Month: July 2017

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Chelsey Elliott

by Fujifilm Australia July 13, 2017 Comments11

Welcome to the Second Series of Through a Photographer’s Eye. In this series, we continue to learn about Australian photographers and how they use X Series Cameras to photograph their world around them. Our eighth interview in Series Two is with Manly based photographer, Chelsey Elliott.

Chelsey, tell us about yourself and what made you choose Fujifilm X Series equipment to express your vision?

 

I started my photography passion in the SLR film days when I was taking more bad shots than good and spending all my money on film processing. When DSLRs appeared I bought a Canon like most people and took a million shots for a few years before I landed in a corporate career that took up my time and energy – so the camera was put aside.

 

Living in Manly, on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches I met a great photojournalist Bradley Hunter, who really encouraged me to pick up the camera again and asked me to help him with his project of shooting a photo a day of local life in Manly. It was Bradley that introduced me to the Fujifilm X Series and the amazing X-T1. I instantly loved the compact, light feel, and the mirrorless feature of ‘what you see is what you get’ in the images.

 

The X-T1 gave me the ability to carry a discrete small camera everywhere, and the confidence to experiment with settings that were right at my finger tips – it was quite freeing. Then there is the weather sealing on the Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T2! I love to travel, heading to snow fields annually and spending many weekends shooting seascape/ocean shots, so my gear is usually getting splashed, rained on or frozen. I’m glad to say I’ve never had an issue or a worry with my cameras or lenses, even in an igloo in the Arctic Circle…in winter!

 

Seagull to the Rescue – Manly Beach, NSW

Fujifilm X-T1 – XF18-55mmF2.8-4 – 27.7mm – 1/400 second – F8 – ISO 200   

 

 

Your portfolio is quite diverse, how do you challenge yourself to keep taking interesting photos?

 

I guess, coming back into photography only a few years ago, I am still trying to find my preferred niche – so I’m trying out a range of ideas and styles to keep myself versatile. I am inspired by the beautiful place I live, so you will see a lot of landscape/seascape, and I am influenced greatly by the amazing artists on Instagram like Warren Keelan, Andy Mann and Kahn Ficarra. Shooting for a daily project also really forced me to take a different angle or find a new idea to keep the audience interested and coming back every day. I completely recommend a project like that for anyone stuck in a rut or wanting to be challenged.

 

When shooting a scene that has been done by the masses, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Manly Beach, I do try to find that different angle or odd composition to keep the picture appealing to the eye. So you will see me often lying down to find a reflection, or hiding behind trees to find some good framing.

 

Foam Dances – Manly Beach, NSW

Fujifilm X-T1 – XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7 – 95.4mm – 1/400 second –  F7.1 – ISO 400   

 

Bridge Reflections – Kirribilli, NSW

Fujifilm X-T1 – XF10-24mmF4 – 12.6mm – 1 second – F22 – ISO 200   

 

You recently made the upgrade to a Fujifilm X-T2 after starting with the X-T1. In your opinion was the upgrade in megapixels and features worth it and how has your photography improved since then?

 

Once I started to pick up some freelance work, I invested in a second body for on-location travel jobs. Luckily the X-T2 had just been released, and I’ve found it to be a really amazing camera. I can see the difference in image quality when I print beyond A2 size images for sale, and that quality definition is so important as I move into higher paid contracts. With the confidence of a ‘pro’ level camera producing money worthy shots, I have been able to put my name out there more for commercial jobs knowing that the end product is worthy of international marketing material. Not to forget to mention the Fujinon lenses – no one can argue that Fujifilm makes some of the best lenses in the world.

 

I’d really like to use the video features more on the X-T2 as the quality is outstanding and today’s digital-minded audience has come to expect great videos to keep them engaged. That visual medium is certainly my weak point, and I find it very challenging to compose a story correctly, it’s not something that comes naturally or comfortably to me. With some time and patience, I hope to greatly improve my videography skills using the X-T2.

 

Sunrise Ripples – Lake Macquarie, NSW

Fujifilm X-T2 – XF10-24mmF4 – 10mm – 1/60 second –  F4 – ISO 320   

 

 

Smoking Pipe – Manly Beach, NSW

Fujifilm X-T2 – XF10-24mmF4 – 10mm – 1/250 second –  F4.5 – ISO 800   

 

If you have some advice for someone starting out in photography what would it be?

 

When I dusted off the old Canon DSLR, I took a couple of intensive online courses to brush up on the basics and just started to take shots of everything. The more I practised, the easier it was to remember what the best aperture was for a certain light, what the ISO was for, white balance, metering and all those things that slip the mind.

 

Then once I was comfortable with the basics – I picked a decent camera system (X Series) that I knew I would use ALL THE TIME. So choose a camera that you will have on you, as the best camera to buy is the one you will use. The X Series cameras fit in my jogging backpack, so I take one with me every day I go for a run. That way it’s there for a quick snap if the light looks good, or if something interesting pops around the corner.

 

I encourage everyone to get an Instagram account… even if it’s just for inspiration from the thousands of talented artists sharing their knowledge. It’s a fantastic media channel to review different styles, research your next shoot location or to build a connection with other like-minded photographers. It’s extremely satisfying when one of your favourite photographers leaves a positive comment on your photo; it encourages me to get back out there and create another beautiful image.

 

And finally I recommend taking up a daily photo challenge for a month, it will force you to take chances, put yourself out there and be creative.

 

Cloud Mountain – Curl Curl Beach, NSW

Fujifilm X-T2 – XF18-55mmF2.8-4 – 18mm – 1/1600 second – F8 – ISO 200   

 

 

 

What is your favourite beach image you have taken with the X-T2 and XF10-24mmF4 lens? Can you tell us the story behind the photo and how you captured it?

 

This one – I call it “Molten Cream” – was taken on Easter Sunday at sunset on my favourite beach in the whole world – North Curl Curl, NSW. The gold colours being reflected off the wet sand were intense, so I wanted to give it some contrast, or relief to the eye by adding in the swirling white foam water. I had to wade in with my gear and turn my back to the waves which is usually not the best idea if you want to stay mostly dry. I have fallen in love with the shapes that ocean foam creates which you only can appreciate when frozen in a photo – the swirl in the bottom left corner really grabs the eye.

It’s not the best composition as I feel it needs a figure in the centre to give it a proper focal point, but the magic of this beach is how unpopulated it always is, so this image (to me) highlights that feeling of a secluded untouched location.

 

The XF10-24mmF4 is my go to lens for all my landscapes. I purchased it for my Scandinavian trip last year, knowing I’d have some expansive mountain and waterfall scenery to capture. Even at the ultra-wide focal length of 10mm, the distortion is so minimal, and the sharpness is unbeatable. It has also functioned without missing a beat in minus 15-degree chilly temperatures!

 

Molten Cream – North Curl Curl Beach, NSW

Fujifilm X-T2 – XF10-24mmF4 – 10mm – 1/75 second – F5.6 –  ISO 200   

 

Do you have any tips on how to best photograph pets? Is there a best time to photograph them or a particular lens you would recommend?

 

Pet photography is certainly something I’d love to do more of. It’s a growing market as our cute fur-babies are more and more treated as a member of the family. As a devoted animal lover, what better way to spend time than playing with a puppy!

It’s a funny thing about animals, but they really find the lens an uncomfortable thing to look into, most dogs will look away like it’s a big eye staring at them. For close ups, I’ll have a stick, a favourite toy or a treat either just under or above the lens. The photo comes back like they are looking straight into the camera, but really they are waiting for their reward for being so patient. Time of day really depends on the type of animal but generally mornings and evenings when everyone’s a bit more active and playful.

 

For lenses, I like to use the XF35mmF2 lens for more ‘profile’ static type shots. It’s really versatile in a range of lighting conditions and picking up highlights, textures and being small is not so off-putting to the shy ones. Have the lens wide open at F2 really allows the image to be all about the face, or eyes, and less about the background. The incredible sharpness of the picture produced by the XF35mmF2 will really surprise you.

 

For more action shots you need a zoom like XF18-55mmF2.8-4 as a dog will run in and out of frame catching their toy.   The best thing about shooting dogs in action is they are more than happy to keep repeating the same shot until you get it right… just keep throwing the ball!

 

 

Freedom – Queenscliff, NSW

Fujifilm X-T2 – XF18-55mmF2.8-4 – 18mm – 1/350 second – F7.1 – ISO 200

 

What amount of time do you spend capturing photos versus being in front of the computer editing them? Do you find Fujifilm X Series equipment helps you be more creative?

 

You can easily get lost in the editing process, and over time the photo gets further away from the true picture, and you can lose hours heading down the rabbit hole of minute adjustments. So I have some of my own rules for the RAF/RAW images that I want to prepare for sale/print.

 

  1. Start editing the next day, or at least ½ a day later. It helps you to see the photo subjectively as opposed to the emotional connection you had when you took it. Sometimes your emotion can subconsciously lead you to over edit as you try to find the point of perfection that your mind remembers.

 

  1. Edit in a 3 phased approach – moving between photos each phase. First time to fix up the obvious (crop, dust, etc.). Second to adjust contrast, highlights, etc. The final step is to dial back what you did in the second phase, and then you have the perfect amount of adjustment.

 

These rules help me spend a lot more time behind the camera; I can happily sit and shoot at waves for hours on end, then editing the best one up in 10-15mins. Having now learnt NOT to take 100’s of shots of the same thing, my culling process is a lot faster than it used to be.

 

For the many photos that I don’t need to edit from RAF/RAW – the JPEGs that are produced by the X Series are incredible. I love the different film options available in camera, with Astia/Soft being a favourite. I also use the Bracketing functionality for my landscapes to give a HDR feel, the exposure options are perfect.

 

 

Shadow Puppet – Lowe Head, Tasmania

Fujifilm X-T1 – XF 18-55mmF2.8-4 – 18.8mm – 1.3 seconds – F5 – ISO5000   

 

We noticed you travelled to Iceland, what advice would you give someone who is planning on going and what Fujifilm X Series equipment would you recommend they take?

 

I have been fortunate to have travelled to many amazing countries all over the globe, and I have to say that Iceland is the most extraordinary place in the world. It should be on every landscape photographers bucket list. I visited Iceland for New Year’s Eve, so it was a white winter wonderland with quite low light and very short days. Having a week there, we only managed to cover the south coast from Reykjavik to the iceberg fields of Jokulsarlon. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t helping us view the Aurora Borealis. I have put Iceland back on my bucket list to visit in summer time when the land is completely green and the waterfalls at full flowing force.

 

If travelling there in winter, I recommend a good sturdy tripod that will stand up to the cold temperatures. The one I took from Australia pretty much shattered in the below 10-degree temperatures so now I have a replacement bought locally that is carbon fibre. For cameras, I can only recommend either the X-T1 or X-T2. The weather sealing was so important as it was often icy, snowing or raining and windy. The easy access settings dials were a huge help when you didn’t want to take your warm gloves off!

 

As for lenses, take an ultra-wide or wide angle, the vistas were immense, the waterfalls so tall that you virtually needed to take a panorama just to capture the full scene. I also recommend a prime lens with large aperture, like a F2 or F1.4 to assist with the low light conditions. Don’t forget your remote trigger, plenty of batteries and memory cards in case you are lucky enough to witness the elusive Northern Lights.

 

Skogafoss, Iceland

X-T1 XF10-24mmF4 – 10mm – 1 second – F22 – ISO 200

 

To view more Chelsey’s work visit her website, 500px gallery or follow her growing Instagram account.

Other interviews in this series

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Rhys Tattersall

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Jared Morgan

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Tony Gardiner

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Greg Cromie

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Clèment Breuille

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Bhagiraj Sivagnanasundaram

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Joe Allam

 

Filed under Interviews X-Photographer

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Joe Allam

by Fujifilm Australia July 6, 2017 Comments2

Welcome to the Second Series of Through a Photographer’s Eye. In this series, we continue to learn about Australian photographers and how they use X Series Cameras to photograph their world around them. Our seventh interview in Series Two is with Melbourne based photographer, Joe Allam.

Joe, tell us about yourself and how you ended up with a camera in your hand travelling the world?

 

Hey, thanks for inviting me to the blog! I’m a mid-20s “independent creative” as I like to label it. Descending from a background in graphic design and a passion for photography from a young age, I’ve slowly been becoming more and more self-sufficient with my work and more remote with my clients, to allow extended travel around the world.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF23mmF2 R WR – 1/40 second – F4 – ISO 1000

 

It all started from a personal goal with my partner Elly, to pack everything up and go travelling for at least a year, with the intention of basing ourselves in Melbourne for the majority of that time. Throughout the past couple of years, I’ve been documenting my photography experiences to a growing audience on YouTube. In short, this has all helped to create a lifestyle that opens further opportunities for even more travel content creation!

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/140 second – F5.6 – ISO 200

 

 

What are your impressions on the Fujifilm X-T2?

 

I love the X-T2! In fact, I’ve been falling heavily for Fujifilm cameras ever since I recommended Elly get the X-T10 last year. They’ve easily been the most enjoyable cameras I’ve ever used. The X-T2, in particular, is just incredibly functional and usable, with everything I need fully accessible while shooting. I’ve been dabbling with various mirrorless setups over the past few years, but always took note of them not being DSLRs. With the X-T2, I have to remind myself that it is actually a mirrorless camera! There’s always been talk about when the DSLR will truly die off in favour of mirrorless, but I’ve never been so confident of that coming sooner until I used the X-T2.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/1600 second – F5 – ISO 200

 

One of the standout features I’ve loved about the X-T2 and other Fujifilm cameras is the viewfinder. I’ve never been much of a fan of electronic viewfinders in the past. I’ve always been very conscious of them, which can be quite distracting when taking photos. There’s just something extremely comfortable and enjoyable with the Fujifilm ones though. Coupled with just the right settings for customisation, I’ve been able to make them personal to me and my shooting style very easily.

 

For my travel lifestyle, using the X-T2 has been an extremely welcome change regarding the size and weight of my equipment. It’s been able to replace almost all needs that I had for a photography camera, in a body that’s about half the weight and size of my previous cameras.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF23mmF2 R WR – 1/30 second – F10 – ISO 200

 

 

Recently you travelled to New Zealand, in your opinion what was the best photo you captured using the X-T2 during the trip? Can you tell us the story behind the image?

 

An image that really stands out for me was taken in Arthur’s Pass overlooking “the viaduct”. It’s a viewpoint I’d seen visiting New Zealand for the first time last year and still amazes me having seen it a couple more times since.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/125 second – F9 – ISO 200

 

Previously I’d been unlucky with the light and time of day for travelling through Arthur’s Pass, as it’s always been during a day of 5+ hours of driving, which doesn’t give much flexibility for an itinerary. This year was much the same, driving through Arthur’s Pass slap bang in the middle of the day with flat cloud cover and drizzling rain. However, just as I reached the viewpoint for the shot, some cloud cover broke, and the rain stopped to add some extra variation to the lighting which was very welcome!

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/125 second – F9 – ISO 200

 

I wanted to display the landscape’s diversity with the foreground grass interest, to show how varied the terrain is; rather than it just looking like a drone shot; which is why I got low for the shot poking the lens through the metal railings. With the coach driving through the middle, I was also able to show a sense of scale for the bridge, and hopefully, with this shot, I’ve been able to inspire other people to visit New Zealand.

 

 

What Fujinon lens did you reach for most when you were travelling? Why was this your favourite lens?

 

I found myself using the XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 throughout most of the trip, which actually surprised me. I honestly thought I was going to have the XF23mmF2 almost permanently fixed, but I think the convenience of the wide to telephoto focal length really came into play while travelling.

 

The trip was very hectic, with multiple long distance driving routes, helicopters, 4-wheel driving and boat trips. All that added up to very tight opportunities for actually capturing a moment, which is why the versatility of going from 18mm to 135mm really helped. I especially enjoyed the longer end of the lens and ended up composing more images with telephoto styles than my original style would suggest.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/800 second – F5.6 – ISO 250

 

 

Throughout your travels, in Australia and New Zealand, you used the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and X-T2. What did you find was the main advantage/disadvantage of one camera over the other?

 

Even though both cameras are very similar, they both still have their distinct features and use cases. This may sound a bit contradicting, but I find the X-T2 to be much more of an all-round camera, yet the X-Pro2 feels more like a camera that I would actually have with me everyday. I really enjoy the stealthy approach to the X-Pro2 when shooting in urban environments. The form factor felt ever so slightly more portable than the X-T2 as well. Overall it just felt like a camera I could pretty much always have in my bag or pocket, no matter where I was going in the city.

 

The X-T2 on the other hand felt a little more substantial as a camera. It felt like something that I would bring for a particular shooting intention. Of course, this is all relative to just my personal experience, as I know photographers who shoot weddings and such with an X-Pro2…

 

One aspect of the X-T2 that I found so much more comfortable however was the SLR-styled design, especially with the viewfinder inline with the lens. Not that I disliked the side orientation on the X-Pro2, it just took an extra bit of a conscious effort to hold the camera to my face in the right place. Again, it sounds silly, but when transitioning between so many different brands of cameras at the same time, sometimes my muscle memory just couldn’t keep up with itself!

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/60 second – F5.6 – ISO 2500

 

The dial locks and placements were somewhat better implemented on the X-T2, but in reality, it barely changed my shooting style between the two cameras. There is definitely a lot of crossover within the tech specs between the two cameras. Yet, I can still distinctly see a use case for either body.

 

 

When filming on the Fujifilm X-T2, are there any settings you would recommend using?

 

I pretty much always follow the cinematic style of shooting video with an 180º shutter angle. So I would mostly be using a shutter speed of 1/50th or 1/100th depending on whether I was shooting at 25fps or 50fps. Specific to Fujifilm, however, would be using the film simulation “Pro Neg Hi.” I found it to be the most neutral and pleasing to use with regards to colour grading the footage in post production.

 

I did also shoot some F-Log footage into my Atomos Ninja Assassin via HDMI out, which worked very well. However, a setting I discovered I needed to disable was the auto-off feature. F-Log video is recorded externally rather than to the SD card, which means the camera is technically idle and would need some form of interaction to stop it from going to sleep.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF23mmF2 R WR – 1/30 second – F5 – ISO 200

 

 

If you were to design the next Fujifilm X Series camera what feature(s) would you include based on your vast experience with mirrorless cameras?

 

Although I very much enjoy the Fujifilm system for my work, there are still a few very specific features I feel are missing. Most notably would be an 180º flip-out touch screen so that I could consider using an X-T2 for vlogging. It would also be suitable for when filming in tight spaces when the back of the camera is up against a wall. Mix in some in-body image stabilisation to compliment a lens based image stabilisation, and there could be some serious video specs to tick all the boxes!

 

I switch between photo and video modes often when out shooting, yet I get frustrated having to adjust settings between the two every time I switch modes. A simple solution would be a setting that could enable a “last-used settings” for each mode, rather than carrying everything over each time. For example, when in video mode, I would set my shutter to 1/50th and film a scene for a cinematic frame rate. Yet in photo mode, I may want to use a higher shutter speed to freeze the motion rather than introduce blur. I’ve experimented with setting custom modes for each setup, but this still doesn’t fulfil the “remember last settings” for each particular mode. Along similar lines would be a dedicated video button similar to what is used on the X-Pro2, but is missing from the X-T2.

 

I’d also love to see the XF lenses have reduced friction on the lens barrel for smoother zooming and manual focus, along with a constant physical size using internal moving components — I’ve never been a fan of lenses that “grow” when zooming.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/680 second – F5 – ISO 200

 

If you have some advice for someone starting out in photography what would it be?

 

The best advice I can give to anyone starting out is to always have a camera with you. Sometimes you never know when you may come across a shot, but more importantly, it’s about knowing your camera inside out, so that when you do come across the right shot, you’re prepared for it, with a camera you know how to use.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/180 second – F10 – ISO 200

 

On too many occasions I see beginner photographers get frustrated in a situation because they can’t get a look or style they have in mind, or the camera is “acting weird”. Take the time to truly get to know your equipment by shooting often, and you’ll soon find that your creative side will start to improve as you try to find better ways of shooting your everyday life!

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – 1/1000 second – F20 – ISO 3200

To view more Joe’s work visit his blog, watch him on YouTube or visit his Instagram account or Facebook page.

Other interviews in this series

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Rhys Tattersall

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Jared Morgan

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Tony Gardiner

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Greg Cromie

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Clèment Breuille

Through a Photographer’s Eye: Bhagiraj Sivagnanasundaram

 

Filed under Interviews X-Photographer

X-Thusiast Featured Photographer Mark Loader

by Fujifilm Australia July 3, 2017 Comments0

Our latest X-Thusiast photographer brings an inspiring approach to photographing his subjects. Learn how Mark Loader adds mood and emotion to his images, and be inspired.

 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you are from?

 

My name is Mark Loader and I’m from Perth Western Australia. I currently live in the southern suburbs between Perth and Fremantle. I’m married with three children. You can see my work on Instagram under the name Ranford Stealth.

 

How did you develop an interest in photography using Fujifilm equipment?

 

I only took up photography eight years ago (January 2009) after a lifetime of interest, so better late than never! I used DSLRs for the first few years and I still have those but rarely take them out now. I first discovered the X100 and was struck with its usability and IQ. The old-style shutter speed and aperture controls seemed so much more intuitive to me even though I wasn’t active with film SLRs. This naturally progressed to the interchangeable lens models, which I use constantly today.

Fujifilm X-E1 with XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS – F14 – 1/250 second – ISO 250

 

How would you describe your photography style and strategy?

 

I was lucky in that my good friend Rob Miller is a pro and has mentored me. He impressed upon me the importance of an image’s background and its relationship to the subject. I mostly take portraits and I found this invaluable to my growth as a photographer. So it’s background first always. I try to get as much mood and emotion in a portrait as I can and I put relationship preeminent in my shoots. I like to know my subject. Finding great available light and playing with shadows affects my work as well. Shadows are to light what silence is to sound in music. They go hand in hand.

 

What inspires your photography?

 

My subjects of course, and the work of other photographers like W. Eugene Smith and Dan Winters. Locations often suggest ideas depending on the light and time of day.

 

Where are your favourite places to take photos and do you prefer a certain type of light?

 

I prefer cityscapes … alleys, lanes, doorways, etc. But I’m always open to new ideas and places.

Fujifilm X-T1 with XF565mmF1.2 R – F5.6 – 1/250 second – ISO 250

 

What is your favourite memory from a photography session?

 

A few years ago I went out with a friend (it was about the fourth time I’d shot with her) and we went from about 11am to 5pm (with breaks). Everything clicked that day; she became my muse, and I went home believing I had something to say as a photographer.

 

Can you tell us what’s your favourite Fujifilm camera to use and why?

 

Mostly the X-T1, great workhorse and the live preview is wonderful. I always shoot manual so that helps with fine-tuning the exposure. I also use the X-Pro1 and X-E1 … I get attached!

Fujifilm X100 at 23mm – F8 – 1/250 second – ISO 250

 

Which Fujinon lens or lenses do you prefer to use with your Fujifilm camera and why?

 

For portraiture I love the XF56mmF1.2. The XF35mmF1.4 is a great all-rounder and the XF23mmF2 for street and it was a great asset for shooting bridal prep indoors at my friend’s wedding last November. I’m a bit stunned by the XF16mmF1.4 at the moment, a surprising choice for me considering I used to think the 35mm was ultra wide! The XF18-55mmF2.8-4 is so much more than a “kit” lens.

 

What sort of workflow do you use in your photography? Do you shoot in RAW or JPEG?

 

For portraits, I shoot RAW and JPEG, but usually just the latter for street. I edit in LR5 and Nik. Each picture presents a different mood and challenge so I don’t have too many default presets.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 with XF56mmF1.2 R – F2.8 – 1/250 second – ISO 400

 

Do you have any technical tips you’d like to share? Perhaps suggestions on the best lighting, shutter speed, white balance, aperture, ISO, etc? Other preferences?

 

Learn the basics, sunny 16 rule, subject/background relationship, rule of thirds, Fibonacci’s principle. Getting it right in camera is a great discipline to adopt from the get go. Anyone who simply says “fix it in Photoshop” should be hunted down and dealt with severely! As should be those who say to ignore the rules. To that I say: Fine, break the rules if you want but do it for a reason, not out of ignorance. My photographic education really started when the camera was no longer an obstacle.

 

Do you have advice for new photographers or the next potential X-Thusiast?

 

Be passionate. If you are not then photography may not be for you. That’s ok. Buy books, go for long walks looking for possible locations and where and when the great light hits it. Find a mentor if you can. If not buy “Road To Seeing” by Dan Winters before it’s out of print. Actually grab that book come what may, it’s a mentorship in itself. Find out who the top shooters are in your preferred genres and learn about them. And from them. Lastly, browse some photography quotes. You may find a gem or two in there to live by….”What’s the use of a great depth of field if there is not an adequate depth of feeling?” (W. Eugene Smith)…so be like Nike, fellow togs, and just DO it!

Fujifilm X-Pro1 with XF35mmF1.4 R – F2 – 1/250 second – ISO 500

 

 

If you or someone you know in Australia is interested in joining our X-Thusiast community, check out the full X-Thusiast Gallery and submission details here.

 

Filed under Interviews X-Photographer