differences between various Sony lenses. And for our Do This Now we get some tips from Colby Brown for getting landscape photos that stand apart from the crowd.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson speaks with timelapse artist Drew Geraci. Geraci is best known for the opening sequence of the House Of Cards series on Netflix and he describes how that projects came together and he shares his techniques and processes for shooting timelapse. In Tech Talk, El-Deane Naude explains how the time-bending Slow & Quick modes work in the latest Sony cameras. Then Drew returns with his top Do This Now tips to take your timelapse projects to the next level.

In this episode of the Alpha Universe podcast, AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson speaks with landscape and sports photographer Don Smith about his experiences with α7R III in the field. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude explains how Pixel Shift technology in the α7R III works. Then Don Smith returns with Do This Now tips from about how to break out of a creative rut.

You can see more about Don Smith and the Sony α7R III at AlphaUniverse.com.

In this episode of the Alpha Universe podcast, we're talking about the Alpha Female grant program. Alpha Universe Podcast host Christopher Robinson connects with Sony’s Michaela Ion to find out more how to apply for an Alpha Female Plus grant worth more than $8000 in cash and gear.

Now in its fourth year, the Sony Alpha Female Plus program continues to grow and evolve. Throughout 2021 and into 2022, there are some 12 grants available for photographers and filmmakers. You can apply for an Alpha Female Plus grant at alphauniverse.com/alpha-female. You can also see last years’ winners and their projects HERE.

We’re taking deep dive into the new Sony Alpha 7S Mark III with Sony PRO Support National Manager and all-around Sony camera expert, Mike Bubolo. The latest model in the Alpha 7 S lineup is one of the most highly-anticipated cameras since mirrorless technology took over from DSLRs and it’s been purpose-built for video, hybrid shooting and low light. Alpha Universe editor Christopher Robinson connected with Mike Bubolo over Skype to get the inside story on some of the most significant advancements in this new addition to the Sony Alpha lineup.

See more about the Sony A7S III at alphauniverse.com.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson sits down with CameraLabs.com founder Gordon Laing about his book In Camera, how he reviews photo equipment and why he’s on a mission to get photographers to get it right in camera. In Tech Talk, Sony’s Mark Weir explains how electronic viewfinders work and how an EVF gives you an advantage over a reflex viewfinder. And we get some Do This Now tips from Gordon Laing about one of his passions, long-exposure photography.

After a special shoot at a UFC gym north of Los Angeles, Sports professional Patrick Murphy-Racey sat down with Alpha Universe editor Christopher Robinson to talk about the version 5.0 firmware update for the Sony a9 and how the update “makes the camera reborn.” 

See more at AlphaUniverse.com

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson talks with Matt Parnell about Sony's growth from zero a few years ago to be the leader in full-frame interchangeable lens cameras in the US. Parnell and Robinson also discuss the new Be Alpha campaign, the massive reach of the @SonyAlpha community and how the Sony Alpha brand is positioned for the future.

See more about Be Alpha and @SonyAlpha at AlphaUniverse.com and in Instagram.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson speaks with landscape and astro-photographer Rachel Jones Ross. In Tech Talk, we go through a camera setting that changes the game for photography after dark. And we get some Do This Now tips from Rachel Jones Ross for making high-impact astro-photos and astro-landscapes. 

Rachel Jones Ross became a photographer because of astrophotography. Rachel, who is also a member of the Alpha Imaging Collective, takes advantage of long winter nights near her home in the Canadian Rockies to enjoy the solitude and stillness with her camera and the Milky Way.

Rachel is also an avid teacher who has started going all online with her astrophotography workshops during COVID 19. You can sign up for her workshops at her website, astralisphotography.com. 

See more about Rachel and our step by step guide to setting up Bright Monitoring on your camera in the shownotes for this episode at AlphaUniverse.com.

In this episode of the Alpha Universe podcast, Christopher Robinson, editor of AlphaUniverse.com speaks with fine art photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery Brooke Shaden about her new book, Reflection. 

Brooke Shaden is one of the most inspiring artists working with a camera today. To call her work simply self portraits barely scratches the surface and only hints at the layers with each image. She is a Sony Artisan of Imagery for whom the photographs she takes with camera and lens just mark the beginnings of her process. In her book, Reflection, Brooke has assembled a collection of her work and organized it thematically. We spoke about the book, how it came about and her interest in exploring dark themes.

The Alpha Universe Podcast is part of the Alpha Universe Podcast Network. See more at alphauniverse.com/podcasts

Sony's Michaela Ion joins AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson to talk about Alpha Female 2.0. We learn about the prize package, mentorship, how you can apply and why the program matters.

See how to apply at AlphaUniverse.com/alpha-female/

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson speaks with National Geographic photographer and filmmaker, Bob Krist about his transition from still photography to being a 4K motion picture story teller. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude explains the processes and best practices for pulling a still frame from 4K video. And we get some Do This Now tips from Bob Krist for shooting National Geographic-caliber travel videos.

Alpha Universe editor Christopher Robinson speaks with pro portrait photographer and educator Chris Orwig. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Naude explains the difference between Sony Eye AF and Real Time Tracking AF technologies. And we get some simple, and powerful Do This Now tips from Chris Orwig for lighting portraits. See more in the shownotes at AlphaUniverse.com.

Special guest Matt Parnell from Sony joins AlphaUniverse.com's Christopher Robinson to talk about what Kando means, the power of "Wow" and how Kando Trip 3.0 was born. At this unique multi-day event in Sunriver Oregon, hundreds of photographers, YouTubers, filmmakers and other creatives are immersed in dawn to night workshops and special shooting opportunities.     

Alpha Universe Editor Christopher Robinson sits down with Sony’s El Deane Naude to talk through the new a7R IV. The new high-resolution mirrorless camera has a new 61 megapixel full-frame image sensor, 16-image Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, Real Time Tracking and Animal Eye AF, Real Time Eye AF in video mode and more.

El-Deane walks us through the new features and capabilities for today’s photographers and filmmakers.

See more at AlphaUniverse.com 

On today’s show, guest host Chris Orwig continues his conversations with mentors, colleagues and friends with the incomparable Chris Burkard. Burkard’s images are well known to his 3.6 million Instagram followers, but there’s much more to him than just social media.

Chris Burkard’s humility, his humanity and his unwavering dedication to his family make him who he is as a photographer and entrepreneur. In the midst of the coronavirus shutdowns, as he saw his business come to a complete and sudden halt, Chris Burkard has been looking to the future and what’s on the horizon.

See more about Chris Orwig here. See more about Chris Burkard here. You can join Chris Burkard's 3.6 Instagram followers here. 

EXCLUSIVE: AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson talks with professional sports photographer and Sony Artisan Of Imagery Patrick Murphy-Racey about the new Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master lens. Murphy-Racey had a chance to use the lens on the sidelines and he describes it’s performance and how it worked in conjunction with his α9 cameras.

See more including Patrick Murphy-Racey's photos from the game at AlphaUniverse.com.

New York street photographer and Instagram star Jose Silva talks with AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson about building a following, keeping up with trends and what it means to be a professional Instagram photographer today. In Tech Talk, Sony's Kenta Honjo explains how to get photos from your camera uploaded to social media in real time. And Jose Silva gives his Do This Now advice for growing your Instagram following fast. 

Conservation photographer and Sony Artisan Of Imagery Cristina Mittermeier talks with AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson about making a difference for the environment with photography. In Tech Talk, Sony's El-Deane Naude explains how white balance works in Sony cameras and best practices for setting your white balance. And Cristina Mittermeier offers up Do This Now tips on prime lenses and how to hone your visual story-telling skills.     

Christopher Robinson, editor of AlphaUniverse.com speaks with photographer and member of the Alpha Imaging Collective, Oscar Nilsson about the enduring power and allure of landscape photography and the Art Rangers project to help preserve and protect our national parks. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude explains how some of the advancements in the new Sony α7R III that improve image quality. And we get some Do This Now tips from Oscar Nilsson about how you can make a difference with your photography.

Christopher Robinson, editor of AlphaUniverse.com, speaks with multi-talented photographer and Sony Alpha imaging Collective member, Dave Krugman. We discuss his love of vintage lenses, how he works to be a well-rounded and diverse photographer and how he developed a business leveraging Instagram and other social media platforms. In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude explains how Sony cameras capture 6K video footage to create 4K output. Then we get a Do This Now tip from Dave Krugman to help you boost your social media presence.

Everyone wants to be a story teller, and few do it as well as photojournalist Nancy Borowick. She's the kind of photographer who reveals the heart of a story through incredibly intimate photos. AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson talks with Nancy about her shooting style and how it was born out of a personal project that she didn't originally intend to share. In Tech Talk, Sony's Amy Koppmann explains how to use lens stabilization in conjunction with camera stabilization. And we get some Do This Now tips from Nancy Borowick for photographers who want to do the kind of photojournalistic story telling that she’s famous for.

AlphaUniverse.com editor Christopher Robinson connects with Hollywood set photographer Jennifer Clasen. Born into a photography family, Clasen didn't simply follow in her father’s footsteps. We discuss how a global gap-year trek she took during college kindled her love of making photographs and how twists and turns along her path  brought her to independent film set and began a career shooting behind the rolling cameras.

In Tech Talk, Sony’s El Deane Naude explains how high-speed silent shooting works in the Sony α7R III.

Jennifer Clasen offers up Do This Now tips about how to break into the multi-faceted realm of TV and feature production photography.