X-Photographer

A series of interviews with professional and high-end amateur photographers that have made the switch to Fujifilm. Learn about all of their different photographic journies that led them to becoming official Fujifilm X-Photographers.

A Journey Beyond Borders with Valentina Tamborra & Fujicolor Velvet Paper

by M. Köster November 21, 2024 Comments0

This summer, in the heart of Milan Malpensa’s Photosquare, millions of travellers could find themselves transported far beyond the airport’s polished halls – right to the Arctic wilderness. As part of the European Photographic Festival 2023, a unique exhibition AHKAT-TERRAMADRE presented captivating works of the X-Photographer Valentina Tamborra. Now, her work continues to travel and touch new audiences.

This photographic journey takes us to the far reaches of the Arctic, specifically Finnmark, where she gives voice to the Sami people, an indigenous community that has long been marginalized. Her project, I Nascosti (The Hidden Ones), is a profound exploration of identity, displacement, and connection — a delicate narrative that spans over four years of work and a trilogy of stories about the Arctic region. In her work, Tamborra reflects on her own feelings of loss and identity, drawing parallels between her personal history and the people she documents. Growing up on the border of Slovenia, she lost her grandmother’s language, which inspired her empathy for the Sami, a population divided by the borders of four nations: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

“I know the tearing grief of a denied identity. I know the shame and the need to lie, to hide, to omit. And then I know the relief of finallylooking in the mirror for the first time in years and realizing that there is no need for labels, there are no right places and wrong places, no belongings to flaunt and others to hide. There is only us, with our load of humanity, of life, of all that we have been, are, and will be. There is us, and we no longer have to hide. Or at least, that is how it should be,”

Valrentina Tamborra, X-Photographer.

© https://www.originalphotopaper.com/

© Valentina Tamborra

The images, captured with Fujifilm X-Series and GFX medium format cameras, have been beautifully printed on Fujicolor Velvet paper, offering a tactile and visual experience that deepens the connection to these stories. The delicate texture of the paper enhances the emotional depth of her work, preserving the fragile, raw beauty. Each photograph here is a fragment of a larger, ongoing dialogue, and also a tool of memory, connection, and, ultimately, preservation of stories that might otherwise remain hidden.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Photography X-Photographer

Women4Inclusion: celebrating diversity with the new issue

by mariiabezpala November 13, 2024 Comments0

What does it mean to be seen, heard, and understood? For many, this isn’t a given – it’s a fight. We believe in embracing the unique experiences that make each of us who we are. And the latest issue of our Women4Women magazine, brings this ethos to life.

This edition, Women4Inclusion, is truly special. Bigger than ever, it gathers voices of our employees and external contributors from all across the globe telling their journeys towards diversity, equity, and inclusion. These voices, from different cultures, backgrounds, and industries, unite in a common belief that true strength lies in the unique selves, each having a seat at the table. Their stories are raw and unapologetic. Each brings something deeply personal and transformative, showing what it means to live and breathe diversity.

You’ll meet people whose lives and work break down societal biases, those finding strength in their community, or those who had to hard-earn self-acceptance confronting prejudice and discrimination. They all remind us that identity is not something to be hidden or explained but something to be embraced fully.

“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not themes, but calls to action for each of us. The stories we find in this magazine release an incredible positive force, and it is this force that we must express to aspire to a better society,”

— Yoshiki Kimura, President & Managing Director at Fujifilm Europe.

“By shedding light on the stories of real people, exploring their experiences, and examining the effects of diverse and inclusive practices, we aim to inspire our readers, calling them to action. Within the pages of our Women4Inclusion, we will delve into various aspects of culture, habits, perspectives and actions that are key to achieving a more diverse and inclusive society. We firmly believe that sharing these narratives will challenge preconceptions, stimulate authentic conversations and ultimately pave the way for positive change at Fujifilm,”

— Luana Porfido, European Head of Corporate Communication & ESG Management, Fujifilm Europe GmbH.

Also, we are proud to feature photos of our X-Photographers — Valentina Tamborra (Italy), Dorota Kaszuba (Poland), Ewa Meissner (Poland), Karolina Jonderko (Poland), Silvia Pogoda (Poland) — as well as works of a talented photographer from the UK, Amin Islam McDonald. Their photos capture raw emotion of people on the margins with a striking honesty and frame diversity in its most authentic form, each bringing their unique style.

We invite you to take a moment, read these stories, and let them inspire you to look beyond the familiar, to recognize and value the full spectrum of human differences, and more than that — to join us fostering a culture of belonging where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. Inclusion doesn’t just happen because diverse individuals are present. It happens when people feel they are truly part of the team — and this is an ongoing journey we are all part of.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Spotlight X-Photographer

Beyond the action: GF500mmF5.6 x Federico Tardito

by mariiabezpala July 10, 2024 Comments0

When we think of iconic moments in sports, what often comes to mind are grand victories and high-stakes moments. But it’s also the subtle, fleeting instances of raw emotion and personal significance that can make a photograph truly unforgettable. For instance, when Oleksandr Usyk took over Tyson Fury in the epic fight for the title of the absolute champion in heavy weight, all eyes were on Fury’s face changing in disbelief – as well as all faces from the front row. Would it be possible to capture that blink-and-you-miss-it expression without today’s high-speed gear? Obviously, not. Neither would have we seen in detail Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears after his penalty miss at Euro 2024, or Yaroslava Mahuchikh crying in a jump after setting a new world record in Paris.

These moments exemplify the power of high-end sports photography equipment. Today, with the introduction of the GF500mmF5.6 lens, a new chapter in sports and action photography is being written.

An Italian sports photographer, Federico Tardito, has tried what’s possible with the large format GFX100 II camera combined with a 500mm focal length of GF500mmF5.6 lens in his recent project. For this test-drive, he chose one of the most challenging and complex team sports to try the autofocus – American football. Armed with the new lens and the GFX100 II, he contacted the Torino Giaguaro team, which plays in the top Italian American football league.

“Unlike football – which is the discipline I usually work with – the players are much closer together and the movements are much less orderly and predictable, not to mention the fact that there are many players moving in front of the subject, which makes tracking the camera and lens anything but easy. (…) After attending a couple of their training sessions to thoroughly understand the movements, and the players and game dynamics, I found myself shooting my first sports competition with a large format. This was finally possible thanks to the GF500mmF5.6.”

The GF500mmF5.6 is the longest telephoto prime among all GF lenses. Despite the very long focal length, it remains extremely lightweight, especially when compared to other 400mm lenses in 35mm format. This makes the lens very easy to handle during the game. Above that, it has a reliable weather sealing, which is a must-have when working outdoors.

“I often work at the maximum aperture to isolate the subjects better, and the performance at maximum aperture of the new lens thrilled me from the first use: the blur effect is truly pleasant and allows for perfect isolation of the subject from the background and scene distractions.”

Despite its small size and light weight, there’s absolutely no compromise about image quality. The GF500mmF5.6 offers one of the best resolution in the line-up. It is also equipped with a powerful 6.0 stops image stabilization system and a high-speed AF drive system with linear motors, which enables comfortable handheld shooting with minimum camera shake and overturns the conventional wisdom of large-format.

“The best part comes during editing. The files from the GFX100 II, paired with the GF500mmF5.6, are truly stunning. The latitude of exposure is incredible and allows for recovering highlights or shadows that are too closed even using only JPEG. The detail is remarkable, and so is the sharpness. The 102MP of the camera allows for an almost infinite freedom of cropping, and different versions of the same frame can be obtained simply by cropping the image differently, which becomes an additional very useful resource during work delivery.“

“I chose to work with the Eterna Cinema film simulation. This way, I could take advantage of all the speed of JPEG while maintaining a file rich in detail and extremely workable.”

Find more to the story here.

Federico Tardito

A professional sportrs and portrait photographer, founder of One+Nine Images. Works as a personal photographer for soccer players Leonardo Bonucci and Gigi Buffon. Collaborated with renowned agencies like LaPresse, Insidefoto, as well as famous brands like Nike and Adidas. His photos are published in various international magazines and newspapers, such as Vanity Fair, Vogue, Panorama, The Globe, Sportweek, etc.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Consumer Photography Portrait Sport X-Photographer

“So JPEGs it was, and off we went”: portraiture with Cole Roberts & X-T50

by mariiabezpala July 2, 2024 Comments1

Portrait photography, at its core, is about capturing the essence of a person in a single frame. As a photographer, you have to combine technical skills and deep understanding of human nature, and more to that, to be attentive to all those little details, using interesting combinations of colours and lines. 

Another tip for a good portrait – keep it true. A wedding photographer, Cole Roberts (Nordica Photography duo), knows best how it works. He believes the best results come from telling the story like it is: the art happens in recognising the moments when the setting, subject and mood are in sync and the real story unfolds naturally, without being contrived. Recently, he had a special portraiture session in Spain with the new X-T50, setting up a creative challenge – experimenting in film simulations and shooting exclusively in pure, unedited JPEGs. The stills are all “straight-out-of-camera” (SOOC) and the video is shot entirely on X-T50.

“Weddings and workshops *are* fun, but this was different. Fujifilm handed me their latest tine beast, and the experience changed the way I approached the session. Simply messing around, having fun, all with a camera that feels analogue but delivers digital perfection,” – @nordicaphoto.

“If there was the perfect camera for influencers who care about incredible photos, it’s this camera.The reasons were pretty obvious when using it. First off, INSANE JPEGs (skip time-consuming edits with ready to share bangers). Second, it’s tiny (think slip-in-your-pocket tiny). Third, video capabilities,” – @nordicaphoto.

“Low light, no problem. (…) We were racing against the clock to get some shots before sunset, but when it dipped, we decided to keep playing around. And the little camera delivered in the dark with no issues,” – @nordicaphoto.

Learn more about the new X-T50 here.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Consumer Photography Portrait X-Photographer

Elevating print with X-Photographers at Fotofair 2024

by arjenjanssen June 25, 2024 Comments0

Who can better tell about the photo paper quality than those using it in the field? The same thought came to our minds. Our X-Photographers are the perfect ambassadors for showcasing the unparalleled excellence of our photographic paper. They rely on our products to capture and preserve their stunning images, ensuring every detail is rendered with precision and vibrancy. No doubt, their firsthand experience, skills, and passion can unveil the magic of photo printing in a whole new light. Thus, we are now joining forces with Fujifilm Electronic Imaging and our talented X-Photographers to elevate the art of printed photos!

Our first big step was a joint presence at the Fotofair in The Netherlands. It’s an annual event that gathers photography enthusiasts and professionals for a day full of inspiration, knowledge exchange, and fun. This was a huge hit and a fantastic opportunity to bring everything together. Fujifilm Electronic Imaging rolled out an impressive range of our top-tier cameras and equipment, and four of our incredible X-Photographers – Michael Graste, Marco Ter Beek, Jacques Yasemin, and Maarten van der Voorde – took the stage with captivating lectures and presentations, sharing their personal experience and useful insights.

We also presented our best-in-class photographic paper, showcasing large-format, high-end prints mounted on dibond, and underscoring the value and impact of printed photography. In this regard, a big shoutout to our partner, Profotonet, for helping create these stunning artworks. Their craftsmanship truly brought our vision to life and added an extra layer of excellence to the event.

Find out more about our photographic paper here.

Filed under Blog Consumer Photography X-Photographer

Catching the Wave: Russell Ord x Sports Photography

by mariiabezpala June 21, 2024 Comments0

On his path to becoming an internationally acclaimed photographer, Russell Ord has squinted down the lens at an intriguing mix of subjects over the years. From shooting world-class surfers and celebrity chefs to exploring remote landscapes. He’s roamed with Uunguu Rangers in the Australian outback, island-hopped across tropical fantasylands, and followed his photographic instincts through urban meccas. Meanwhile, his ocean images are famous for portraying both cruelty and majesty of the sea.

As one of the world’s leading surf photographers, he documented a treacherous spot in the Indian Ocean known simply as “The Right”. In pursuit of a unique angle, Russell put himself in a situation where the ocean’s most powerful forces converge. This challenging shoot became central to his acclaimed documentary “One Shot”.

Innovative Gear for Dynamic Photography

Recently, Russell got a chance to try out the new GFX100S II camera, together with the GF500mmF5.6 lens introduced at the last X Summit. This combination has revolutionized his approach to sports photography, bringing new, exciting features to the table.

“In the past, I have used the 500mm focal length (not with large format), and those lenses are bulky and very heavy, opposite to the look and feel of the GF500mmF5.6. The GF500mmF5.6 equipped with the GFX100S II is lightweight, compact and well-built. I can easily imagine climbing rocks, scouring sand dunes, and walking some kilometers/miles along the coast without concerns.”

“If I could use one word to describe the performance, it would be “breathtaking”, I cannot believe I have a 102MP Large Format camera that continuously focuses on my subject (handheld) and can produce imagery of the finest quality. Now, I can shoot action sports imagery (surfing) and simultaneously have my eye on possible gallery pieces and photos I can enlarge on a grand scale.”

The GFX100S II features the highest level of 5-axis image stabilization with a benefit of up to 8.0 stops for limitless large-format creativity. Image quality is one of the most significant factors in this GFX system. Apart from allowing for printing stunning enlargements with the finest details, it lets you have amazing clarity even in challenging weather conditions. Shooting out of a helicopter, doors off, with the GFX100S II and GF500mmF5.6, Russell got beautiful, detailed images despite the very windy conditions, fast erratic movements, and suffering motion sickness.

More beauty to it, the GFX100S II can continuously focus on a moving subject, such as a surfer flying across the wave, with subject and eye detection following him from start to finish without any hunting. It works not only in favorable conditions with high contrast and bright light, but also in low-light, backlit, and dark conditions while shooting flash.

“A saying I use a lot, “press the trigger at the right time”, still applies, but I must admit I love having 7fps on a large format camera. It’s a fine line in and out of the water missing that critical shot; the 7fps gives you many more opportunities to nail that exact shot at 102mp (mind-blowing).”

Find the full story here.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Consumer Photography Sport X-Photographer