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Monaris

 

Paola Franqui, known professionally as Monaris, is a renowned street photographer celebrated for her cinematic and emotionally resonant imagery. As a Sony Alpha and Adobe Lightroom Ambassador, she employs a carefully selected array of camera gear to capture fleeting moments with precision and artistry.

Camera Bodies

  • Sony Alpha 7CR: Monaris has adopted the Sony Alpha 7CR as her primary camera. She praises its compactness, versatility, and exceptional image quality, noting that it delivers performance comparable to her Sony Alpha 1. The camera's AI-driven autofocus system and real-time subject tracking have proven invaluable for capturing candid street scenes, especially in dynamic environments like New York City.

Sony Alpha 7Cr

Sony Alpha 7RII

  • Sony Alpha 7R II: Earlier in her career, Monaris utilized the Sony Alpha 7R II, a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera, which contributed to her distinctive style and storytelling approach.

Lenses

  • Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM: This lens is a staple in Monaris's kit, offering a versatile focal length ideal for street photography. Its wide aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and the ability to create a shallow depth of field, enhancing the cinematic quality of her images.

  • Sony FE 85mm f/1.8: Monaris also favors this lens for its ability to produce sharp portraits with beautiful background separation, making it suitable for capturing intimate moments from a distance.

  • Sony FE 55mm f/1.8: This lens provides a natural perspective and is known for its sharpness and compact design, aligning well with Monaris's preference for unobtrusive gear that allows her to blend into her surroundings.

Editing Tools

Monaris relies heavily on Adobe Lightroom for her post-processing workflow. She has developed custom presets over the years to maintain a consistent aesthetic across her work. Notably, she has released the Monaris Cine & Color Preset Pack, which includes presets like "Epiphany," "Retro," and "Nightwalkers," designed to evoke various moods and enhance storytelling in street photography.

Accessories

In collaboration with MIGHTYKILLERS, Monaris has designed the MONARIS_CGD.STRAP, a multifunctional camera strap that can be worn in various configurations, including as a shoulder, neck, cross-body, sling, or wrist strap. The strap features an easy-glide pull ring for quick adjustments and Peak Design anchor links for secure attachment, reflecting her emphasis on both functionality and style.

Monaris's choice of gear underscores her commitment to capturing authentic, emotionally charged moments with clarity and depth. Her equipment selections facilitate a seamless integration into the environments she photographs, allowing her to tell compelling stories through her lens.

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