My name is Laura Zalenga, and I am a conceptual portrait and self-portrait photographer from Germany, living in Rotterdam. Having a degree in architecture led to the very clear, minimalistic visual language of my work, which leaves room for the concept and emotions to be heard without them needing to be loud.

No matter if I shoot a self-portrait or if I am photographing someone else, I try to capture people in a close relation to the world around them. Connection, vulnerability, and introversion are common themes in my imagery, as they are important topics to me personally.

You were one of the first to test the new Alpha 7CR - what were your first impressions and stand out features?

My first thought when holding the Sony Alpha 7CR is that the camera is visually very pleasing. I like its look, feel, and shape which draws away from the usual Alpha 7 series. The rotating screen is also a new addition which I was happy to see added.

My favourite feature though is the AI powered eye autofocus. This probably doesn’t need much explaining: it makes the self-portraits so much easier. But I was also impressed while my photoshoot with the dancers Evan Schwarz and Wouter Vertogen, I started trusting the autofocus so much that I stopped checking on it, and instead allowed myself to fully focus on poses, light and concepts.

Another big favourite of mine is image quality. The combination of 61 megapixels, Sony’s renowned high ISO performance and wide dynamic range is impressive to get in such a small and compact camera. It is the perfect alliance for my type of work and will allow me to take this camera on so many more adventures.

How will those features help the type of photography you do?

To me, the game-changer is that I can bring an incredibly powerful camera, even to hard-to-reach places. Before, I either had to physically suffer from carrying bulky gear, or opt for less capable but portable equipment, compromising on image quality and features.

This camera also gives me the opportunity to create more spontaneously as it is easier to carry everywhere in a small bag. You can just tuck it in and seize the opportunity when roaming in the streets or nature.

As I often shoot self-portraits, I am very excited about the new rotating screen. It gives me the option to not only use the creators-app as a remote control, but additionally to see the camera screen, which gives me extra input and saves me much time spotting ways to improve the image. But also while photographing other people, I often love to explore unusually high or low perspectives, which the flexible screen makes so much easier to do.

The Alpha 7CR aims to provide professional and enthusiast photographers the image quality, operability and autofocus performance they need to carry out their projects, no matter how demanding they are. Do you think it achieves this goal?

Absolutely, and I think it is safe to say that the Alpha 7CR will give photographers one of the most invaluable things: more creative freedom. A smaller, lighter body with powerful specifications to bring the camera anywhere, anytime.

Having this new AI powered autofocus relieves the technical aspect of photography and brings more focus to what cameras can’t do: creative concept, the poses, interpretation of a situation, and communication with the people in the frame.

With such a big resolution you can not only print at any size but also crop an image significantly and be creative in post-production.

Which Sony lens and accessories did you use for your initial test and why?

For my test, I brought my FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA - which is not as compact and optically advanced as the G Master version, but I love the rendition of this lens. I wanted to have the amazing f/1.4 aperture available, while still making full use of the camera being small and lightweight. The reduced size of gear made it possible to also choose a lightweight travel-tripod for my self-portrait shoot. These choices of equipment become even more relevant on longer hikes in nature, when weight and size of baggage starts to matter massively.

The compact equipment also helped when shooting in a neighbourhood, like I did with the flower field. My aim is to not attract people’s attention, which it would with larger gear, making it look like a big production is happening.

I first tested the Alpha 7CR with the additional grip, which worked great. While the shoot with the dancers I used the camera without it, and it still felt quite comfortable. Probably whenever working with heavier lenses, like my favourite lenses the 85mm f/1.4 GM, I will use the grip for balance.

What advice would you give content creators who look up to you and your work?

I wish I had that one magical piece of advice, that will make the difference, but as far as I know, it is indeed a lot of hard work and a good portion of luck. If anything, I wish I would have known earlier, that the doubts and struggles you have, 99% of the people you look up to have had - and probably still have - in some way. Only we live in a world that strives for glamorous perfection more than vulnerable honesty. Looking back at the many people I've met over the years of my career, it also seems like a good balance of doubting your work, as well as believing in it, is crucial. You need to be able to convince people that your art is amazing, but you also need to doubt it enough, to not lean back and stop experimenting and learning.

Any last words?

Imagine the face of my 24-year-old self, if she knew on the day she decided to suddenly become a freelance photographer instead of an architect, that less than 10 years later she would be one of the first photographers worldwide to be asked by Sony to test their new incredible camera. I'm pretty sure she would have laughed for having such unrealistic ideas.

Follow your instinct and passion, struggle through tough times, and don't listen to that inner voice that tries to make you believe you’ll never be good enough.