Australia

Climbing China’s Yellow Mountains with the FUJIFILM X-Pro2

by Leigh Diprose January 25, 2017 Comments11

It’s not often you get to visit a country like China that is full of wonders, but as most of you may know when an opportunity like this comes your way it’s best to capture it in full.

Recently, my overseas trip involved trekking through the Yellow Mountains located in the Huangshan National Park, located about an hours flight from Shanghai, China. Although this majestic place was close to Shanghai, I travelled from the busy tech hub of Shenzhen (around a 5 hours flight), and the limited air conditioning outside the terminal didn’t seem to compete with the hot and sticky weather.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 – XF16mmF1.4 – ISO 500 – F5.6 – 1/1400 second

Our driver who didn’t seem to care much for his life, raced around blind corners in his F1 fighter jet or otherwise known to the people-who-want-to-live as a car. I must say, the door handles of the vehicle certainly became weakened by the end of the trip due to the constant strain from clenched grips. We survived, though and desperately scrambled into our accommodation after an hour in our driving simulator before we explored the town located a few kilometres from the base of the majestic Yellow Mountains. Upon taking a few steps outside of the car park I was reminded no matter where you are in the world, even in a small Chinese country town in the middle of nowhere you can’t escape technology!

Fujifilm X-Pro2 – XF16mmF1.4 – ISO 1250 – F1.4 – 1/7 second

The evening consisted of strolling the streets with the Fujifilm X-Pro2 to find a well-known market street which catered an array of local fresh and exotic produce. The mystery world of new dialects, interesting smells and many chance photo opportunities had me meandering through the rough cobbled streets as my attention was drawn in every direction. The X-Pro2 was discreet and simple to use. It felt natural and more importantly it didn’t obstruct my experience. Changing the ISO, aperture or shutter speed was simple, making it the perfect camera for my trip.

The hustle and bustle of the street died as the remaining colourful lanterns flickered in the moist late night air. The doors began to shut and my time among the people had come to an end.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 – XF16mm R WR – ISO 1250 – F1.4 – 1/640 second

The following day brought the same heavy humid weather. After a quick breakfast, I was driven to a cramped bus that would eventually follow the winding route to the majestic Yellow Mountains in Huangshan. The iconic mountain range was best known for its eerie pine trees atop of stunning granite landscapes that often ‘floated’ amongst the heavy mist. Sunsets at this time of year were rare, but one could only hope there would be an occasional break in the clouds to expose the panoramic beauty beneath.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 – XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 – ISO 200 – F7.1 – 1/160 second

In preparation for the trip, I debated what lenses I would take to accompany the Fujifilm X-Pro2. I decided on a wide-angle, prime, an all round lens and telephoto as they seemed to be the best option to cover landscapes and any wildlife I might encounter when climbing the 1850+ metres. It was a hard choice, but considering the time of year and weather sealing on some of the lenses, I felt this was the best setup for my photography style.

For the three days of climbing the weight of the Fujinon XF16mmF1.4, XF56mmF1.2 APD, XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 and XF50-140mmF2.8 plus two Fujifilm X-Pro2 bodies seemed a bit over the top. I quickly regretted carrying so much!

My daily hand carry favoured the XF16mmF1.4 and X-Pro2 while the rest of the gear stayed in a small backpack, along with a few changes of clothes, extra socks, plenty of water and of course some spare batteries and a handful of large memory cards.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 – XF50-140mmF2.8 – ISO 200 – F5 – 1/800 second

The history of the Yellow Mountains was learned with each step. The large carved stone had masterfully been moulded into the side of the mountain, quietly telling its story to the ascending travellers. The pea thick mist hid most of the peak’s grandeur for the first day but presented a rare opportunity to create silhouettes from the languishing pines, stagnate in time and nature.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 – XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 – ISO 800 – F5.6 – 1/2400 second

Day two tackled the steepest climb I had ever attempted. My neck arched every couple of minutes to calculate the vertical steps that disappeared into the heavens. A slow pace and solid grip on the mountain and the other on the X-Pro2 was the best means to overcome being pushed backwards down the mountain by the howling wind. The thoughts of ‘are we there yet’ constantly reverberated in my head, but I pushed on, knowing the images at the peak would be worthwhile from the extensive Google searches I had researched.

HDR – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 – ISO 200 – F5.6 – 1/350 second

Eventually after a number of hours of climbing we reached the top. Dumping the backpack felt like a sheep losing its fleece, an abundance of energy surged as I photographed the misty lone pine dangling precariously on the edge. The cloud lingered and wouldn’t depart to showcase one of the highest points in China. It didn’t matter, though, I had the Fujifilm X-Pro2, plenty of storage space and an idea. I planned to photograph the mystic pine tree from a new perspective to what I had previously seen. Edging to the drop-off and the side of the barrier like a caterpillar I extended my torso beyond the cliff edge to begin a series of handheld vertical images that would later become a panoramic view.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 – 8 image stitch using the XF16mmF1.4

I finished the trip a week later and upon reflection, I was happy I utilised all three lenses while in the mountains. I wouldn’t have taken any other Fujinon lenses on the trip, as each focal length complemented one another. The durable X-Pro2 was exceptional, both in weight and operability, which is why I will continue to use this camera whenever I go travelling. Being able to travel to the Yellow Mountains is something I recommend you add to your bucket list. The trip for me was truly spectacular, and something I highly recommend photographers pursue, the memories and photographs will be with you forever.

Filed under Travel

X-Thusiast Featured Photographer Michael Pilsworth

by Fujifilm Australia January 15, 2017 Comments1

Our first X-Thusiast featured photographer of 2017 is Michael Pilsworth, who hails from Western Australia and enjoys wedding landscape and coastal photography.

Let’s start with the basics, Michael. Where are you from? What are your hobbies? What are some important aspects of your life?

I’m lucky enough to live in the picturesque southwest of Western Australia, which has some of the most stunning coastlines in the world. For over 10 years my work was my hobby, as my wife and I photographed around 45 weddings per year. At each wedding, I would annoy my wife incessantly with the need to place the bride and groom “right over there on that rock” to photograph a spectacular sky and landscape — with the bride and groom, of course. After a change in direction due to a family situation in 2012, I became employed in a role in which I travel by road to most of Regional Western Australia, and now photograph those landscapes purely for enjoyment.

“Little Beach, Albany-Western Australia” by Michael Pilsworth, Fujifilm X-T1 + XF10-24mm – F22 – 10mm ISO200 – 27 seconds

How did you develop an interest in Fujifilm products? How would you describe your photographic style?

Carrying two Canon bodies and lenses for 10 to 12 hours a day at a wedding has some definite wear-and-tear effect. The last couple of years of wedding photography saw us change over from Canon to Fujifilm after reading how Australian wedding photographer James Day was enjoying the colour, focus, range, ease, benefits and style of the Fujifilm. I still placed brides and grooms “on top of that hill over there,” but what was produced from the Fujifilm had a different style altogether. Images were insanely crisper and cleaner, with zero focus issues, and incredible colour and depth. My wife – who culled, proofed and edited – found colour-correcting, tone and output of images were fast and accurate due to the Fujifilm capturing what we intended at the time.

What constitutes a good photograph for you? What inspires your photography?

Being a photographer in the southwest – with the calibre of nice blokes Christian Fletcher, Tony Hewitt and Ben Knapinski in my midst and as inspiration – forces you to take unique photographs. For me, capturing the different and the unusual is vital to keep mastering the unique image. I chase the setting sun in different locations from as far as Broome and Derby to farther south at Esperance. Although my wife tells me the sunrise is supremely more beautiful – I have yet to verify that statement.

“Mutton Bird Island, Albany-Western Australia” by Michael Pilsworth, Fujifilm X-T1 + XF10-24mm – F8 – 10.5mm ISO400 – 8.5 seconds

Where are your favourite places to shoot in Australia?

A favourite location is difficult to choose from the places I have visited. The Pilbara and Kimberley areas are up high on the list of favourites due to the forever-changing and altering landscape from month to month, wet season to dry season, and there is an endless list of locations I have yet to explore. In contrast, though, a drive through Balingup and Bridgetown on a foggy, wintry day is often just as spectacular.

michael-pilsworth-001

“Pilbara, Western Australia,” by Michael Pilsworth, Fujifilm X-T1 + XF50-140mm – F8 – 66mm – ISO200 – 1/220s

Why did you choose the Fujifilm X-T1?

Apart from the size and the feel in my hand of a solid camera, the return of functions that remind me of the film cameras of my youth was a real delight of the X-T1. I am continually amazed and bore my family to tears with my enthusiastic diatribes of explanations on the output of images of clarity and depth of the X-T1. Shoving the back of the camera into their faces, exclaiming “zoom up, have a look at that!” is regular dinnertime conversation.

Where is your dream destination to shoot?

Returning to Karijini [National Park] after my one and only visit in 2010 is definitely on the list. Taking the Fujifilm’s through the gorges would be a real test of their capabilities.

“Tree Farm — Gin Gin, Western Australia” by Michael Pilsworth, Fujifilm X-T1 + XF50-140mm – F8 – 74.4mm – ISO200 – 1/200s

Which Fujinon lens or lenses do you prefer to use with your Fujifilm X-T1 camera? Tell us why.

I love the XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR. I like that it’s water-resistant, great low light capabilities and I like how it compresses the image on my landscapes. I have also been shooting with the 18-55mmF2.8-4 and 55-200mmF3.5-4.8 kit lenses and they are absolutely beautiful lenses; they are solid construction and the quality of images they produce are outstanding.

Do you prefer any particular editing tools, social networks or camera accessories to enhance your work?

Most of my editing is done in Adobe Lightroom. I edit on the road, so Lightroom on a laptop is ideal – then uploading to Instagram and Facebook. I use a remote trigger and a 10-stop ND filter as well as a Polariser filter. I also manually focus most of the time and use hyperfocal distance calculations.

“Sand Dunes Near Lancelin, Western Australia,” by Michael Pilsworth, Fujifilm X-T1, XF50-140mm – F11 – 140mm – ISO200 – 1/450s

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

Watch lots of tutorials and learn from the masters who love to educate. But most of all just keep shooting (with a Fujifilm of course).

Any final thoughts or tips?

Anxiously waiting on the release medium-format Fujifilm GFX 50S. The capabilities of this camera to capture and reproduce higher-quality resolution and print to a large spectacular size is something I am keen to try.

If you’d like to become our next X-Thusiast, learn more about our submission guidelines here.

Filed under Interviews X-Photographer

Announcement: Fujifilm X Series Cash Back (Australian Residents Only)

by Leigh Diprose October 14, 2016 Comments0

We are excited to announce our latest X Series Cash Back.

Featuring one of Fujifilm’s flagship cameras, the X-Pro2 at $300 cash back, with up to $300 cash back on selected XF lenses, there is plenty on offer.

Could you see yourself selling your current Digital SLR kit and joining the Fujifilm community? Many photographers have before, and now is the perfect opportunity.

Or are you an existing X Series user after a specific lens, then we encourage you to take up this offer? Let’s explore a few scenarios…

You might have been photographing with a Digital SLR for many years and recently you have heard a lot of talk about the Fujifilm X Series image quality and colour reproduction. You may even know a photography friend who keeps raving about the size and weight of their X Series camera when compared to their previous camera? Does this sound familiar?

We hear this scenario all the time online, across stores and when we are out and about meeting people it is not uncommon to hear how many photographers love their X Series cameras and lenses and how it has reignited their passion for photography. It makes us proud to do what we do, so today we are hoping to ignite the passion for many more by offering this fantastic cash back promotion.

Let’s explore a classic example of what we hear about:

A photographer switches from a Digital SLR Kit to a Fujifilm X Series Kit.

Typically, enthusiasts or professionals may have approximately 2 to 3 lenses. These lenses normally consist of a wide angle, prime and telephoto, and ‘changing over’ can be an expensive exercise. Taking the current Fujifilm Cash Back offer into account might make this exercise the perfect time right now.

Replacing your existing Digital SLR kit and purchasing a Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF16-55mm (wide), XF56mmF1.2 (prime) and XF50-140mm (telephoto), you could save over a thousand dollars. $1100 cash back to be exact – that’s not too bad at all!

Whatever you decide, whether it’s a single lens or full Fujifilm kit, this promotion is sure to be a winner amongst many Australian photographers, so we encourage you to get in early.

For a full list of Cash Back terms and conditions visit our website here, and remember if you end up purchasing some gear at an authorised local X Series stockist then we would love to hear about it and see it!

Be sure to tag #fujifilmcashback across social media with a photo of your new purchase.

Filed under Blog

UNTETHERED: 2880

by Fujifilm EMEA October 11, 2016 Comments4

It’s our last night in Broken Hill and the heavens have opened up with severe weather conditions including floods and thunderstorms that ended a day of gale force winds. For a long time I’ve wanted to travel on an adventure, out into the Australian Outback, with my trusted camera in hand, for opportunities of the ‘not so ordinary’ photographs.

As a professional photographer, I began my career as a Nikon user, and I still am on one hand (excuse the pun), however I like being untethered. So taking my DSLR out on the road for trips like this one, felt like a burden – not because of its ability to take beautiful photographs, but because of the size and weight of it, and also because of how much it draws attention. It wasn’t until last year when I did Project 23 with Fujifilm Australia using the X100S, that the seed was planted; that’s when I realised the potential of the Fujifilm mirrorless camera. I always wanted to have a camera that was small enough in my hand, yet capable and rugged enough to handle all shooting situations, especially when I’m on the road. So began my journey to find the right ‘partner’ in the perfect camera world.

We had planned a four-day road trip in early October from Melbourne to Broken Hill and the NSW Outback Desert. When Fujifilm announced the release of the X-Pro2 at the beginning of this year, I had my keen eyes set on it. However timing wise, the X-T2 was just released at the same time I was ready to buy a new camera, and right before I was leaving for the Outback Road Trip. So my decision was very hard. Weighing up the latest X-T2 against the X-Pro2 was an extremely difficult and time-consuming exercise for me. I did a lot of research online, talked to photographers who use the X-T1 and even rented the X-Pro2 for one day to see how I felt with it. But on D-Day, it mostly came down to personal preference: durability; the hybrid viewfinder on the X-Pro2 vs. EVF only on the X-T2; and just how good the Fujifilm X-Pro2 felt ergonomically in my hands. So X-Pro2 it was.

We stayed in Broken Hill for 4 days (inclusive of our 2 x 11 hour drives from/to Melbourne each way). There’s so much to see along the way, a 9-hour drive that became 11-12 hours because of the amount of times we stopped to take photographs. Conditions wise, just in those four days, we went through flash floodings, mini cyclones, thunderstorms and gale force winds including red dust storms. I couldn’t just sit inside the car and feel protective or scared of ruining my new X-Pro2, as much as instinctively I wanted to. There will be battle scars that my camera will earn and I’m ok with that.

Whilst walking along a road outside of Broken Hill, during what they say is a normal windy Spring day, I was shooting in an actual red dust storm – with fine little pieces of dirt and dust blowing straight towards me, and my X-Pro2 was completely exposed. I spent the evening blowing the dirt out of the grooves of my Polarizing Filter, lens and buttons.

On other shoots, we were standing on top of a mine, exposed without protection, in pouring rain and gale force winds – on the day where we planned to do our long exposure night photography shoot. It’s about the adventure for me; so making the most of the opportunities, and capturing moments when they happen, is what I live for. So I have to get out there.

Fujifilm advertise their X-Pro2 and the XF35mm F2 R WR lens (which I also bought with my X-Pro2) as being Weather Resistant. Based on my experience, I can honestly say that the ‘army-like machine’s’ durability of the camera casing is definitely weather resistant, and no matter what I put it through on this ‘field test’ trip, it is exactly the sort of camera I can rely on, and take with me on all my adventures!

Our goal for the trip was to really see and experience the environment of the Aussie Outback – after all, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. A constant reminder our GPS announced throughout the trip was to ‘proceed to the route’. But we didn’t care because stopping along the way and going off the beaten track WAS the journey.

Broken Hill and Silverton (30-minute drive North West of Broken Hill) both have so many opportunities for photography, including the 270km stretch of uninhabited desert that lies between the drive from Wentworth to Broken Hill. It’s a pretty awesome landscape for all photographers. What I know from my own experience, in most cases, the best photographs come out of spontaneity. I am willing to admit that I am a huge planner – I like to make lists and plan my shots ahead of time and it always served me well. But on journeys such as this, I had to put my inner control freak aside, and just be in the moment.

These are some of the places we shot at whilst on this Outback Road Trip:

Silver City Hwy – this is the Hwy you have to travel on when driving to Broken Hill from Wentworth. The terrain is barren, vast and rugged. Red earth, lots of lizards and nature along the road, and carcases of animals long gone. We saw the remains of what seemed to be a Dingo, with just the tail and claws, and the skeleton half buried in the red dust, just a little way off the side of the road.

Palace Hotel – this is where Priscilla Queen of the Desert was filmed, and made famous in Broken Hill City Centre. They have an event in September called Broken Heel where they have a performing Drag Queen and re-enact the movie. The inside of the hotel has huge murals that are apparently great to see.

Line of Lode Miners Memorial – this is literally just 5 minutes out of Broken Hill City Centre and has great views of Broken Hill City. We used this location for our long exposure night photography and storm photography. The altitude here and the front of views of the city make it a great place to take some amazing shots.

Silverton Hotel – is in Silverton, which is a 30-minute drive North West of Broken Hill. The hotel is famous for being the film set of movies such as Mad Max and Razorback just to name a few.

Silverton and its surrounds – if you want Ghost Town kind of Outback, then Silverton is an amazing place to get some arid photographs of the desert, along with a whole range of abandoned cars and buildings. It’s called a Ghost Town because of all the empty relics. We found it a bit spooky to be honest, but it had a real Aussie Outback feel, and the fact that it is used so often as movies sets, says it all about the opportunities it has for photographers too.

Mundi Mundi Lookout – is just 10-minute out of Silverton, and has amazing views of the flat plains and desert-facing sunset, all the way to the horizon. We stayed out there and did our night and star photography from there because we could see all the way to the horizon. Amazing sunsets too. Word of warning, it can get crowded because tour buses come out there for sunset too, as well as many other people to watch the sunset. So if you like solitude, don’t go on weekends or school holidays. Also take insect repellent – the mosquitos out there bite really hard!

Dirt Roads – there’s many dirt roads, and dried out river beds, outside of Broken Hill, and in particular just out of Silverton as well as the Living Sculptures turnoff, that are amazing opportunities to walk along, explore and take photographs.

Living Desert Sculptures and Flora & Fauna Sanctuary – about 20-minute drive out of Broken Hill, this is yet another location where you get amazing views of the terrain and desert all the way to the horizon. Word of warning, don’t go out there when it’s windy, and make sure you purchase entrance fees ($6 pp as of October 2016) because the Rangers do come and check apparently.

Brownes Shaft Mine & Lookout – is another location where you can get great night sky and star photography. It’s elevated on top of an old mine and the structure is great as a landmark around the night sky for some pretty great shots. The stars are awesome out there, the Milky Way so bright, especially when there is a no moon, which is what we had when we were on this trip.

Tyrell Lake / Salt Lake – this is somewhere you can take a short detour off on your way to / from Broken Hill. Unfortunately, we had heavy rain and floods so the road was closed, and the photo we did get to take was out in pouring rain, so the salt wasn’t so colourful or visible. I think it would be a great place to visit in the dryer months.

Brim Silos – again another place you can plan on your trip up / from Broken Hill, where an artist has painted portraits of farmers on one side of the silos in the wheat producing strip of Henty Hwy in Victoria. Their sheer size is just breathtaking.

And when you need to feed after a very long day out in the desert, we highly recommend Thyme On Argent for their pizzas (say hi to Jodie) and Bells Milk Bar for their heavenly milkshakes and sweets.

I pride myself of shooting RAW all the time but with Fujifilm cameras I shoot FINE (JPEG FINE that is). For some reason the JPEG that comes out of any Fujifilm camera that I’ve own (X-Pro2 and X100S) come out really nice and creamy. I don’t know what ‘spices’ and ‘ingredients’ they put in producing their JPEGs, but the colours come out really nice and just right.

My favourite would be Provia, Classic Chrome and of course Monochrome Film Simulation. You can view different JPEG Film Simulations of the Fujifilm X–Pro2 here for comparison.

Full disclaimer: I own these two cameras and this isn’t a technical review of the cameras on behalf of Fujifilm. But I’d like to share my first-hand experience of taking both my X-Pro2 and X100S on my ‘field test’ trip. Any locations I mentioned on this blog are purely my own recommendations – obviously you’ll need to do your own research and see whether it’s suitable for your own journey.

I’m so in love with my new Fujifilm X-Pro2, and know that I made the right decision. I’m wrapped and satisfied with how it withstood so much from this trip. We love travelling light, on adventures and road trips, and most of our luggage is usually photography or gadgetry equipment. These cameras will stay with me for a very long time.

See you all on our next Untethered Adventure!

The gear we used on this field test trip:

Fujifilm X-Pro2 (Firmware 1.02)
Fujifilm XF35mm F2 R WR (Firmware 1.01)
Fujifilm X100S (Firmware 1.21)
Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap
Peak Design Cuff
Peak Design Field Pouch
Benro Tripod GC168TB1 (used with the X-Pro2)
3 Legged Thing Brian X1.1 with Evolution 1 with AirHed 1 (used with the X100S)
Hahnel Combi TF with Cable release (used with the X-Pro2)
HOYA Fusion UV Filter 43mm Thread (used on the XF35mm F2 R WR)
HOYA Fusion Circular Polarizer Filter 43mm Thread (used on the XF35mm F2 R WR)
Lexar Pro – 32GB SDXC Card – UHS 1 – 95MB/s – 633x – Class 10 (used on the X-Pro2)
Lexar Platinum II – 16GB – SDHC Card – 100x – Class 6/10 (used on the X100S)
iPhone 7
Apple Macbook Pro 15” Retina Display
Western Digital Passport Hard Drive 1TB
Inmarsat Satellite Phone (yep, you’ve gotta be prepared!)

About the authors

Maya Sugiharto and Aviva Minc are Visual Storytellers. Photographers and Short Filmmakers based in Melbourne, Australia. They are the Co-Founders and Creative Directors behind Agent Morphe Design. They love to travel (with their cameras) on adventures and road trips, off the beaten tracks. To see more of their photos visit them on Facebook and Twitter or on their personal Instagram accounts.

Maya Sugiharto – @mayasugihartophotography

Avia Minc – @photographersassistant

Filed under Be Inspired X-Photographer

Fuji Guys – Discussing Fujifilm’s X-T2 4K Video

by Leigh Diprose October 10, 2016 Comments0

Aussie Fuji Guys Warrewyk Williams and Will Anlezark test and talk about the 4K video capabilities of the Fujifilm X-T2.

Follow the Fuji Guys on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fujiguys

For more information about this and other Fujifilm products, please visit these websites.

Fujifilm Australia
http://www.fujifilm.com.au/products/digital_cameras

Fujifilm U.S.A.
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/index.html

Fujifilm Canada
http://www.fujifilm.ca/products/digital_cameras/index.html

Fujifilm UK
http://www.fujifilm.eu/uk/products/digital-cameras/

Filed under Photography

X-Thusiast Featured Photographer William Solis: Familiar Can be New

by Leigh Diprose September 19, 2016 Comments1

In continuation from last month, we are happy to announce William Solis as our new X-Thusiasts Featured Photographer for September 2016. In his recent interview, Solis relays his thrill for cinematography and travel through Fujifilm photography.

“Starry Night”, Fujifilm X-T1 + Samyang 12mm F2 @ F2, 30 sec, ISO16000

Let’s start with the basics: Where is home? What are your hobbies? What inspires you from day to day?

Home is Newport in the Northern Beaches NSW. It’s a beautiful place, and I simply enjoy watching the ocean in my spare time. My hobbies other than photography are fitness, cinema and technology. Each hobby has some carryover to the other and ultimately gives me some variety.

My biggest daily inspiration is seeing the incredible shots in places that I’ve been to many times. There have been times where I haven’t gone out shooting because I felt I’ve covered every inch of that location, only to see someone else’s photograph from there; I’ve gained a perspective I had never considered as if I had never seen that place before. It’s really opened my eyes to continually try different shots, so I carry my camera with me everywhere. As I look for those shots, sometimes a great scene shows up, and I’m only able to capture it because I have my camera on me.

How did you develop an interest in photography? How did you learn and develop your craft?

Cinema has always been a big part of my life—even now it is a gigantic inspiration for my photography. I grew up watching movies and the cinematography was a very important aspect to me. The way the scenes were filmed, it was a perspective I had never seen in my day-to-day life. I wanted to capture my life like that. I also really appreciated my childhood photographs and they help me remember moments in my life that would otherwise be a fragment. I also felt they showed the moment better than I could explain it.

“Fireworks in Darling Harbour”, Fujifilm X-T1 + XF23mmF1.4

My parents got me a compact camera when I was about 15. From there, I took photos of anything and everything—at first, I emulated the compositions I liked in the movies without really understanding what made them look so good. Over time, I researched composition guidelines, photography FAQs, beginner guides, etc. I joined photography websites and spent a lot of time analysing shots I liked, matching them up with the composition and post-processing posts I was reading. I would get some constructive criticism from other photographers, but most times I would come back to my earlier shots and see what didn’t work based on the experience I had gained since then. My goal was to understand the thought process and develop my eye in order to take better shots.

Over the years, I have met other photographers who have taught me a lot and I have attended workshops that have taught me things that would have otherwise taken me way longer to learn. I am still developing my vision through experimenting, mixing it up or looking at shots from people who have different viewpoints.

Do you have a particular photographic style? If so, what would you consider that to be?

Travel photography would be the best way I could describe it. I try to see the places I go to as if I was seeing it through the eyes of someone who’s been there for the first time and I like to think if after looking at their shots, how would they have photographed it differently? From the beginning, my goal has always been to photograph to remember the life I have lived.

“Sunset at Barrenjoey Headland”, Fujifilm X-T1 + XF35mmF1.4, shutter 1/5000

What’s your favourite location to shoot in Australia?

Barrenjoey headland at Palm Beach; not only is it beautiful but there are so many ways that it can be photographed. I find it’s a playground, an open-air studio that I am free to enjoy.

Consider your favourite or most memorable Fujifilm photograph. Where was it taken, how was it shot and what does this photo mean to you?

That is not easy to answer! Most memorable for me would be a rain cloud I photographed from Newport beach in the morning. I went down to the beach despite it being a cloudy morning. I did not think I was going to get anything special but I went anyway. I just wanted to photograph.

I reached the beach and saw this wonderful view of a rain cloud over the ocean and the sun behind it. I wanted to give some context and sand wasn’t working so I walked past the ocean pool and onto the rocks. There was a rock that the waves kept crashing against and I saw a shot in my head. I squatted down, tilted the screen up on my X-T1 and composed the rock in the foreground and the rain cloud in the background. I simply waited for it to appear in front of my camera. I was listening to Simon and Garfunkel during the shoot and I know that influenced my shot.

The shot represents a couple of things to me: To go out even if it doesn’t look ideal and that you don’t always know what you’re going to get, so put yourself out there.

“Good morning, Newport”, Fujifilm X-T1 + XF23mmF1.4

What’s your favourite X Series camera? Why do you prefer that particular model?

X-T1 without a doubt. Specifically the EVF, flip-up screen and design. I’ve used a variety of cameras in my life but there has always been something that has hindered me or been not as enjoyable to use. The X-T1 is easily the most enjoyable—it is just right in the places that I need and almost feels tailored to me. It’s like the makers had a wishlist for a camera that they would use themselves and made it. I’m just glad that it exists! I refer to my X-T1 as my electronic eye because it feels like an extension of me and the closest I can get to saving the moments I see with my own eyes.

Which Fujinon lens(es) do you prefer?

The 23mm F1.4 is my main lens. It enables me to get the shots I am after. I do not feel hindered by it, especially in low light. There are many shots I would not have been able to get if I did not have that lens. I also use the 35mm F1.4 for subjects farther away and the Samyang 12mm F2 if I want to go wider.

Could you describe your photographic workflow? Do you prefer any third-party, post-processing software, camera accessories or community networks to develop and share your work?

My in-camera settings are Pro Neg Std and Colour +2. I shoot in RAW but the look of that film simulation works for me as a base idea. I use Lightroom predominantly and Nik Collection for sharpening as I find it does a better job. I import my photos with VSCO 06 400H+1 + because it gives me a feel of what I’m after and starts the process of connecting the photograph I have in my head to the final image. Usually, I get the colours first then highlights/shadows/curves and then finish off with colour afterwards. Sometimes the missing piece is changing the colour hue, usually blue and yellow. Sometimes I edit a bunch of images and by the last one, I have found the look I am after and apply it to the previous shots.

I upload to Flickr and share it to Instagram. I also back up my exported images to an external hard drive. Sometimes I feel I don’t need to go to Lightroom and instead convert in-camera to the look I’m after and send it to my phone. I then edit in Snapseed and upload from there.

Do you have any additional final thoughts regarding Fujifilm X Series? Do you have any tips or advice you’d like to share with other photographers out there pursuing their craft?

Firstly, I am very interested in the X-T2—especially for the video and AF—so I will be checking that out when I can. I highly appreciate the firmware updates and Fujifilm listening to feedback (any video-centric firmware updates for the X-T1 would be greatly appreciated).

I often get asked what camera I recommend and I would love for Fujifilm to make a 1″ sensor successor to the X30. I have a feeling that it will fill a gap for many people and would be an excellent introduction to Fujifilm. On a similar note, I would really like Fujifilm to host more events because it would allow people to try out the gear in real-life scenarios. I would definitely like to be involved or attend such events.

My advice for photographers would be to never stop learning and be open to new ideas, different compositions and styles because it may open you up to take photographs that you would have never considered.

“Sunset on St. Leonards, NSW”, Fujifilm X-T1 + XF23mmF1.4

To see more of Will’s work, you can follow him on Instagram at @willsolis1.

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