Explore Marvels in The Deep with Emily Endean and the FUJIFILM X-T5

Underwater photography is always a dance with the unknown. Here, where gravity seems optional and light is oddly distorted, you face a completely alien world of colour that challenges basics of conventional photography.

As you go deeper, the water filters out colours from the spectrum. Red, for instance, is among the first colours to disappear, which can result in photos dominated by blues and greens. Water’s higher density affects how light and objects are perceived, causing distortions in size, shape, and perspective. Thus, achieving sharp focus, balanced lighting, and vibrant colours here demands dedication and expertise. And this world requires a camera as adventurous as the photographer to unlock and capture what’s hidden in the deep.

For the UK based nature photographer Emily Endean, the underwater world is a bottomless well of inspiration. Following it, she grabs her FUJIFILM X-T5 and dives into the waves to document the morning beauty of the water landscape.

FUJIFILM X-T3 + FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS, 1/250 sec | F4 | ISO 250

“Whether it’s the Bournemouth pier or the colourful beach huts at Boscombe – many of my favourite motifs are located directly on the water. Once I’m in the water, I immediately think about how I can show these landmarks in new ways. I have photographed these subjects from land many thousands of times – from perspectives that you see every day. I gained a new perspective on them from the sea and this gave a new dimension to the composition of my images.”

FUJIFILM X-T5 + FUJINON XF30mmF2.8 R LM WR Macro , 1/1000 sec | F5.6 | ISO 500

The FUJIFILM X-T5 helps Emily realize her vision and capture unpredictable moments that she would otherwise miss. For this, the X-T5’s 40-megapixel sensor and wide dynamic serve as a great advantage. In combination with the FUJINON XF30mmF2.8 R LM WR macro Emily has found her ideal equipment. 

“The lens offers a wonderful perspective in the water and gets you so close to the details that you can perfectly capture the waves directly in front of you. There are many wonderful optics in the XF series, but when I shoot in the water I prefer to use a true macro lens .”

Dive deeper into the story as Emily Endean shares her personal PRO tips with FUJIFILM X-T5 for taking marvellous photos from under the waves!

“Born in a Diamond Mine”: essay for the future

A 25-year-old Dutch photographer Isa de Jong presents her on-going photo project ‘Born in a Diamond Mine’ at Encontros da Imagem in Braga on September 15-18.

Using photography, drawings and notes, she portraits the face of Gen Z – with its personal and in-depth stories, dreams and fears planted in times of a crisis, environmental disasters, and global technological change. She aims to create a time capsule bottling the honest and vulnerable truth told by her contemporaries about their vision of the future. Through collaborative portraits, she offers a unique glimpse into their anxieties and uncertainties while also uncovering the shared experiences and lessons they’ve learned during the project.

Isa’s talent have been recognized by FOTODOK, which has selected her as one of the participants in the FOTODOK TALENT EMBASSY program. Thanks to the Pictoright Fund’s support, Isa and nine other emerging photographers got the opportunity to develop their skills and show their work at international photography festivals.

During a pop-up presentation at Palácio do Raio, she will display selection of portraits and handwritten notes beautifully printed and sponsored by Fujifilm Original Photographic Paper. We are happy to help with the preparations and support the project.

The works will be on display from September 15 to September 18 at Palácio do Raio, Braga. Save the date!

Capturing the Majesty of the Sea: Ocean Photography x Russell Ord

Explore the fascinating world of acclaimed photographer Russell Ord and his stunning ocean photography.

I just finished reading a fantastic X-Story about the gifted Russell Ord and his captivating journey through ocean photography. I must tell you more about this amazing X-Story.

In the genre of surf photography, Russell Ord is a name that stands out for his ability to capture the untainted beauty and force of the ocean. Russell’s talent is limitless, having caught legendary ‘The Right’ waves and magazine covers of top surfers. But he goes further than that. His enthusiasm for documenting people’s lives also extends to tourism and marketing work, making him a talented and popular photographer.

In this article, Russell gives us a glimpse of the X-H2’s outstanding features based on his first-hand experience with it. Don’t pass up the chance to see the magnificent X-H2 and be inspired by Russell Ord’s extraordinary work. To read the entire story, click the link!

GFX Cameras: The Ultimate Solution for Absolute Accuracy and Flexibility in Commercial and Scientific Imaging

In today’s fast-moving world, businesses need the best tools to meet their constantly growing demands. This is especially true in the field of imaging and photography, where quality is paramount. With the GFX system camera and its accessories, Fujifilm Digital Imaging Solutions offers a versatile and unparalleled imaging solution that meets the diverse needs of commercial imaging applications.

At the heart of each GFX system camera is a 43.8mm x 32.9mm CMOS image sensor that delivers incredible image quality. This makes the camera ideal for a wide range of commercial imaging applications that require flexibility and versatility. From product photography to architectural photography and everything in between, the GFX system camera is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding professionals.

At moments when absolute color accuracy and pixel information are critical, Fujifilm’s latest Pixel Shift technology, available on the GFX100, GFX100 IR or GFX100S cameras, produces incredibly detailed images with a maximum resolution of 400MP. This is of immediate benefit to institutions or organizations conducting historical research, archival projects or scientific studies where accuracy and precision are paramount.

When absolute flexibility from production to output is required, the GFX system camera offers the perfect balance between performance and image resolution. Thanks to the camera’s autofocus capabilities and the ever-expanding selection of FUJINON G-mount lenses, image creators have complete control over their images from start to finish. In-camera images can be saved as JPEGs, 16-bit RAW files, or a combination of both. 8-bit or 16-bit TIFF files can also be created through in-camera processing. On a computer, a single high-resolution image can be cropped multiple times to create different versions for different needs. Regardless of workflow, the GFX system cameras offer all the options you need.

Fujifilm Digital Imaging Solutions’ unparalleled image quality is the result of using a large 43.8x32.9mm CMOS sensor and imaging technology that has grown over 85 years of designing and manufacturing the highest quality photographic and film equipment. This know-how and heritage, combined with the latest digital imaging technologies, enables professionals to achieve the best possible quality for their needs.

The GFX system camera is complemented by Fujinon lenses designed and engineered to keep pace with the high-resolution image sensors found in all GFX system cameras. Every detail is perfectly resolved, and every color shift is beautifully reproduced. This ever-expanding collection of lenses for GFX system cameras will meet the needs of various commercial imaging applications for years to come.

In case studies conducted by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. and the Tokyo National Museum, the GFX system camera proved invaluable for archiving and preserving cultural assets, valuable materials, and historical artifacts. In addition, photographers have used the GFX System camera to photograph the Gemenefherbak sarcophagus in the Egyptian Museum of Turin, highlighting the camera’s capabilities in reproducing intricate details and textures of historical artifacts.

Preserving the Legacy of Katsushika Hokusai’s Artworks

Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. is a renowned organization that specializes in the digital archiving, restoration, reproduction, and exhibition of cultural assets and valuable materials. Recently, we were privileged to capture the essence of a magnificent work by Katsushika Hokusai from the collection of the Sumida Hokusai Museum. Utilizing the advanced technology of the GFX series, we were able to produce rich and detailed data that not only safeguards cultural properties but also enhances their versatility in various domains.

Read more…

Preserving History with 400MP High-Resolution Images

“Robe (Kosode) with Autumn Flowers” from the Tokyo National Museum collection features intricate designs painted by artist Ogata Kōrin in the early 18th century. Kōrin, born in Kyoto, later went to Edo (present-day Tokyo), where he stayed with the Fuyuki family, wealthy lumber merchants. As a token of gratitude, he painted the designs on the wife’s kimono. Before the garment underwent conservation work to prevent further wear and tear, we were granted permission to photograph it in ultra-high resolution. Archiving valuable cultural properties is crucial for future generations, and to this end, we employed the 400MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot for the GFX system to create an accurate archive of the garment’s condition before restoration work began.

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Egyptian Museum of Turin and the Power of FUJIFILM GFX100

After testing the new features of the Studio and searching for a subject to showcase the full potential of the new Firmware, we turned to the Egyptian Museum of Turin, the oldest museum dedicated entirely to the Nilotic civilization and considered second only to the Cairo museum in terms of value and quantity of artifacts. We had the opportunity to photograph the sarcophagus of Gemenefherbak, a vizier from the XXVI dynasty (664-525 BC).

The sarcophagus’s surface is strikingly smooth and velvety, despite being made of a very hard, dark green stone called “bekhen stone” extracted from quarries in the eastern desert of Egypt. Gemenefherbak is depicted on the cover of the sarcophagus, wearing a small image of the goddess Maat, symbolizing justice. His chest is protected by a winged scarab.

After two “reproductions” of the sarcophagus were made, we used post-production to cut out the front and back of the sarcophagus and placed the images side by side on a black background. The result was a stunning visual representation of an ancient cultural artifact, capturing its intricate details and historical significance.

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The GFX System camera and its accompanying accessories provide a versatile and unparalleled imaging solution for commercial image-making applications. With its unmatched image quality, pixel-shift technology, and flexible workflow options, the GFX System camera is an indispensable tool for professionals who demand the best. For more information, visit Fujifilm Digital Imaging Solutions‘ website and contact their team to learn how they can help you meet your imaging needs.

Urban documentary tips with Fujifilm X-H2S by David Lambot

We have stumbled upon a remarkable tutorial on our colleague’s YouTube channel that we would like to share with you. This tutorial is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn something new or expand their knowledge on interviewing someone for the production of a documentary.

But first one step after the other: Are you interested in creating an urban documentary using your Fujifilm X-H2S camera? Documentaries are a powerful medium that can convey important messages and spark meaningful conversations. However, producing a documentary requires careful planning, attention to detail, and the right equipment. We recently stumbled across an intriguing YouTube video by our Belgian colleagues on tips for urban documentary. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing tips from X-Creator David Lambot (also known as Monsieur Camera) on how to conduct interviews for your documentary or commercial using the Fujifilm X-H2S camera.

Tip 1: Recording Your A Footage

Your A footage is the main footage used to interview your subject, and it forms the basis of your editing. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to your framing, lighting, and location. When filming your interview, consider using a wide-angle shot and a narrow-angle shot to simulate the presence of two cameras. This will allow you to capture different perspectives that you can later use to enhance the visual appeal of your documentary.

When choosing your location, ensure that it’s not too noisy or has too many disruptive elements that can interfere with your recording. You can also use your grid of thirds to frame your subject in a visually appealing way.

If you’re filming outdoors, try to schedule your interview two to three hours after sunrise or three to four hours before sunset. This is the golden hour when the lighting is soft and warm. Avoid filming when the sun is directly overhead as it can create harsh shadows and make it difficult to control your exposure.

Lastly, use the autofocus feature of your Fujifilm camera. The Fujifilm X-H2S camera allows you to configure it on eye detection, which will ensure that your subject is always in focus.

Tip 2: Audio Recording

The audio recording is arguably the most critical aspect of your documentary production. Without clear, high-quality audio, your documentary will not be successful. Therefore, invest in a quality lavalier microphone or shotgun mic that will capture your subject’s voice clearly without any background noise or interference.

If your Fujifilm camera allows it, consider using an XLR type audio module to use professional equipment. The Tascam XLR audio module is specifically designed for Fujifilm and communicates through the flash shoe. Use headphones to monitor your recording and ensure that external noise reduction is enabled to avoid any distractions.

Tip 3: B Footage

Your B footage is the illustration footage used to complement your subject’s words. To ensure that your B footage is relevant, consider recording it after the interview. This way, you can concentrate on capturing footage that relates to your subject’s speech.

When filming B footage, use classic framing techniques that can be applied to any project. For instance, the rule of thirds or the leading lines technique can be used to create visually appealing footage.

Tip 4: Prepare Your Questions

Before conducting your interview, prepare your questions carefully. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the essential points. Start with general questions and then move on to more specific ones.

When conducting your interview, remember to be patient and listen actively. Give your subject enough time to respond and avoid interrupting them. By doing so, you’ll be able to capture authentic and meaningful responses that will make your documentary more impactful.

Producing a documentary requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can use your Fujifilm X-H2S camera to create a powerful urban documentary that conveys your message effectively. Remember to pay attention to your framing, lighting, and audio recording, and prepare your questions carefully. Good luck with your documentary!

World Wildlife Day 2023

Today is World Wildlife Day 2023, and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Diversity: Promoting Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wildlife.” As we reflect on the beauty and importance of wildlife in our world, we can’t help but admire the stunning photographs captured by Fujifilm X-Photographers.

These photographers have dedicated their lives to capturing the beauty of wildlife in its natural habitat, and their work has inspired countless individuals to become advocates for wildlife conservation. Their photographs have the power to transport us to far-off lands and introduce us to rare and endangered species that we might never have the chance to encounter in person.

The Fujifilm X-Photographers are a group of talented photographers from around the world who have been selected by Fujifilm for their exceptional skills and creative vision. They use Fujifilm’s high-quality camera equipment to capture stunning images of wildlife, landscapes, and people, showcasing the diversity and beauty of our world.

As we celebrate World Wildlife Day 2023, it’s essential to recognize the role that these photographers play in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. By sharing their work on social media, in galleries, and in publications, they inspire us to take action to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species and their habitats.

Their work reminds us of the intricate relationships that exist in our natural world and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Through their lenses, we can witness the beauty of the natural world and gain a deeper appreciation for the fragile ecosystems that support our planet’s life.

If you’re interested in wildlife photography or simply admire the work of these talented photographers, make sure to check out the virtual X-Story Showcase hosted by Fujifilm. Here, you can view the stunning work of these photographers and gain insight into their creative processes.

World Wildlife Day 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate and protect the diversity of life on our planet. By supporting the work of wildlife photographers and becoming advocates for conservation, we can ensure that future generations will be able to experience the beauty and wonder of our natural world.

The design for the header image was created by ©Xavi Reñé (@wildlife_erra).