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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.

Midsommar in Sweden: create your perfect festival scrapbook

by M. Köster June 14, 2024 Comments0

Midsommar is one of the most celebrated holidays in Sweden which marks the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. It is always filled with joy, tradition, and stunning scenery. From dancing around the maypole to enjoying sumptuous feasts, every moment is worth capturing and cherishing. One of the best ways to immortalize these memories is by creating a personalized festival photo book, preserving the magic of Midsommar for years to come. You can easily transform your festival memories into a stunning photo book with MyFUJIFILM products and your X-Series camera or smartphone. And here’s how to get started.

Step 1. Select photos

Begin by reviewing your collection of Midsommar photos. Choose the ones that evoke the strongest emotions and best capture the spirit of the event. Whether it’s a panoramic view of the midsummer pole against a backdrop of clear blue skies or a candid shot of your friends adorned with flower crowns, each photo should contribute to the overall story you want to tell.

Step 2. Choose a theme

To add a sense of cohesiveness to your photo book, consider selecting a theme that aligns with Midsommar’s atmosphere. For instance, you could opt for a nature-themed layout to reflect the lush greenery and floral decorations typical of the festival.

Step 3. Lay out your book

MyFUJIFILM offers user-friendly tools for creating photo books. Arrange your selected photos in a visually appealing sequence, experimenting with different layouts and designs to find the one that best compliments your chosen theme. And there you have it – your festival photos brought to life in your very own photo scrapbook.

Step 4. Add captions and mementos

Personalize your photo book by adding captions that describe the precious moments captured in each photo. You can also include mementos such as pressed flowers, handwritten notes, or ticket stubs to make it even more personalised. This way, as you flip through the pages of your scrapbook, you’ll be transported back to the warmth and joy of the celebration.

Now, just you can share these memories with friends and family and celebrate the spirit of Midsommar all year round. For more inspiration, check out a blog post by our UK colleagues on MyFUJIFILM.

What is MyFUJIFILM?

MyFUJIFILM is your ultimate destination for all photo printing needs, offering high-quality prints on Fujifilm’s renowned photographic paper. Whether you’re looking to print photos, create photo books, or design personalised gifts, they have you covered. Their blog provides endless inspiration for your creative projects, operating in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, and the UK. Check it out and turn your cherished memories into beautiful prints and keepsakes!

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Consumer

France triumphs at INSTAX Playin’Paris festival

by mariiabezpala June 11, 2024 Comments0

On May 24th, the FUJIFILM INSTAX Undisputed Breaking competition lit up the night as part of the Playin’Paris festival. Paris witnessed a breathtaking display of skill and artistry as the world’s elite breakers competed for glory under the iconic canopy of Les Halles. It gathered competitors from all over the world, including renowned breakers such as Bboy PacPac (FR), Ana Furia (ES) and Raygun (AUS).

With Kaê (FR) winning the Solo Men’s Battle, San Andrea (FR) triumphing in the Solo Women’s Battle, and French crew Los Crapulos taking the Crew Battle, the electrifying event culminated in a French clean sweep.

“As breakers once revolutionised the dance scene in the 80s, they stand poised to ignite a new era for breakdancing. The FUJIFILM INSTAX brand is proud to continue to partner with Undisputed as breaking grows in stature and popularity. Together, we celebrated the bold spirit of these athletes who defy limits, push boundaries and put on incredible shows,” – Shin Udono, Senior Vice President of Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe.

Los Crapulos, Undisputed Paris 2024 | © Koko Shahbasi

San Andrea, Undisputed Paris 2024 | © Koko Shahbasi

Kaê, Undisputed Paris 2024 | © Koko Shahbasi

The event was part of the Playin’Paris festival, which also featured a 3×3 basketball tournament final, a DJ contest, a series of indoor and outdoor concerts, and a live graffiti exhibition. Visit the Playin’Paris festival website for more details.

About Undisputed

Undisputed Masters is an international breaking competition established in 2014 by some of the top breaking events, judges, and competitors from across the globe. Undisputed has innovated in setting up competition rankings and developing the Trivium judging system which played a big role in getting breakdancing to the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Trivium Judging System is a digital platform that lets judges score dancers in real-time, based on three main criteria: the physical quality, interpretative quality, and artistic quality of the performance.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog

Women4Women 8: empowering women in print

by mariiabezpala May 29, 2024 Comments0

When women deal with machines and technology, magic is made. Throughout history, they were at the forefront of innovation, bringing unique perspectives, and creative problem-solving approaches to the table. They brought empathy and ingenuity to the world of machines, thinking not only how they work but also how they can improve lives. Every day, women in tech around the world are making incredible strides, developing software, designing hardware, managing IT systems, and driving innovation, and still, their contributions often go unnoticed.

In our latest, 8th issue of the Women4Women magazine, we want to change the narrative and honor women who are shaping the printing and graphic arts industry. Offering a fresh perspective and a completely new look and feel, this issue is aptly titled “Women and the Machine”. From the UK to Australia, we’ve collected over 20 stories of women from all across the globe, who bring change to the world of tech. They tell about their ups and downs, motivation and learning curves, how they challenged outdated stereotypes in the male-dominated field and what drives them to move on. On this inspiring journey, you’ll be accompanied also by evocative photographs taken in Italian factories in the 1980s by Turin-based photographer Paola Agosti.

“The stories we have collected in this new issue are all about a challenge. A challenge that has been quietly but not yet fully recognised, one that sees women and machines progressing and evolving together, demonstrating that technology, in this case applied to the printing industry, is not a men-only activity. These magnificent women tell us how they are able to create empathy with these mechanical ‘hearts’ and thanks to the strong ‘bond’ that is created, it has been possible to achieve results that we can describe as artistic. Business aptitude is not enough to do this,” – says Luana Porfido, European Head of Corporate Communication and ESG Management, FUJIFILM Europe GmbH.

The magazine features insights from the souls of Fujifilm, including Makiko Numata, Mihoko Endo and Isabelle Katrina Morales, who highlight the importance of innovation, perseverance and breaking down long-established barriers. At the same time, there are stories of external contributors, such as Lisa Farinati, Head of Business Administration of Faservice Srl, and Chiara Bezzi, Editorial Manager of Innovative Press, who discuss the transformative power of female leadership and the importance of sustainability and inclusion in the industry. Zhu Min, Vice President of C&C Joint Printing Co. Ltd, also shares her journey and achievements, including winning the prestigious “Bi Sheng Printing Outstanding Achievement” award.

“Our goal is to bring together diverse ideas, unique skills and extraordinary people to change the world. Women4Women is a concrete example that testifies to the path we have taken towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” – Yoshiki Kimura, President, FUJIFILM Europe GmbH.

Find all stories in digital here.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Spotlight

How to plan your Japan Day in Düsseldorf?

by M. Köster May 27, 2024 Comments0

On June 1, Düsseldorf will once again be host to one of Europe’s largest Japanese cultural festivals, Japan-Tag. This annual event, now in its 21st year, transforms the city into a vibrant hub of Japanese culture, art, and culinary delights.

Known throughout Germany and beyond as a festival of cultural exchange, Japan Day promotes a spirit of openness and curiosity towards other cultures. With around 90 stalls and a colourful stage programme, you can immerse yourself in the rich and diverse world of Japan.

From traditional performances to modern art, culinary experiences to interactive workshops, Japan Day has something for everyone. You can try yourself at calligraphy, tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and much more.

The highlight of the day is the spectacular Japanese fireworks display over the Rhine river, a tradition that leaves visitors in awe year after year. This breathtaking finale is a symbol of the close ties between Japan and Düsseldorf, celebrating the friendship and cultural exchange between the two communities.

Places to visit

Burgplatz square

It’s the place to see the official part of the event. Enjoy performances on the main stage and a selection of Japanese cuisine.

Reuter Kaserne

Here, with all the elaborate bento boxes, detailed figurines, and handmade drawings, you can dive into the world of manga and anime.

Rhine promenade

Along the river, you can try on a real kimono, fold origami, or practice the floral art of ikebana to experience authentic Japanese culture. Take part in drawing and language courses and find out special tips about travelling to Japan. Here, you will also find stalls with Japanese accessories and art items.

Johannes Rau Platz

Explore the demonstration and sales stalls, the Japanese cuisine, and the pop culture zones. Here, you can also find the cosplay and karaoke competitions.

Untere Rheinwerft

Visit the food courts for sushi, tempura, and a sake tasting session. Apart of that, you can enjoy here Germany’s best ninjas competing in parcour, or even take part in the competition yourself.

Lawn in front of the Landtag

You can take part in a variety of activities in this special action area, including the samurai and archery camp, and the sports stage showing off the best of jūdō, jiu-jitsu, kendō, karate, and more!

Marktplatz

Here is a family area with various activities for children in the marketplace, such as mask making, puppet and picture book theater, singing, etc.

Our TOP tips for the perfect Japan Day

Plan ahead

Start by downloading or printing out the event map. This will help you identify key locations like food stalls, stages, restrooms, and activity zones. Mark the spots you absolutely don’t want to miss and plan your time accordingly. Include some buffer time for exploring and spontaneous activities. Also, consider that the number of people is going to be pretty high, so if you want to secure a good place to watch the fireworks, it’s better to plan your time the way that you’re on the spot before 22:00.

Use public transport

Driving to the Rhine on this day may be more of a hussle due to traffic and the limited parking area. So, we would advise looking up the best public transport options to get to the event. Trains, buses, and trams are usually well-connected and can drop you off close to the place. Don’t forget to check the schedules for the last train or bus back home if you’re staying until the fireworks. If public transport is too crowded, consider using bikes or scooters if available.

Try the cuisine

One of the best parts of Japan Day is the chance to try authentic Japanese food and take part in engaging cultural activities. From sushi and ramen to takoyaki and mochi, make it a point to try a little bit of everything. Japanese cuisine is diverse and delicious, and the food stalls are a great way to experience it in a whole variety.

Get there early

To make the most of Japan Day and secure a prime spot for fireworks, it’s better to arrive earlier. This will help you avoid the largest crowds and have a more relaxed experience. This also gives you a chance to experience the activities until it gets too busy. So, use these early hours to wander around and get a feel for the event.

Find out more about Japan Day 2024 here.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog

Exploring the skies with Tania Malkin: the GFX100S II x aerial photography

by M. Köster May 24, 2024 Comments0

Tania Malkin, a renowned aerial photographer based in Australia, has always had a profound love for landscapes. From the serene beauty of bushlands to the awe-inspiring vistas of Shark Bay, her passion for capturing the natural world is undeniable. Recently, Tania had an opportunity to use the new GFX100S II camera on one of her projects in Western Australia, and her experience has been nothing short of transformative.

Shark Bay, with its diverse landscapes and stunning contrasts where the desert meets the ocean, has always been her favorite spot. And the GFX100S II has proven to be an exceptional tool to capture this from the air.

“I normally take one camera and one lens. Because size is important and I don’t want to be mucking around with equipment. And I like to be able to firstly trust the equipment that I have, and secondly, it needs to be small and compact and not heavy and not impact. I’m holding it solid shooting for 2.5 to 3 hours and I don’t put it down.”

It will be the latest addition to the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras incorporating the large-format image sensor approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor. The camera is equipped with the newly developed 102MP sensor, GFX 102MP CMOS II, and our cutting-edge image processor, X-Processor 5. While having these powerful elements, it is still quite compact, weighing approximately 883g. This makes it the lightest among the 102MP large-format cameras in the line-up and allows for effortless handheld shooting, with minimised camera shake.

With the 102 megapixels, there’s no more need to stitch panoramas to create large artworks and prints. The detail and clarity are mind-blowing. The camera is also equipped with a powerful image stabilizer and a high-speed AF function for enhanced user experience and unparalleled image quality.

“The 8.0 stops IBIS is fantastic because I don’t have to worry that even though I have the amazing autofocus, that the image is still potentially and not going to be sharp. But with the IBIS on the GFX 100S II, I was very confident that the images were going to be sharp, even with the wind resistance and the vibrations from the aircraft.”

“The camera captures the colours and the details of that particular area so beautifully. The sharpness, because of the IBIS, and then the 102MP with the incredible details of the sands and the ocean and the wildlife, the dynamic range that I was getting with the whitecaps on the water, and then the turquoise blue of the ocean with the rich red colours that would normally be out of gamut. It reads everything beautifully. Nothing was blown out. It was just incredible.”

Curious to know more features of the GFX100S II? Check here.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Consumer Photography

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