#CreatorConversations is an AMA (Ask Me Anything) series hosted by @sonyalpha on Instagram. As part of the series, we were joined by conservation photographer and Sony Artisan Cristina Mittermeier. See some of the highlights below and visit the Instagram post for the full AMA. Make sure you’re following @sonyalpha and #CreatorConversations to stay connected.

We are in this together not only as humans, but united with all things living on this planet. – Cristina Mittermeier #CreatorConversations

“How do you feel about documenting this monumental moment in time (ex. abandoned cities, parks, etc.) with stay-at-home mandates in place?” – @autpops

Cristina: “I think this is a silver lining of this horrible pandemic. The fact that nature is getting a chance to heal. I am focusing on my backyard where for the first time in 10 years the herring have returned to spawn. I think each of us needs to document the small miracles of nature so that we are reminded every day after this nightmare is over that we can actually restore health to our planet.”

“How do you strike a balance in your photography and in editing your pictures?” –@leon_kimani

Cristina: “I dedicate 50% of my effort to shooting and the rest to editing and marketing.”

“What do you recommend for photographers who are just starting out?” – @rey_azul_celeste

Cristina: “I spend a lot of time understanding the equipment. Learn how to operate it in and out. Find something you love to photograph and become an expert at it. Look at the work of photographers you like and study their technique.”

“What is your preferred Sony camera and lens combo?” – @adam_bokfi

Cristina: “These days I am shooting with the Sony α7R IV and the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master is my favorite lens.”

“What do you think is the greatest challenge facing conservation today? What role can photography have in changing this?” – @rachel.halp

Cristina: “The greatest challenge is the lack of understanding. People are still unaware of how dire the situation is with climate change and biodiversity loss.”

“What technique/equipment do you use to land those crazy underwater shots?” – @a.smeljov

Cristina: “I use my Sony cameras in an underwater housing. High ISO, fast shutter speed and some good luck.”

“In this time of uncertainty, we fear not only for our incomes that have stopped until further notice but also an unbalanced earth. What is your best advice to recover focus and feel creative again?” – @sweetocean

Cristina: “This is an amazing question. I think we need to focus on recalibrating our economic systems. With the uncertainty of how long this pandemic will last that may seem like a long way away, but we will emerge from this pandemic, just as humanity has always done. As economic systems kick back in gear, we must demand that they not leave people behind for the sake of profit and we must demand that our government provides adequate health services to every citizen. I cannot tell you who to vote for, but I think we need to look at political candidates in every country that are thinking about a better future and not just the bottom line.”

“Do you shoot all your pictures in RAW? What tools do you generally use for the post processing?” – @asiifkhaan

Cristina: “I shoot everything in uncompressed RAW and then use Lightroom for post-processing.”

See the full AMA here.