End of Year One: Reflections & Future Outlook

Hello, Fujifilm family! 😃

Can’t believe it’s been a year since got the idea to buy my fujifilm x-t5

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🎉 Celebrating Milestones

  • Fujifilm X-T5 Journey: A year of exploration and growth with my Fujifilm X-T5.

  • Creative Evolution: Transitioned from an enthusiastic beginner to a more skilled and confident photographer.

  • Diverse Locations: Captured diverse settings – from the streets of Amsterdam and Maastricht to the charming landscapes of Tuscany.

📚 Lessons Learned

  1. Patience is Key: Street photography requires patience and an eye for the right moment.

  2. Camera Familiarity: Understanding every aspect of the Fujifilm X-T5 enhanced my shots.

  3. Post-Processing Skills: The importance of editing in Lightroom to bring out the best in my photographs.

  4. Consistency Matters: Regular practice and instagram posting helped improve my skills.

  5. Technical Knowledge: Mastering settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speed) tailored to different environments and situations.

😊 Joys Experienced

  • New Perspectives: Rediscovered my hometown and other cities through a fresh lens.

  • Community Engagement: Connected with fellow photography enthusiasts and received feedback.

  • Artistic Satisfaction: Captured and shared moments that resonate with me and my audience.

🚧 Traps to Avoid for 2024

  • Overcommitment: Avoid burnout wanting my photography to be a business instead of my nice hobby that I happen to publicly share.

  • Sticking to Comfort Zones: Challenge myself to try new techniques and subjects.

  • Gear Acquisition Syndrome: Focus on skills rather than accumulating more equipment.

  • Social Media Pressure: Remember to photograph for myself first, not just for Instagram likes.

🔮 Looking Ahead to 2024

  • Expanding Horizons: Explore new cities and landscapes.

  • Skill Development: Delve deeper into advanced photography techniques.

  • Personal Projects: Start a themed series or a long-term photography project.

  • Educational Content: Share knowledge with aspiring photographers through workshops or online tutorials.

🌟 Continued Passion

  • Keep the excitement alive for capturing life's candid moments.

  • Stay true to my artistic vision and keep evolving as a photographer.

Stay tuned for more adventures with my Fujifilm X-T5! 📸

Okay, bye! 📷

Fujifilm X-T5 Best Settings

Hello, Fujifilm family! 😃

fujfilm X-T5

There's a unique thrill in capturing the world through the lens of a camera, especially when using a device as versatile and capable as the Fujifilm X-T5. Over time, I have honed in on a few favourite settings that bring out the best in every frame. Today, I'd like to share these with you.

Daytime Settings 🌞

On a bright day, I typically set my camera to ISO 200, aperture at F4, and a variable shutter speed, usually around 1/2000. This configuration allows me to manipulate the brightness of my photos quickly by adjusting only the shutter speed, generally not going below 1/125 to prevent blurriness. There are times, however, when I deliberately lower the shutter speed to capture motion – a speeding car, a cyclist, or a runner. In these instances, it's critical to hold the camera steady. 💪

Exploring Bracketing 🔄

I've also started exploring the BKT setting in the drive settings of the menu, choosing BKT ISO with a preference of ±2/3. This option automatically adjusts the exposure of the photo, underexposing and overexposing alternately, alongside my own settings. This gives me peace of mind knowing that at least one of these three frames will probably be correctly exposed.

Shutter Type and Image Size 📸

For the shutter type, I lean towards the mechanical shutter for its satisfying sound, even though it doesn't offer the higher shutter speeds provided by the electronic shutter. As for the image size, I set it to L 3:2, allowing me the flexibility to crop the photo later for different platforms like Instagram. I use the F + RAW uncompressed option, ensuring the best quality image, as you never know when you might capture that once-in-a-lifetime shot.

My Instagram Obstacle 📉

It's important to note that my journey hasn't been without obstacles. The primary one has been Instagram. My previous practice of uploading one photo a day resulted in a modest engagement rate. Since I've shifted to posting one photo on weekdays, the likes and follower count has stagnated. It seems the Instagram algorithm prefers frequent and diverse content creation. This had a slight impact on my motivation since any form of validation is an encouraging aspect of sharing our art. But I'm trying to focus more on my growth and passion for photography.

Looking Ahead: A Wish 🌠

Looking ahead, my wish is to maintain my enthusiasm for photography and not allow external metrics like likes and followers to dictate my journey. My primary focus will be on improving my composition and choice of subjects, and, hopefully, becoming bolder in street photography. With this in mind, I'm off to take my Fujifilm X-T5 for a spin right after finishing this post.

Till next time 📷
Follow me on @fujifocus on Instagram.

Okay, bye.

The Mistake I Shouldn't Have Made

Hey there, Fujifilm family,

On May 19th, I posted the following on my Instagram @fujifocus_:

Fujifilm X-t5

"I'm on vacation for a week. I thought I would post a photo every day, but no, I don't owe this app anything. It's just my fun little hobby. This break will let me focus on selecting the best photos when I'm back."

I didn't want the inconvenience of dealing with unreliable Wi-Fi to upload photos from the south of Italy to my Instagram. I wanted to fully focus on being present with my wife, kids, and family. Moreover, I've grown to love my Lightroom workflow for editing my raw images. The results are superior to straight-out-of-camera photos, even though that was the initial reason I chose a Fujifilm camera.

This was a mistake.

In my view, if you regularly go out with a camera and take pictures of things, places, or people you are interested in, you are a photographer. And being a photographer leads you into this new mindset: everywhere you are, you are viewing the world through a photography lens, whether or not you are carrying your camera.

Pausing this experience is like skipping the gym. Once you "have to" go back, it's twice as hard to start up again.

I messed up.

I had such a nice rhythm of posting every day (and thus reviewing the photos I took and determining which were good enough to publish), and feeling the need to go out and take new pictures.

If you have an agreement with yourself about anything you do, and you set a time frame for that agreement, you must stick to it. If you lapse just once, it's a slippery slope towards eventually quitting. One excuse for not honoring your agreement, in my case street photography and posting it on @fujifocus_ daily, makes it easier for new excuses in the future to avoid doing the task.

Hopefully, by my next blog post, I can say that I am 100% back on track and making strides in mastering this craft. The goal is to be comfortable making street photos I want to take, and knowing what kind of street photographer I aspire to be.

Okay, bye.

Scroll below to see a couple of results so head to @fujifocus_ on Instagram to see a new photo uploaded everyday.

A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE

The Impact of Fujifilm on My Perception of Reality

Hey there Fujifilm family,

When I started this new creative hobby, one of the reasons was that I would walk or bike through a city and buildings and people would catch my attention, but I was not able to capture those moments. Sometimes I was fast enough with my smartphone, but it lacked all the things I think a good photograph needs; it's too automated.

Now when I walk through a city with my camera in hand, I feel happy and more connected with the people around me. Normally, you would just traverse from point A to B and keep to yourself, but now with a camera in hand, I feel like I want to connect more with the people on the street. I look them in the eye and try to see if taking their pictures is worth it (I am usually a bit too shy to actually take a picture up close of a stranger on the street, but it is my goal and something I am actively working towards).

What I now feel when I walk and I don't have my Fujifilm X-T5 camera with me is a missed opportunity. I pass beautiful buildings or interesting scenes with no way of capturing them. When I take a picture which I know will have something interesting in it, it gives me a little dopamine rush and a feeling of missing out when I can't take the photo. This sometimes also happens when my settings are wrong and I quickly have to adjust them. That is the only downside of using an analogue camera (even though it's digital), but I am getting used to it more. The trick is to leave the aperture where you want it (f4 or f2) and leave the ISO where you want it - 200 or 400 (native ISO) - and only adjust the shutter speed. The more I do this, the faster I find the shutter speed dial on my Fujifilm X-T5, and the faster I can adapt to light changes.

The shift to always having photography on my mind when I travel or walk is a change I wasn't expecting, but it's more than welcome.

Okay bye

Scroll below to see some results or go to @fujifocus_ on Instagram.

100 Days of Adventure | Embracing Change with My Fujifilm X-T5 in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Maastricht

FUJIFOCUS X-T5

Hey there Fujifilm family

As a creator, I believe it's essential to keep exploring and trying new things, both in terms of technique and location. Since my last blog post, I've had the chance to shoot in the 3 cities I frequent the most, experimenting with different aspect ratios and styles.

In Amsterdam, I played with the 1:1 aspect ratio, also in my viewfinder, which provided a unique and interesting perspective. Even though the raw photo is a full image, when you are walking around, you feel the limitation and so you must physically change your position. If you want a lot of things or a whole building in frame, you have to walk backward or find a new vantage point. This is something nice to experience in an age where we all just use the wide angle on our iPhone if something is just out of frame without having to move. A week later in Eindhoven, I decided to switch to a classic 4:3 aspect ratio and visited the old Philips factory, now transformed into a trendy neighbourhood (Strijp-S). I had my second photoshoot here as well in the winter, but now the sunlight made the experience and the photos a lot more interesting.

Just a week ago, I visited friends in Maastricht, and now it’s second nature to bring my Fujifilm X-T5 with me. I had a string of bad luck that day: missed the bus and so I missed the train. In the train, I spilled a stranger's coffee on my leg, and worst of all, realizing my camera had been "on" the entire time, maybe for longer than my trip, causing it to die once I reached the city center. I did manage to make some really nice pictures. I wish I could’ve made more because it was sunny and cloudy at the same time, giving some nice contrast, and visually, I always like big clouds in the background.

Scroll below to see some results or go to @fujifocus_ on Instagram.

Initially, I set my viewfinder to black and white and was planning to post .jpg straight out of the camera or #saac as is the hashtag on Instagram. After all, one of the reasons to get a Fujifilm camera is the amazing film simulations straight out of the camera. But back home and editing the photos, I discovered they looked much better in color with my GAEX presets. That nice vintage photography look I used for a lot of my photos. The Strijp-S photos are almost not edited with a preset, just tweaked a bit so it’s not really #saac.

For my next photography trip, which is again Amsterdam, I plan to experiment with creating my own Fujifilm film simulation for black and white photos. So that means +2 whites, +1 blacks, and other things I haven’t tried out yet. And then #saac jpg on my phone and then later on Instagram. Probably somewhere next week, as I still have my Maastricht photos to post. However, I'm considering moving away from the 4:3 aspect ratio, as it doesn't work for Instagram, which is where I upload a photo every single day.

As I reach the milestone of 100 days since I started this journey and began sharing my experiences on Substack, I'm grateful for the growth, challenges, and opportunities it has provided. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to keep pushing your creativity!

Okay, bye.

Cheating my Journey with the Fujifilm X-T5 Photography by going to Tuscany

Hey there, fujifilm family!

FUJIFOCUS X-T5

As some of you may know, I've been on a journey to take my photography skills to the next level by exploring new techniques and pushing my creativity. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the stunningly beautiful region of Tuscany, and it was an incredible experience.

While it's true that the breathtaking scenery of Tuscany can make it easier to capture beautiful photographs, I still had to challenge myself to capture the right moments and angles to make truly great photographs. It was a wonderful opportunity to push myself creatively and learn new techniques.

During the trip, I had the chance to experiment with shooting in RAW and editing in Lightroom, which allowed me to take my photography to the next level. With each project I took on, I improved my skills and refined my editing techniques, and I'm really pleased with the progress I've made so far.

Another aspect of my journey that I've been loving is working with the Fujifilm X-T5, a digital camera with analogue buttons that provide a satisfying tactile feel. It's great to have the benefits of digital photography, such as fast autofocus and excellent image quality, while still having the tactile feel of analogue buttons. It's the best of both worlds!

Looking ahead, I'm already thinking about my next learning challenge. I'm considering making square aspect ratio photos or experimenting with black and white photography, possibly back in Amsterdam. There's always something new to learn and explore in the world of photography, and I can't wait to see where my journey takes me next.

Thanks for following along on my photography journey, and I hope you find some inspiration in it as well!
Check out my instagram for all photo’s! @fujifocus_

"Uncovering the Hidden Beauty of My Hometown with My Fujifilm X-T5"

Fujifilm X-t5

As a Fujifilm X-T5 photographer, I love to explore the hidden beauty of my hometown of Maastricht. Recently, I decided to take my camera out for a spin and see what I could capture with an hour to spare. Armed with my trusty 35mm lens and camera settings of ISO 200 and f/4.0, I wandered off the beaten path and discovered the unique way the sunlight hit the cobblestone streets and the colors of the buildings - all of which made for the perfect photo op.

While I was wandering the streets of my hometown of Maastricht with my Fujifilm X-T5 and 35mm lens, I experienced a strange feeling of being both a local and a tourist. Walking through a city I've known my entire life with a camera around my neck, I couldn't help but feel like I was seeing everything with fresh eyes. I discovered hidden gems that I had never noticed before and took shots that I never would have thought to take.

As a Fujifilm X-T5 photographer, I love how the GXACE presets can give my photos a unique analog look and feel. They take my finished product to a new level and give it a timeless quality that makes them feel like they could have been taken years ago. It's amazing how much you can elevate your photos with just a few clicks.

Stay tuned for more in the next blog post. I'll be sharing my experiences in Tuscany, along with some beautiful shots captured with my Fujifilm X-T5. It feels like cheating on the photographer's journey to go somewhere as beautiful as Tuscany. I can't wait to see how my Fujifilm X-T5 will perform in the sunny and vibrant atmosphere of Italy. Who knows what hidden beauty I'll uncover there!

And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration and more tips and tricks on Fujifilm X-T5 photography.

"Fujifilm X-T5 and XF35mmF2.0: The Perfect Street Photography Combo"

Fujifilm X-T5

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Amsterdam Keizersgracht Canal House Boat / Fujifilm X-T5 XF35mmf2.0

Having had two successful experiences taking pictures of architecture in the streets of Eindhoven, I was now ready to travel to Amsterdam to dedicate my efforts to street photography. My idea of street photography includes capturing candid shots of interesting people doing mundane activities or ordinary people in the middle of interesting tasks.

fujifilm-xt5-amsterdam-mcdonalds

How Amsterdam do you like your McDonalds? Fujifilm X-T5 XF35mmf2.0

I was off to Amsterdam City Center. I had a meeting that fell through, so I had some time to spend walking around the Rembrandtplein and surrounding area. I didn't feel like walking for hours, as Amsterdam is quite large, and every neighborhood has its charm. Also, I was still a bit unsure of myself when it came to taking photos of people as street photography photos. I only had the xf35mm f2.0 prime lens with me, so I couldn't zoom in much and would have to go up to people to photograph them. While I love the idea of the xf56mmf1.4 and the xf50mmf1.0 for the future, for now the xf18mmf2.0 and the xf35mmf2.0 were good enough for me. Maybe down the road, if I felt like I needed a new lens, I could think about it, but for now, I would save my money for one (they were more than a thousand euros).

Roaming around Amsterdam with my modest-looking Fujifilm x-t5 and XF35mmF2.0 lens felt like I was a tourist in my own city. In a big city like Amsterdam, no one cares for another person walking around with a camera standing still, taking pictures. And the Fujifilm X-T5 is such a modest-looking camera. With the ISO set to 125 most of the time and the shutter speed adjusted from 250 to 500, I was not bothered by passersby. Unfortunately, the weather was dull and grey, and the streets were not as busy as one could hope for, for it was a Tuesday after all.

I'm planning my return to the meeting next week, and then afterwards, I'm definitely taking my Fujifilm X-T5 to Maastricht. This ancient city has been around for centuries, with cobblestone-lined streets and buildings that have stood for a millennium. With its narrow medieval lanes, grand city gates, and impressive churches, Maastricht's architecture is a photographer's dream. I'm so excited!

I hope I will get the confidence to capture real people with my street photography. That is my goal, anyway.

Till next time, okay bye.

Addendum: Lighroom Presets

I am always on the lookout for new ways to elevate my photos and take them to the next level. Recently, I discovered the world of Lightroom presets and it has completely transformed my photography game.

At first, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of using presets. I wasn't sure if they would fit my style or if they would be difficult to learn. But, I decided to give them a try and I am so glad I did. The presets allowed me to add a new level of depth and dimension to my photos that I never thought was possible. I was able to achieve a new level of contrast, color and clarity that I had been striving for.

The best part is that now that I have a better understanding of how to use the presets, I am excited to go out and shoot more. I know that with a couple of shoots under my belt, I will soon get the feel for it and be able to create even more stunning images.

If you're looking to take your photos to the next level, I highly recommend checking out GXACE presets. You can find them on their website https://gxace.com/shop and see the full range of presets they have to offer. He is a youtuber and the main inspiration for me to start becoming a Fujifilm photographer .

Capturing the Moment: Continuing My Journey with Fujifilm X-T5 in Street Photography

FUJIFILM X-T5

As the new year began, I made a resolution to start my street photography adventure with my Fujifilm X-T5 camera. I am happy to report that I have been sticking to my resolution and making progress along the way. Street photography is a discipline that requires discipline and determination, and the Fujifilm X-T5 has proven to be a valuable tool in this pursuit. Its fast autofocus and excellent image quality enable me to capture sharp, well-exposed shots in a variety of lighting conditions. Its compact size and lightweight design have also been a big advantage, making it easy to carry around and discreet to use.

One of the things that I enjoy most about street photography is its simplicity. Instead of setting up multiple shots and spending hours editing a video, I can focus on making a single photograph. Street photography allows me to hone in on the details and compositions that make a photograph successful, and to experiment with different settings on my Fujifilm X-T5.

In addition to getting out and shooting more, I have also been making an effort to study the work of other street photographers and learn from their techniques and approaches. This has been a great way to get inspiration and ideas for my own work, and has helped me to see things in a new light.

Overall, I am really happy with the progress I have made so far on my street photography resolution. It has been a lot of fun getting out and about and capturing unique and interesting images, and I am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow as a street photographer in the coming months.

Trudo Toren in Eindhoven - Beautiful architecture captured with Fujifilm X-T5 and XF 18mm F/2.0 lens - Ideal for photography enthusiasts"

Eindhoven architecture - shot with Fujifilm X-T5 and XF 18mm F/2.0 lens, Designed by the creator of NYC's Highline - A beautiful piece of architectur

First things first

FUJIFILM OIL PAINTING

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Fujifilm x-t5 with 16mm f2.0 lens

As the morning sun rose over the horizon, I couldn't wait to unbox my brand new Fujifilm X-T5 camera. As a photography enthusiast, I had always been interested in capturing the world around me but never took the leap to invest in a professional camera. However, on this particular morning, I felt a sudden surge of inspiration and knew it was time to take the plunge.

I stepped out into the fresh morning air, Fujifilm X-T5 and newly purchased Fujifilm XF 18mm F/2.0 lens in hand, and began experimenting with different exposures and focal lengths. The morning light and unpredictable weather conditions provided a unique and soft quality to my shots. As I wandered the streets, the peaceful atmosphere only seemed to fuel my creativity. I captured the tech campus of Eindhoven, with its unique architecture and people going about their daily routines, using the Fujifilm X-T5's intuitive controls and stunning image quality.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to review the photos from my morning's adventure. As I scrolled through the images on my computer, I was struck by how each one perfectly captured the peaceful atmosphere of the day. In that moment, I knew that I had found my true passion - photography. The Fujifilm X-T5 had ignited a spark within me and I couldn't wait to see where my new hobby would take me, whether it be during a rainy morning or a sunny night.

Check out my fashion film work at www.studioselvedge.com

 

ADDENDUM

(why the X-T5 and not the X100V?)

I was inspired to explore the Fujifilm camera line after discovering GxAce's youtube channel and particularly, the video "I Could Shoot a Feature Film With Just This Lens." GxAce's unique presentation style, featuring a futuristic aesthetic and reviews of vintage cameras and lenses, sparked my interest in Fujifilm cameras. After watching several of GxAce's videos and researching various Fujifilm models, I have been considering purchasing either the X100V or the X-E4. Both cameras have received high praise for their image quality and film simulation capabilities, but the X100V has a fixed lens while the X-E4 allows for lens interchangeability. As a new photographer, I am considering which model would best suit my needs and ultimately, I choose Fujifilm X-T5 due to the lens interchangeable options and adaptability to my fashion film maker.