Fly high above the Southern Alps of New Zealand with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller
Based in Queenstown, New Zealand, Stefan Haworth is a Sony Digital Imaging Ambassador specialising in action, sports and travel photography. However, his passion lies in exploring the great outdoors in his backyard and beyond.
IG: @stefan_haworth
Flying amongst the Southern Alps of New Zealand is a breathtaking adventure that offers unparalleled views of the stunning alpine landscape. It’s an absolute dream for many photo-enthusiasts as well as professionals.
What’s in my backpack
Capturing this once-in-a-lifetime journey with the Sony Alpha 7CR, equipped with the two G-master lenses; the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lenses that proved to be a masterstroke. These two lenses offered a perfect blend of diversity, allowing for both detailed, close-up shots of the mountain's intricate features, and expansive, wide-angle views of scenes like the sunrise over Mount Aspiring.
Must-see attractions and highlights
Mount Aspiring is a sharp mountain top that dominates the scene surrounded by glaciers and big cliffs that loom over the Matukituki River. The first light’s glow upon this peak was easily one of my favourite photos. The fast F2.8 aperture of these lenses played a crucial role, as it was still challenging with bumps and low light scenes. In the low light conditions experienced, a slower aperture like F4 would have posed a significant challenge even with amazing ISO. With the versatility of the F2.8 lenses, I was able to adapt to the rapidly changing lighting conditions and capture the essence of this majestic landscape in all its glory. As the last thing you want to do is land and realise some images are blurry from turbulence.
Weather, climate and shooting conditions
You can’t always guarantee the wing strut and wheel won’t get in the way of your framing so having the zoom helps navigate obstructions and snap an opportunity when it arises. It saves cropping in post and losing valuable pixels. Don’t forget to also embrace it and make the window part of your framing too.
Treated with an open window was great without glass reflection, but at that altitude the temperature was a bitterly cold -10 degrees Celsius. Make sure you don’t forget your gloves and have everything strapped in, you don’t want to lose your camera or loose items of clothing. Even take off your lens hood as that can get ripped off if you lean out the window.
The biggest importance when flying is preparation, making sure your SD cards are empty and lenses are clean. You can’t go back and reframe your photo with ease in an aeroplane. Having a responsive camera is just as vital. The Sony Alpha 7CR proves to be an ideal companion in these situations, boasting a remarkable burst shooting capability of up to 8 frames-per-second. This high FPS rate allows for capturing a rapid sequence of shots in quick succession, ensuring no moment is missed amidst the breathtaking landscapes and fleeting lighting conditions of aerial photography. Moreover, the advanced autofocus system of the Alpha 7CR ensures sharp and precise focus even in fast-paced, dynamic environments, allowing photographers to seize every detail with confidence and clarity.
Embark on your adventures like an Alpha Traveller
I’d highly recommend exploring the Southern Alps from the air if you really enjoy photography. Go capture a sunrise on your Sony Alpha 7CR where first rays of light paint the peaks and valleys with a warm, golden hue. If you’re lucky you may even land the plane on the glacier!
Read more on Stefan’s journey around New Zealand.
Navigating the Majestic Mt. Cook with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller
