We’ve been working with professional portrait photographer Damien Lovegrove to bring you some videos that will inspire you to get more from your camera and help you take your photography to the next level.
Part 2 of 5
Damien takes his model Victoria outside to a magnolia tree and shoots into the light using an X-T1 and XF56mm.
We hope you enjoy and please feel free to share with other people who might also like it.
About Damien
Damien Lovegrove is a renowned photographer and lighting guru. He specialises in portrait and beauty photography and teaches professional photographers his craft across the world.
When I was lad, the family holiday was one of only two annual outings for dad’s camera. No prizes for guessing the other. It was packed in its ever ready case, along with a 36 exposure roll of Kodachrome ready for two weeks on the British coast; typically Cornwall or Norfolk. For the life of me, I can’t remember what the camera was, but it had exposure settings around the lens, an ASA dial I could never work out how to turn and manual film advance. If I was lucky, I was allowed to wind it on to the next frame after each shot. Sometimes I even got to take a picture.
I got the chance to shoot the odd landscape. ISO 200, 1/110sec at f/11
It seemed like a fiendishly complex piece of equipment which, of course, it wasn’t. The lens was fixed, there was no flash and the viewfinder was essentially just a small window with a piece of coloured glass in it. But that camera helped make photography special. I found myself thinking about dad’s camera just a few weeks ago when I was away with my own family in the Cotswolds. As a complete break from the norm, I’d opted to take just one camera – the Fujifilm X100S – to capture our five day stay. Although I was confident it would deliver great shots, I felt nervous travelling so light. I usually have to forsake taking essential items of clothing just to ensure I’ve got all the requisite camera gear, but this time I was bold and left the hefty gadget bag at home, desperately trying to be upbeat about my minimalist choice.
Clever cows and calves in the Cotswolds… ISO 200, 1/240sec at f/2
For the first 24 hours, I thought I’d make the biggest mistake of my photographic life. When I was taking pictures I wanted a longer zoom, an off-camera flash, a tripod, anything other than what I actually had. But then I realised I was just approaching my recording of the holiday in completely the wrong way, and rather than wishing the X100S was something it wasn’t, I started playing to its strengths. Talk about a lightbulb moment.
Sharpness from the X100S lens is superb. ISO 200, 1/180sec at f/4
Teenage son outgrows his mother shocker! ISO 200, 1/40sec at f/4
It may be a fixed wide-angle lens, but it’s still good for portraits. ISO 400, 1/450sec at f/2.8
Accept the X100S for what it is and your photography changes. Not close enough to the subject? Walk towards it. Too close? Take a step back. Can’t get the framing you want? Walk around until you find a better angle. And, best of all, can’t get exactly the shot you want? Don’t worry, just leave it, a better picture opportunity will be right along shortly. This all sounds like a very ‘free love’ approach to picture taking but I can assure you that after using the X100S on holiday I didn’t come home harbouring an unhealthy obsession for cheesecloth or guitar strumming.
Great colours from the X-Trans sensor. ISO 400, 1/220sec at f/4
Modern photographers can be lazy. Zoom lenses (Fujinon ones included) are so wonderfully sharp these days and exposure systems so scarily accurate that having to put in some effort to find a good shot can seem too much like hard work. But the X100S rewards those who put in that effort. The fixed lens is every bit as good as you’ve read in all the other blogs before this one and the X-Trans sensor delivers supreme quality images – I never had any qualms simply upping the ISO to get the shots I wanted. Sure, it’s not perfect, but show me a camera that is. In the case of the X100S I found that the focusing does hunt a little and I’d like to see another programmable function button, but these are minor asides in a majorly good performance.
X100S: Holiday pictures to make you smile! ISO 320, 1/10sec at f/4
The shots you see here aren’t supposed to be works of art, they’re a record of our holiday and that makes them special. They’re also different to any other holiday photographs I’ve ever taken; fewer landscapes, more people and some miscellaneous bits and bobs that remind me of a great few days with the people that matter most to me. And that’s all because of the Fujifilm X100S.
We’ve been working with professional portrait photographer Damien Lovegrove to bring you some videos that will inspire you to get more from your camera and help you take your photography to the next level.
In each of these videos, Damien talks you through his thought process when shooting portraits with different available light. He provides you with examples of his work and describes how and why the shot was taken in that way.
Part 1 of 5
In our first video in the series, Damien shoots some mid shot portraits of Victoria in a well-lit classic English country house – typical of the type you might find in a UK wedding venue.
We hope you enjoy and please feel free to share with other people who might also like it. Make sure you subscribe to be notified as parts two to five are also released.
About Damien
Damien Lovegrove is a renowned photographer and lighting guru. He specialises in portrait and beauty photography and teaches professional photographers his craft across the world.
“I’m inspired by beauty and as I have matured as a photographer I’ve learned to see beauty in just about everyone and everywhere. It’s not what I look at that matters to me, it is what I see.”
“I love people and I suppose women in particular. I love their mannerisms, fashion, style and beauty. I love photographing women. I also get a buzz from teaching.”
Although the above video was completely free, you can also purchase “ILLUMINATION –
The ultimate training video experience in lighting portraits on location” from Damien’s website. You get the following:
Firmware updates to improve the Fujifilm X-T1, X-Pro1, X-E1, X-E2, X-M1, X-A1, XQ1, FinePix S1, FinePix XP70 and FinePix XP200 are now available to download from the Fujifilm Global website
X-T1
Version number : 1.10 (current 1.00)
Details of changes:
Addition of compatibility with “XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6R OIS WR”
Improvement of “Exposure compensation/exposure indicator” in EVF
Values are added to the scales of the indicator for better visibility
Improvement of Movie-record button operability
The phenomenon is fixed that images are not recorded with the set interval when “INTERVAL” in “INTERVAL TIMER SHOOTING” is set to 5 sec or less. In this case, the setting of “IMAGE DISP.” in “SCREEN SET-UP” will change to “OFF” automatically.
Addition of compatibility with “XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6R OIS WR”
Change of aperture display for zoom lenses
Display of aperture value when zooming with the shutter button pressed halfway will become same as the display when zooming without the shutter button pressed.
Addition of compatibility with “XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6R OIS WR”
Change of aperture display for zoom lenses
Display of aperture value when zooming with the shutter button pressed halfway will become same as the display when zooming without the shutter button pressed.
Addition of compatibility with “XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6R OIS WR”
Change of aperture display for zoom lenses
Display of aperture value when zooming with the shutter button pressed halfway will become same as the display when zooming without the shutter button pressed.
Addition of compatibility with “instax SHARE SP-1”
Images can be directly transferred to the “SP-1” from a camera and then printed.
Addition of compatibility with “XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6R OIS WR”
Change of aperture display for zoom lenses
Display of aperture value when zooming with the shutter button pressed halfway will become same as the display when zooming without the shutter button pressed.
Sound quality of while shooting movie is improved.
Addition of compatibility with “instax SHARE SP-1”
Images can be directly transferred to the “SP-1” from a camera and then printed.
Addition of compatibility with “XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6R OIS WR”
Change of aperture display for zoom lenses
Display of aperture value when zooming with the shutter button pressed halfway will become same as the display when zooming without the shutter button pressed.
Sound quality of while shooting movie is improved.
Addition of compatibility with “instax SHARE SP-1”
Images can be directly transferred to the “SP-1” from a camera and then printed.
Fixes an issue where, in rare cases, a camera could stop working during image transfer when starting “PC AutoSave” function by pressing the Wi-Fi button.
Fixes an issue where, in rare cases, a camera couldn’t work when selecting images in “SEND SELECTED MULTIPLE IMAGES” menu while communicating with a Smartphone.
Kevin Mullins has published a fantastic book that will help any X100S user get the most out of their camera. Fujifilm X100S: From Snapshots to Great Shots gives you the perfect blend of photography instruction and camera reference that will take your images to the next level. Beautifully illustrated with large, vibrant photos, this book teaches you how to take control of your photography to get the image you want every time you pick up the camera.
Learn the top ten things you need to know about shooting with the X100S
User the camera’s advanced settings to gain full control over the look and feel of your images
Learn the best tricks and techniques for getting great street photographs, landscapes and portraits.
And lots more…
Win a signed copy
We have a two copies that have been signed by Kevin Mullins to give away to two lucky people. There’s 2 ways of entering, and they’re both really simple:
The competition is now closed.
The winners will be notified and announced shortly.
Kevin Mullins is an accomplished wedding photojournalist based in the United Kingdom. He has been shooting with, and advocating, the Fuji X-Series of cameras since their launch and uses the series with all commercial assignments. Kevin is officially recognised by Fujifilm as an “X-Photographer” and often speaks on the Fuji-X-Series at conventions and seminars. When not shooting weddings, Kevin educates other photographers in the areas of photography business management and wedding photojournalism.
We’ve been working with Alex for sometime now and he’s been creating some eye-wateringly good fashion shoots and editorial work in the UK and abroad for a while now.
X-E2 – 1/60 f/4 ISO3200 Image by Nathan Wake
We wanted to offer a select few the opportunity to come along to London for the day, shoot a top international model (the tallest and most beautiful person I’d ever met and am likely to), try out the Fujifilm X-T1, X-Pro1, X100S and range of lenses. The real pull however was to be working in close
proximity with Alex and get almost one-to-one training with. Alex would generously offer top advice and techniques on how to shoot street fashion, with an edgy feel. We ran a quick competition and notified the lucky people that would be invited to come along.
So, at The Sanderson (FYI if you’re thinking of visiting London try and stay here. The lift alone will blow your mind-honestly) I, along with Nathan and Hannah from Fujifilm, were there to meet the lucky winners.
X-E2 – 1/50 f/2.8 ISO3200 Image by Nathan Wake
The attendees were a real mix of shooting styles and photographic weapons of choice, but all very proficient photographers. Up in the lift (I will bang on about that given half the chance) to the fabulous suite which we were using. Jasmin had her hair and make-up fixed, tips were given from Alex how to direct hair and makeup and how to go about choosing a team of people to work with.
X-T1 – 1/125 f/1.2 ISO250 Image by Nathan Wake
While the styling was taking place Alex talked through how he came to use the Fujifilm system, why its worked for him and why it offers him creative freedom. How he can get shots which wouldn’t be possible with a traditional DSLR (more on this to come). Our competition winners then chose which camera / lens combo they wanted to use, Jasmin was revealed -ta-dar- and we were ready to hit the streets of Soho.
X-T1 – 1/125 f/11 ISO250 Image by Nathan Wake
6 photographers, 3 Fujifilm staff, one International model, one videographer (special thanks to Sinbad) and one Alex Lambrechts out on the streets of Soho. For those unfamiliar with London, its quite common to see lots of creative and exciting things going on, but we were stopping traffic! The public were quite rightly curious as to what was going on, but we all got into the hang of it straight away.
Alex was teaching us on the fly what to look for, angles, backlighting, top lighting, inspiring everyone and giving them confidence to try something new. On the spot, on the go.
X-E2 – 1/350 f/8 ISO200 Image by Nathan Wake
We tried different techniques, going down side alleys, using the urban architecture to frame different shots and learning more and more about how to create ‘wow’ shots using the cameras. Pretty soon anyone who may have been lacking confidence were sharpening their elbows to get in and get the shot.
Streets, alleyways, walkways, building entrances-anything and everything was being shot. SD cards were filling up at a rate of knots.
X-T1 – 1/125 f/11 ISO640 Image by Nathan Wake
After a good few hours of shooting, stopping and dodging traffic we were spent, so decamped to a pizzeria in Soho to take stock.
Cameras were passed around, experiences shared, top tips from all participants were exchanged.
X-T1 – 1/125 f/1.8 ISO1600 Image by Nathan Wake
Throughout the whole experience Alex was there, on hand, giving advice, giving encouragement but also letting you get on with it.
The whole experience was filmed in order to share with others what its like to shoot in those kind of conditions, with this kit. These are cameras which Alex shoots with professionally, not for a past time. They have to help him make a living. But this experience was showing others either new to the system, those thinking of trading up etc what opportunities there are and what they can enjoy from the Fujifilm X-Series.
X-T1 – 1/40 f/8 ISO3200 Image by Nathan Wake
Home, exhausted, happy and with some amazing images and memories which make me want to shoot more, challenge myself more and become a better photographer.
You’ve read the blog, seen the images, now you can watch the video too!
The reason I wanted to attend was to learn from Alex and to try out Fujifilm X series cameras and street photography
I liked the buzz of the street photography experience and the camera was excellent and very manageable due to its size. I was really concerned as I am not technical that I wouldn’t be able to get nice images but I was very pleasantly surprised.
X-T1 with XF23mm f/2.2, 1/140, ISO200
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Brian Rolfe
Having just purchased my X-Pro 1 and Alex being one of the reasons that helped me make that jump, I wanted to get an insight into how Alex used the system, settings and tips on the X system and get some hands on time with my new camera and try something different.
I’ve had almost no previous experience in shooting street photography.
I really enjoyed the day, Alex took the time to go over how he came to use the X system, how he uses it and the benefits as well as a few pointers on particular settings. Aside from getting a better understanding of the cameras and some of the settings I learned a couple of new focussing techniques and how to shoot ‘on the fly’, totally different to most of my studio work and a refreshing change!
X-Pro1 with XF14mm f/11, 1/500, ISO6400
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Robert Morgans
I wanted to meet Alex Lambrechts, Fuji staff, and experience an assortment of Fuji cameras and equipment and to have a go at some street photography. I enjoyed being with like minded people, picking up tips, and having a good time.
The day was a massive success despite being late getting outside. I really enjoyed it and met some lovely people who are now Facebook friends, plus got some great shots and learned some things.
I didn’t have a great deal of street photography experience, mainly shooting architecture. I did photograph people but, in my mind, the picture needs to pick up something interesting, an expression or act, to warrant the picture being worth publishing. I see too many nondescript street pics, so my experience is that it’s a difficult area to get expressive images but very rewarding when it happens.
I really enjoyed the day and the company. Alex and his wife, Jasmin, are a great couple and make the day. Jasmin was so good as a model that getting a great shot was fairly easy!
I learned that it is best to utilise the Fuji option of setting a minimum shutter speed to avoid motion blur and let the camera chose whatever ISO as even at very high ISO the file quality is superb. Setting the aperture small (like F11) for getting background sharp and more open for closer work.
X100S f/2, 1/340, ISO200
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Tuesday Dé Máirt
I carry my dslr (with some heavy lenses) everywhere I go but it’s surely wearing me out so I asked Facebook friends to recommend me a handy camera that produces good quality pictures. Someone told me about the upcoming Fujifilm camera (back in January) so I waited and purchased XT1 when it became available. So coming to the workshop was the best idea – to learn more about the handsome camera’s capabilities.
This is my first time to try street photography.
The experience was remarkable! It was more of a relax kind of just chatting and taking photographs. Alex is very talented when it comes to teaching (aside from capturing great photographs!), he definitely made everyone get excited for the day and encourage everyone to just take pictures, waste no time! I love the tips I got from him, he surely know what he’s doing. And Nathan is there to help with technical stuff which I was expecting to learn that day too. Definitely a memory worth to keep…
X-T1 with XF18-55mm f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO500
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Gerry Walden
My reasons for attending was to keep myself fresh on trending styles of photography with a hands-on experience.
I have extensive experience of shooting ‘street’ but this was a first for me within the style. My normal work is a more social documentary style.
The day was a great opportunity to interchange ideas with Alex and the others, and to network with fellow Fuji users of various abilities. It took me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to think more progressively about what I am doing.
X-Pro1 with XF14mm f/5.6, 1/320, ISO400
Joshua Brathwaite
Being relatively new to the world of photography the Fujifilm X Street Fashion workshop was fantastic and just what I needed. It gave me not only the technical pointers that I’d hoped for, but being introduced to the Fujifilm X systems changed my whole view of photography. It opened me up to new ideas and techniques that simply aren’t possible with the DSLR camera. I’m now saving up to buy the XT1. Alex and the Fujifilm team were very helpful and put on an awesome day in the streets on London.
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Finally, a special thanks to Nathan Wake for shooting the lovely images that make up the first part of this blog post!
Having just purchased my X-Pro 1 and Alex being one of the reasons that helped me make that jump, I wanted to get an insight into how Alex used the system, settings and tips on the X system and get some hands on time with my new camera and try something different.
I wanted to meet Alex Lambrechts, Fuji staff, and experience an assortment of Fuji cameras and equipment and to have a go at some street photography. I enjoyed being with like minded people, picking up tips, and having a good time.
I carry my dslr (with some heavy lenses) everywhere I go but it’s surely wearing me out so I asked Facebook friends to recommend me a handy camera that produces good quality pictures. Someone told me about the upcoming Fujifilm camera (back in January) so I waited and purchased XT1 when it became available. So coming to the workshop was the best idea – to learn more about the handsome camera’s capabilities.
My reasons for attending was to keep myself fresh on trending styles of photography with a hands-on experience.
Being relatively new to the world of photography the Fujifilm X Street Fashion workshop was fantastic and just what I needed. It gave me not only the technical pointers that I’d hoped for, but being introduced to the Fujifilm X systems changed my whole view of photography. It opened me up to new ideas and techniques that simply aren’t possible with the DSLR camera. I’m now saving up to buy the XT1. Alex and the Fujifilm team were very helpful and put on an awesome day in the streets on London.