Editor Note: This post was written by Sony Influencer Dusty Cressey, all text and accompanying images have been used with permission.
For me, a camera has always been my way of capturing the world as I see it—but that vision has evolved over time.
In the beginning, it was all about filming my friends throwing tricks on skis as we chased the dream of becoming professional freestyle skiers. When I stepped away from competition, my camera became my creative outlet—a way to document my backpacking adventures around the world. That period was transformative for me as a photographer. It solidified my love for capturing the natural world, from sprawling landscapes to the vast night sky, and sharing those moments to inspire others to explore.
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Now, more than five years into my career as a professional photographer and creator, those same elements—wild landscapes, the people who explore them, and the wildlife that calls them home—have become the foundation of both my commercial and personal work. But capturing these moments isn’t easy. It requires a camera that can keep up with fast-moving subjects, shifting light, and unpredictable conditions.
Over the past month, I’ve been shooting with the Sony Alpha 9 III, and it’s felt like a huge leap forward—not just another camera in my kit, but a tool that’s expanded what’s possible for me creatively.
When you break it down, the speed, dynamic range, and accuracy of the autofocus are what make this camera stand out.
More often than not, I find myself capturing landscapes at last light, wildlife at dawn, or the northern lights under dark skies—scenarios that demand a lot from a camera. In the past, I’ve run into situations where dynamic range fell short, making it impossible to capture a sunset exactly as I saw it. I’ve missed wildlife shots because the subject was obscured, or the autofocus wouldn’t lock onto its eyes fast enough. These are challenges every photographer faces at some point, but when the moment is fleeting, missing the shot is frustrating.
With the Alpha 9 III, I haven’t had to think about any of that.
Since getting my hands on the Sony Alpha 9 III, I’ve been able to focus entirely on the subject or scene in front of me, without worrying whether my camera will perform. And that makes all the difference.
A camera should enhance the experience of shooting, not take away from it. When I’m out in the wild, I don’t want to be frustrated by missed focus or technical limitations—I want to be fully present in the moment, knowing that what I see in front of me will translate into an image exactly as I envision it.
That’s what this camera does.
Landscapes at blue hour? I can now shoot handheld without worrying about blur, thanks to 5-axis stabilization.
Night sky photography? The dynamic range delivers stunning clarity in star-filled images.
Wildlife in motion? The global shutter ensures every moment is frozen perfectly, no matter how fast it happens.
Where I’ve had to make compromises in the past, the Alpha 9 III has exceeded my expectations. It allows me to shoot exactly the way I’ve always wanted to—leaving me with stronger images and better shooting experiences.
From the way it feels in hand to the way it functions in the field, this camera has consistently impressed me and motivated me to create more.
Like I said in the beginning, a camera has always been my tool of choice to capture the world and my experiences in nature. And in many ways, the Alpha 9 III finally feels like the camera that lets me do that without barriers.
So, what does a camera mean to you?
Dusty Cressey – Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
