Ippei & Janine (@ippei.janine) are a Tokyo-based photographer couple, specializing in cinematic and emotive wedding, engagements, maternity, newborn and outdoor lifestyle photography. In their work they try to make the best of available light in order to create storytelling documentary photography. Their work has been published in dozens of global media publications and countless advertising campaigns. Ippei and Janine are also Sony Xperia ambassadors. See more about the Sony gear they include in their photography bag.

See the cameras and lenses this pro duo uses for dynamic and cinematic photos of wedding, engagements and more (at least one item might surprise you).

Cameras

Sony Alpha 1: This camera became our main workhorse as soon as we got our hands on it (the day of its release!). Previously our main workhorse was the combo of the Alpha 9 series and the Alpha 7R IV, and we longed for a camera that combined the strengths of Alpha 9 series and Alpha 7R series in one package.

We place importance on capturing fleeting facial expressions, and Alpha 1's outstanding speed and accuracy of the AF-C has never failed us. Actually we never thought there would be a camera that would be better than the Alpha 9 series in this regard, but here we are! As we prefer to make the most of available light (it's an important element for our candid storytelling style), the dynamic range of the Alpha 1 is nothing short of amazing, even in low light scenes. The big clear viewfinder also lets us enjoy the shooting process even more than before. The Alpha 1 took the silent shooting capability to another level with the even faster sensor readout speed. We find that this feature helps to capture genuine expressions as even camera-shy subjects can be more relaxed and less conscious of the camera.

Engagement in the rain, Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Ippei and Janine. Sony α1. Sony 50mm f/1.4. 1/250-sec., f/1.4, ISO 800

Sony Alpha 9: With a shoot that requires both of us shooting, the Alpha 9 is a great, reliable second camera. Even though it's not our main workhorse any more, we still like its more compact and lighter package. The smaller file size makes it sometimes more suitable depending on the type of project. Alpha 9 was the reason why we could never go back to a camera with slow sensor readout speed in silent shutter mode.

A breezy fall moment, Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Ippei and Janine. Sony α9. Sony 50mm f/1.4. 1/125-sec., f/1.4, ISO 250

Sony Xperia 1 III: This smartphone camera has been a game changer. Even though we don't use this smartphone camera for professional work, we've been using it to document our family adventures as a compact camera that is always with us. We seldom take a tele zoom lens with Alpha 1/Alpha 9 for our adventures due to its size and weight, so we've been refreshingly enjoying a different perspective from Xperia’s new tele lenses without adding any extra weight to our bag (Xperia 1 III stays in our pocket!).

The mist added a magical element to this ancient pilgrimage trail, Kumano Kodo, Japan. Photo by Ippei and Janine. Sony Xperia 1 III. 105mm. 1/25-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100

Sony RX0 II: We got this super tiny camera just recently to take underwater images in a more casual way. We used to use our Sony Alpha camera with underwater housing for snorkeling, but it was far too bulky and because of that we tended not to take it with us for sea-kayaking or spearfishing, and missed some great underwater moments.

We have only shot with this camera once, but it's so incredibly tiny that you can take it with you anywhere. The 1-inch sensor is much more capable than we expected, and also the tilting screen is very handy when shooting underwater.

Healthy coral thriving in Southern Japan. Photo by Ippei and Janine. Sony RX0 II. 24mm. 1/400-sec., f/4, ISO 125

Lenses

Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master: We think this lens together with the Alpha 1 is a match made in heaven! We simply love the 50mm focal length, and it’s been always essential to have an outstanding 50mm for our work. Previously the Sony 50mm f/1.4 ZA was our main workhorse which we loved and used for many years, but this new 50mm GM took it to another level in every respect. We love its rendering, bokeh and AF speed. As we also enjoy low light photography, the aperture of f/1.2 is also a welcome upgrade from the 50ZA. Needless to say, the size and the weight of the 50mm GM is impressive for an f/1.2 lens!

Personal branding client shoot, Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Ippei and Janine. Sony α1. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/250-sec., f/1.2, ISO 640

Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master: When it comes to outdoor lifestyle and adventure photography, 24mm is our focal of choice, and this fast yet compact 24mm GM is our go-to lens. Besides its outstanding optical quality, the compact size and light weight of this 24mm GM is also a big advantage, since we always want to go as lightweight as possible when exploring nature because we often have many other things to carry (as other parents of young children would know!).

A rare quiet moment. Tokashiki Island, Japan. Photo by Ippei and Janine. Sony α7R III. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/5000-sec., f/1.4, ISO 100

Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master: It's not often that we use 35mm focal but it's our go-to lens when we cannot decide between 24mm and 50mm or if we can take just one lens. Just like the other recent fast GM prime lenses, this 35mm GM is also optically superb while being so compact and light for a f/1.4 lens, which we really appreciate.

Sunset hangout at the local park. Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Ippei and Janine. Sony α9. Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/3200-sec., f/1.4, ISO 100

Sony 20mm f/1.8 G: When the 24mm GM is not quite wide enough, this fast 20mm is the solution for us when we are out exploring, including caves and dense jungles. Getting close to the subject while including the surroundings gives a cinematic and storytelling perspective that engages viewers into feeling that fleeting moment. 

We also often go packrafting with our daughter, and this ultra wide lens is great to capture our daughter's expression. Even though it's an ultra wide lens, we love that it has the ability to isolate the subject.

A sure way to get smiles from this girl is to put her in a packraft and go down rapids! Photo by Ippei and Janine. Sony α1. Sony 20mm f/1.8 G. 1/6400-sec., f/1.8, ISO 100

Accessories

Battery Grips: We tend to go as light as possible, and our accessories are a testament to that. However, battery grips are rather essential for us. We often have photoshoots that mainly ask for vertical format so these battery grips are great for steadier handling. They also balance the cameras very well and allow us to forget about changing the batteries. 

LED Lights: These pocketable LED lights can come in handy. Even though we prefer to shoot just with available light, sometimes it's inevitable to use fill light.

Peak Design Straps: These are reliable and easy to attach and detach.

See more of Ippei and Janine’s work on Instagram @ippei.janine.

Purchase the Xperia 1 III here.