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  • The FUJIFILM X-T5 is Here!!!

    The FUJIFILM X-T5 is Here!!!


    8 years ago early 2014, Fujifilm released the groundbreaking X-T1. This was the world’s first fully weather sealed, fast autofocus, action-ready mirrorless cameras designed specifically for outdoor photographers.  

    With its incredible, innovative capabilities and small stylish, SLR-inspired body, this amazing camera took the world by storm and set the tone for everything that came afterward in the entire industry.  

    I had the privilege of being one of the very first photographers in the U.S. to shoot with the X-T1, and since that day, my photography life was changed forever, from the moment I first picked up the camera.

    Following up on this highly innovative machine, Fujifilm improved each generation of the X-T line with more power, more performance, more features and constantly improving image quality, and today, they have announced the brand new 5th generation X-T5.

    Designed with the same 40MP X-Trans HR BSI sensor and 5th gen X-Processor Pro 5 engine, the X-T5 has nearly the same specs and feature set as the X-H2. It has up to 7 stops of IBIS in-body stabilization, 15 fps mechanical shutter, up to 20 fps ES, the new ultra-fast Subject Detect AF system, the new Pixel Shift Multi Shot feature, and 6.2K/30p video capabilities with up to 13+ stops of dynamic range.

    And it retains the same classic styling that so many people have come to love on the X-T series.

    In many ways the X-T5 is nearly identical to the X-H2, but there are a few differences. I have just uploaded my X-T5 launch day video analysis, where I preview the new camera and discuss the main specs and features, and let you know how it compares to the X-H2. 

    • 40 Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI Imaging Sensor
    • 15 Frames per second in Mechanical Shutter
    • Up to 7 stops of Internal Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) 
    • New shutter 500,000 snaps.
    • 160MP pixel shift multi shot 
    • New subject detect AF
    • Nostalgic Neg film sim
    • 1/180,000 Max Shutter Speed in Electronic Shutter
    • 0.8x Magnification, 3.69 Mil Dots EVF
    • Externally Record Apple ProRes Raw or Blackmagic RAW
    • Up to 13+ stops of dynamic range with F-Log2
    • 6K/30P 10-bit 4:2:2 Video 

    This is a very exciting day indeed!!! Enjoy the video, and be sure to leave a comment and let m know what you think or if you have any questions.

    Finally, you can preorder the X-T5 here at B&H Photo and Amazon. It starts shipping in two weeks, on November 17.



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  • My First Photos Shot with the FUJIFILM X-T5


    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska

    Eight years ago, I got to test a new camera that hadn’t even been announced yet. It was the Fujifilm X-T1, and with its high performance and small, rugged form factor, it was the world’s first weather-sealed, fast action capable outdoor-ready mirrorless camera.

    Instantly falling in love with the X-T1, my entire photography life was transformed, and with the successive X-T2, X-T3 an X-T4, I had a front row seat as the X Series cameras came of age over the next few years.

    This week, the next chapter began in my X Series life when I snagged the last X-T5 in stock at my local store. As soon as I opened the box and put the camera in my hands, my X Series love was rekindled once again with this new hot-rodded fifth generation model. And with the regular 3-way tilt LCD screen, it felt like home again.

    I won’t delve into the specs here, although you can find them at my X-T5 into post. I’ll just say that with a chassis that’s closer I size to the X-T1 than the X-T4, the new X-T5 felt like a familiar friend. Inside, though, the X-T5 is essentially the bionic version of the X-T1.

    With the radically upgraded 5th gen features and specs that were introduced earlier this fall with the X-H2 and X-H2S, the X-T5 brings almost all of that into the traditional SLR style “X-T” body that so many of us love.

    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska

    Being “magic hoar frost” season here in Anchorage right now, I immediately slapped a lens on it, (the XF70-300mm), bundled up and took it for a short walk around my neighborhood in the clear, cold -10F degree air. Over the next 53 minutes, I shot a collection of photos that I feel perfectly show of what I’ve always loved about the X Series.

    All of these are straight JPEGs, right out of the camera. Most were shot with the Velvia film simulation, although the last photo in this post was made with the new Nostalgic NEG film sim.

    I’ll definitely be posting more images and doing some review posts and videos for the X-T5 after the new year. For now, enjoy these snowy photos and have a great holiday season!

    If you want to grab an X-T5 for yourself and support my site, you can order one at B&H Photo.

    Also, if you do get one, my bestselling Fuji guide, X SERIES UNLIMITED, has been fully updated with all the relevant X-T5 info.

    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
    Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska. Shot with Nostalgic NEG film sim



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  • New Online Course – Mastering the FUJIFILM Autofocus System

    New Online Course – Mastering the FUJIFILM Autofocus System


    I’m excited to announce my brand new online course, MASTERING THE FUJIFILM AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM. It just went live this week, and it’s already getting great reviews from people who have enrolled.

    “Great course on Fujifilm Autofocus Dan! I ran through all the video without even picking up my camera, now I will go back and watch all the videos again with camera in hand to insure I understand all the settings.”

    “Everyone with a Fuji camera should watch this course.

    Thanks very much, keep up the good work!”

    —————–

    -Neil M.

    In my new course, I’ll walk you through the entire Fujifilm AF/MF system, show you all the features, setting and controls, teach you how to use them, and I’ll even share invaluable shooting tips I’ve learned from my 26+ years as a pro outdoor action and adventure photographer.

    Whether you shoot still or moving subjects, sports, birds, wildlife, kids, pets, adventure, or any other kind of real-life scene, knowing how to navigate the X Series focus system, and knowing how to work around its limitations, will make you a better all around photographer.

    LEARN PRO SKILLS FOR SHOOTING ACTION

    APPLIES TO ANY X SERIES MODEL CAMERA

    I also cover what I feel are the essential Fujifilm settings that can help ensure even more success when shooting action and moving subjects.

    I’ll show you how to customize your camera so that it’s ready for action, and teach give you tips on how to capture more dynamic & visually stunning photos with your X Series camera.

    I also cover what I feel are the essential Fujifilm settings that can help ensure even more success when shooting action and moving subjects.

    I’ll show you how to customize your camera so that it’s ready for action, and teach give you tips on how to capture more dynamic & visually stunning photos with your X Series camera.

    With the tips and techniques I share with you in this course, you are guaranteed to increase your skills and confidence when photographing things that move. I even show you tips that are specifically designed for the new 5th Gen Fuji cameras, like the X-H2, X-H2S and X-T5.

    ALMOST TWO HOURS OF FOCUSED CONTENT

    LEARN HOW TO DO MANUAL FOCUS OVERRIDE

    BECOME AN AUTOFOCUS MASTER

    This course is the product of my many years of experience shooting a wide range of subject matter, so it’s your chance to take advantage of my 26+ years as a working pro shooter, in an area where I feel I’m an expert. If you want to be better at focusing, no matter what you like to shoot, then I promise, this will be a very helpful resrouce. 

    If you haven’t enrolled already, you can check out the course here. And as with all my courses, you have a fully 100% money back guarantee if you’re not satisifed. 



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  • Read Student Testimonials for My Fujifilm Autofocus Course

    Read Student Testimonials for My Fujifilm Autofocus Course


    Almost three weeks ago, I launched my brand new online course, MASTERING THE FUJIFILM AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM, and in that short time, I’ve been blown away by the number of students who have enrolled in the course, and by the amazing feedback I’ve received.

    Product image

    Mastering the FUJIFILM Autofocus System

    Learn How to Get Maximum Performance from your X Series Focus System

    “Dear Dan, I am 60% through the course and it is brilliant. I find your combination of careful detailed spoken explanations and pictures much easier to follow and learn from than even your excellent book.”

    —————–

    -John K.

    This course compiles every bit of useful knowledge and real-world practice I’ve gained, not just from my ten years using the X Series cameras but from my 26+ years shooting as a professional action, adventure and outdoor photographer.

    With over 2 hours of content, the course is a deep dive into the entire Fujifilm focus system. In a series of 20 individual lessons, spread over 10 different modules, I show you every single setting, every single feature, and how they can be applied to your own shooting process.

    “Dan: Awesome course. Well done!”

    —————–

    -Mark R.

    Download My Free Photography eBook

    Expand Your Skills. Be More Creative

    Let me show you some techniques that will help make you a better, more proficient and more creative photographer!

    “Very informative and useful!”

    —————–

    -Robert A.

    I also share invaluable tips will help you optimize your camera, so that you can be a more efficient shooter, and I give you tons of real-world tips that will help you increase your proficiency and confidence with the system, especially when shooting challenging and moving subjects

    A large part of being a successful photographer is having a full understanding of your gear and realistic expectations of how it will perform in certain conditions.

    We Fuji shooters often hear the Fujifilm AF system is not as good as SONY/NIKON/CANON/blahblahblah, and that the X Series cameras are not good enough for shooting things like sports action and birds.

    If this is indeed the case, then why have I been able to capture so many great action images with every single X-T model that Fuji has made, from the X-T1 to the X-T5? In addition, why have so many of my favorite action images from the past decade been made with the X-T2, a camera from three generations ago?

    The simple fact is that it’s not the camera, it’s the big lump behind the camera that is what makes all the difference in photography, and as a long time experienced pro shooter, I can help you make a difference in your own photography.

    “Great course on Fujifilm Autofocus Dan! I ran through all the video, now I will go watch all the videos again with camera in hand to insure I understand all the settings. 

    Everyone with a Fuji camera should watch this course. 

    Thanks very much, keep up the good work!”

    —————–

    -Neil M.

    The best testimonial I’ve received came from a student named Tim, an experienced, former Nikon user who shoots motorsports. He opted for the Add-On Personal 1:1 Coaching Session that’s available when you enroll in the course, and during our session yesterday, he basically explained it this way:

    Enrolling in this course is WAY cheaper than buying a new X-H2 or X-T5.

    “I have been a longtime follower of Dan’s website and videos. These were an major influence for my move from Nikon to Fuji back in 2017. Dan’s insights gave the confidence that Fuji could handle sports which what I shoot most.

    Fuji releasing 3 new models this past year all promising huge AF improvements was very tempting! The question I needed to ask is will a new camera make my images better? About this time I saw the offering for Dan’s course to master the Fuji AF system. I enrolled in the course to make sure I could maximize the camera and lens I have, not drop a bunch of money, and be left with the same questions.

    Upon enrolling there was an offer to add the personal coaching session which looked like a great deal.

    The “Mastering the FUJIFILM Autofocus System” course is an excellent training resource to explore the nuances that the manual does not cover. The lessons are short and to the point and end chapter quiz is a check on your learning. The early lessons are a good review of the basis function. As you move on, the lessons hone the intricacies of the settings and menus. As I proceeded through the course, I kept notes to ask questions for the Personal Coaching Session.

    Meeting Dan in the coaching session was a perfect way to addresses all my questions. He was able to point out some misconceptions I held. I look forward to testing these out in the field.

    I would very much recommend the course AND the Personal Coaching Session to anyone using the Fujifilm system.

    —————–

    -Timothy Owens

    No matter what model X Series camera you use, or no matter what you like to shoot, I can help make you a more proficient and skilled photographer, so that you can create exciting and dynamic images that you’ll love forever…

    …for about the price of a tank of gas with inflation, which will only last about a week.

    You can enroll in the course below, or check out the full course description here, and also see the Personal 1:1 Coaching Options that I offer.



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  • How to Photograph Intimate Landscapes Like A Pro

    How to Photograph Intimate Landscapes Like A Pro


    As a landscape photographer, you often find yourself drawn to the expansive views and deep sceneries you create. However, even tiny subjects may have a significant influence. Photographs of intimate landscapes may provide stunning pictures alone or enhance the enormous views that draw viewers to your images. 

    To photograph intimate landscapes, you must incorporate design elements such as lines, textures, patterns, colors, and forms into the frame. Keep an eye out for details that convey a narrative about a subject or provide viewers with background info about it. The type of elements you need to capture while shooting an intimate landscape are present in these “small details.”

    Read on to learn tips and a tutorial helpful in navigating an environment with intimate landscape photography. 

    What Makes an Incredible Intimate Landscape?

    This branch of nature photography is deserving of some appreciation. Intimate landscape photos seduce us with delicacy and peaceful invitation, in contrast to the grand landscape, which dazzles us with vivid hues and stunning near-far perspectives. It tempts us to delve deeper into the event captured in the picture. 

    Making incredible intimate landscapes is all about the little things. Think of landscape photographs as falling into three subgenres: the expansive view, the extreme close-up, or the intimate landscape photography.

    It takes more than merely filling the frame with things to create the intimate compositions of a landscape, even while textures, lines, forms, and patterns are essential elements. It recounts a section of the narrative.

    Consider what “smaller details” are in every site that provides context for the area. When you have your entire scene, compose it using a visually appealing layout. The mix of pebbles, kelp, and a bird feather at the beach tells a complete story. You may get a sense of the setting from any small scenes. 

    Choices of Equipment

    Many often bring just one lens, for the goal is to capture the subtleties of a larger landscape. To make sure you have everything you need when photographing intimate landscapes, check the list below:

    Extra Lenses

    adorama

    Because you only have one lens, you must focus on selecting a worthwhile subject and creating a better image. By changing lenses, you are losing time on the scene for searching, discovering, and taking pictures.

    Without the weight of extra gear, you can move more quickly, trek further, and locate things that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. When you are constantly changing lenses, it might be challenging to focus on that.

    Mid-Range Zoom Lens

    futurecdn

    A mid-range zoom lens is best for capturing an intimate landscape. Wide-angle lenses are often beloved by landscape photographers. 

    Still, when it comes to a small, intimate scene, wide-angle lenses tend to contain too much backdrop and too many distinct subjects, which detract from all the details that are the primary focus. Although it’s not a strict rule, a mid-range zoom with a fast shutter speed typically works best. 

    Tripod

    photographyacademy

    A tripod is yet another crucial gear to capture the intimate details of your intimate landscape. A tripod helps you slow down, even in conditions where you have enough light to work with, and may not require a slow shutter speed. 

    You may find the distinctive nuances that make a scene unique by spending time and getting to know the area; they are the ideal scene for your intimate landscape. 

    Compositional Methods

    Just because we aren’t taking pictures of grand vistas doesn’t imply we should neglect good compositional techniques. When practicing intimate landscape photography, the same compositional strategies still hold. We may approach this subgenre in many different ways. 

    Lines

    petapixel

    Lines are one of the best methods to guide your viewer around a small scene. Using lines from photographing nature is more than just large-scale landscapes.

    Even when photographing intimate landscapes, leading lines are an excellent method to show the viewer the image’s main subject. 

    Repetition

    shotkit

    This strategy allows you to display a larger scene that, at first look, is just a repeat of the same thing. But the beauty of this strategy is that, upon closer examination, the spectator may revel in the variations you often see in nature. 

    Depiction or Portrayal

    photopills

    Do you recall attempting to identify shapes in the passing clouds when you were little? The strategy is the same.

    Here, finding natural components that mimic something altogether different is the aim. This strategy’s appeal lies in its ability to capture your and the viewer’s imagination.

    Separation or Isolation

    photzy

    Isolation is often found in varied textures and light rather than epic fog when capturing more abstract landscapes. The sudden change in texture in a photo is what provides the whole narrative. 

    Contrast or Duality

    contrastly

    When capturing more abstract features in the environment, similar to balancing in expansive views, you may examine various components using the this vs. that approach. The notion is practical when two incompatible natural components coexist peacefully in a constrained space.

    Simple examples are dark background vs. bright contrast or complementary colors. Or it might be more intricate, as in the resulting photographs showing the distinction between explicit and reflected water waves. 

    The Framing

    pixinfocus

    In many facets of photography, but notably in the grand landscape, the idea of framing is helpful. With framing, you make the main subject the center of some vignette form by using a small portion of the surrounding area.

    The framing approach requires the photographer to locate anything in the surroundings that pulls the viewer to a particular photo section. It is much like how a frame enhances a photograph or painting by bringing the observer into the center.  

    The Colors

    improvephotography

    All landscape photographers should learn about and become comfortable with the color wheel. When it comes to complementary and similar hues, this is particularly true.

    Similar hues create harmony because they are close to one another on the color wheel, while complimentary hues are on opposing sides. You must learn how colors interact with one another.

    8 Simple Tips For Better Intimate Landscape Photography

    Here are some photography tips to assist you in navigating the intimate landscape photography world.

    1. Start Small

    One advantage of finding intimate landscapes is that you don’t need to visit parks like Glacier National Park or Zion National Park. You may find it everywhere, in your backyards, surrounding parks, besides the stream, metropolitan museum, or the neighboring forests.

    Any time of day, if you take your camera on a stroll, you will come across some intimate landscapes. You will discover that close-up landscapes often lend themselves to various styles. 

    2. Get Closer and Personal

    A telephoto lens is a great lens to use when focusing on small scenes in the most intriguing area. Compress and eliminate distracting elements from the scene using a telephoto zoom lens or fixed lens to frame it closely.

    You may use a mid-range lens instead of a telephoto lens if you don’t have one, and then “zoom with your feet” to get closer to your subject. 

    Consider utilizing your 24-70 mm lens to capture a scene with a mountain and grand vista. Step a few steps forward and start exploring for interesting compositions, or zoom in to the most significant focal lengths on your lens. Your eye will learn to see in smaller details as a result. 

    3. Eliminate Distractions

    Asking oneself, “Is this a significant component of the photo?” is a valuable habit to get into while taking intimate landscape photos. A little shift in perspective may make disturbing components in more intimate compositions disappear. 

    The sky is one component that often draws attention away from the subject of your shot. Work to remove the sky from your composition as much as you can.

    It will distract your viewer from the focal focus of your photograph since it is often the brightest part of your frame. When we eliminate context from our landscape photographs, we allow our viewers to see with their imaginations. 

    4. Start Wide, Go Narrow

    You may take your wide-angle lens out of the bag as you approach that expansive, gorgeous scene. Start focusing on the more compelling compositions that fit within the bigger picture.

    Using a wide-angle lens to capture a picture and then using the magnify button on the camera’s rear to browse through the image to look for any small scene. More interesting compositions inside the frame will help you find more intimate photos.

    Before you even take the camera out of the bag, you may use a card to frame smaller scenes. A frame card is a little mat board with an opening proportionate to your sensor.

    5. Recognize Patterns, Different Textures, Shapes, and Lines

    The two dimensions of an image are its limitations. Therefore, there are a few extra tools that you may use to add shallow depth and movement to your composition.

    The artist may create an appealing photo using various techniques, including texture, lines, colors, tonal value, and forms. 

    When you train your eye to recognize the fundamental elements of composition, you will start to see them everywhere — in the texture of grasses, the contrast of colors on the surface of the water, the shapes and lines of sticks, and the forms of rocks.

    Make your composition using the colors in nature photography. Develop your two-dimensional vision.

    6. Use The Scene With Multiple Shots

    Use-The-Scene-With Multiple Shots
    insider

    Consider employing intimate landscapes to communicate a more sweeping tale about the setting where you are photographing.

    For example, looking inside an abandoned place, you will see several discarded objects that reveal the place had been abandoned and was in a state of disrepair. Combined with other images, it supports a fuller narrative than a snapshot of the place alone. 

    7. Illustrate The Focal Point

    You may see a suitable focal point as the anchor in landscape composition, such as an eye-catching boulder near a canyon’s entrance. Once you’ve captured that composition, experiment using the focal point as a separate composition. 

    For example in street photography, the grass is a lovely subject, and the water mirrors the sky, providing a little more subtle interest to the photo.  

    8. Notice Details in Abstract Compositions

    Abstract painting has numerous options in this type of landscape. Intimate landscapes can’t depend on spectacular sunrises to draw in viewers. Therefore, composition is crucial in creating an intimate experience.

    Consider alternatives to the “rule of thirds,” often used in photographing nature’s smaller scenes. Pay particular attention to how the composition’s lines and forms direct the viewer’s eye and how they may arouse feelings. 

    For instance, horizontal lines evoke tranquility since everything parallel to the Earth is at rest. Vertical lines provide the impression of strength, size, and force. Diagonal lines produce movement and energy. Furthermore, symmetry suggests stability.

    Don’t forget to Have Fun!

    It is very refreshing and memorable to see and capture intimate, grand landscapes. Remember to discover humorous images while searching for serious and artistic ones!

    Conclusion

    A challenging yet worthwhile photographic strategy is intimate landscape photography. Your photos tend to be more original, artistic, and emotional since you are capturing intimate moments.

    With this, you may connect with your audience more significantly and profoundly than ever.

    Lightroom Bundle Presets



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  • DxO PhotoLab 6 Now has Full FUJIFILM X-Trans Support

    DxO PhotoLab 6 Now has Full FUJIFILM X-Trans Support


    DxO Software’s flagship photo editing program PhotoLab 6, (v.6.4) now features full support for Fujifilm X-Trans sensor cameras, including the new X-T5, X-H2 and X-H2S, as well as previous models. It’s also fully compatible with Nikon Z9 NEF RAW files.

    Fuji and Z9 users now have full RAW-processing capability, with PhotoLab 6, and can thus take advantage of DxO’s updated DeepPRIME XD denoising algorithms, which uses machine learning to remove noise and preserve an exceptional amount of detail and color clarity in your image.

    I’ve been using DxO PhotoLab for the past two years, and I’ve been highly impressed with its array of powerful image editing tools and relatively easy user interface. The comprehensive tool palettes offer everything from quick adjustment options, to in-depth processing options for everything from exposure, color, lens correction and retouching.

    A powerful local adjustments menu allows you to perform precise edits with masks, brushes, control points/lines, graduated filters and erasers.

    In addition, you can also incorporate other DxO programs seamlessly into your workflow, such as FilmPack, which produces classic film effects from the past, and the entire NIK Collection of 8 powerful and popular processing plugins, like Silver Efex, Color Efex, Viveza and HDR Efex.

    One of my favorite components of DxO PhotoLab, is that it contains an integrated library/digital asset management module, which allows you to browse, search and organize your images, without the hassles of having to actually import all of your images.

    This has long been my issue with so many photo programs. If you have a massive library of images, it can take many hours, or even days to build an image database from scratch… that is, if it even finishes without freezing or crashing the program and forcing to you to start over. And even if you do get it all imported, browsing a database can be much slower and way more computer intensive than simply looking at individual folders

    That’s what PhotoLab does; it’s simply a browser, and much like Photo Mechanic, which is my all-time favorite image browser, it just looks at whatever folder you point it to. And you can choose how to sort or display your images, set tags (picks/rejects) view EXIF and metadata for your images and also add/sort by keywords and add/sort by color and star ratings as well.

    PhotoLab 6 also has a new Soft Proofing feature, which uses paper and ink simulations to help ensure even greater accuracy when preparing your image files for printing.

    I’ve used a lot of photo editing programs over the years, and for me, DxO PhotoLab 6 ticks all of the boxes. It has all of the power I would ever need, whether I’m doing full RAW conversions, deep editing or just adding some life to my straight Fuji JPEGs, it has a simple, straightforward user interface, a built-in image browser, and none of the frustrations that I’ve found with other software.

    Now, with full Fujifilm support, I’m able to use PhotoLab to bring out maximum detail from my X-T5 images and make them look as good as they can possibly be.

    And finally, no subscriptions with PhotoLab 6. One-time purchase and it’s yours.

    Check out DxO PhotoLab 6 here.



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  • New Book – FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED, 2nd Edition

    New Book – FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED, 2nd Edition


    I’m excited to announce that the 2nd edition paperback version of my bestselling FUJIFILM guide book, X SERIES UNLIMITED has just been published, and is now available from RockyNook, Amazon, other booksellers and select camera stores.

    Now at 306 pages, with lots of new text and a host of brand new images, FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED has been fully updated to cover the powerful new fifth generation X series models, including, X-H2, X-H2S, and X-T5.

    And of course, it also covers all previous X SERIES cameras as well, since nearly every single model has the same menu system, and they all share many of the same settings and functions.

    The Ultimate Fujifilm Guide Book

    As with the ebook version, you’ll learn every feature and every menu item, button, and function of the FUJIFILM X Series lineup. More importantly, you’ll learn how to use these features and settings in actual shooting situations out in the world in order to capture great photographs.

    Sign up below and I’ll send you a special discount code so you can start learning how to master your Fuji camera today.

    In addition to all the technical info and tips on how to adjust all your camera settings, FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED is packed full of inspiration. I show you how to optimize your settings for maximum creative control and I tell you how to take advantage of the best features on the X SERIES cameras so that you can have the most fun possible with your camera.

    If you’ve taken a workshop with me, or seen my presentations or video lessons, then you know that my primary goal as an instructor is to show you how to have maximum confidence and fun with your photography.

    I want you to love taking pictures as much as I do. I want you to love your Fuji camera as much as I do, and I want you to be able to take awesome photos that you love, and that you’re really proud of. Thats what you’ll get from this book.

    Get Your Copy Today!

    Order your print copy of FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED, 2nd Edition to feel that luscious real paper beneath your fingertips, and learn how to get the most from your Fujifilm camera in the process.

    Order from Amazon here.

    And if you want to see what other readers have said about this helpful guide, you can read some testimonials here.



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  • Photographing Niagra Falls with the Fujifilm X-T50

    Photographing Niagra Falls with the Fujifilm X-T50


    I’m a little embarrassed to say that this is my first blog post since June 2023. What can I say, I’ve had a lot of personal stuff and other interests take priority over writing blog posts. I’ve always been a proponent of following your heart and doing what you want at any given time in your live, and after recovering from shoulder surgery last summer, I was way more into riding my mountain bike than sitting at my desk writing blog posts.

    However, I’ve missed it. I actually love writing, and while I’ve been doing other types of creative writing during the past year, I have missed this regular creative and mental outlet that has satisfied a huge part of my live during the past 15 plus years.

    So, I’m back at it today with some brand new photos. I recently spent three weeks in upstate New York, which kicked off with a day trip to Niagra Falls. I visited this place once before when I was a kid, and even then it was a spectacular sight. Imagine the same kid 50 years later, but with a camera.

    Walking around all day, on both the American and Canadian side, I shot hundreds of photos the Fujifilm X-T50 body that a friend loaned me, and three lenses, the 16m f/2.8, 35mm f2 and 70-300mm. I loved using the X-T50, (here’s my first look review of the X-T50), especially the dedicated “film simulation dial,” and that trio of lenses was a perfect combo. I often say that for any trip or photography outing, as long as you have wide, middle and long, then you’re covered for just about anything. No need to carry more than you need, right? 

    However, when you’re at a place like Niagra Falls with tens of thousands of other people, and you have very few unique vantage points, and there are already millions of pictures of the falls, how do you come up with something unique, or at least intriguing to your own eyes and creative brain?

    This is where long lenses really shine. Aside from letting you eliminate all the other tourists and buildings in your photos, you can zoom in and compose on specific elements of the falls. One of my favorite compositional methods in photography is the concept of abbreviation, where you pick out bits and pieces of the main subject that suggest the larger scene. This approach worked really well here, and I’m pleased with the photos I was able to capture.

    I also enjoyed playing around with the different film sims, which also adds a great deal of unique creativity to your images. The photo above was shot with Classic Neg film sim, while this one below was ACROS black and white. Overall, this is a very monochromatic scene, but the different color palettes add a slight unique quality to each photo. 

    I’m fascinated by the geological aspect of the of the falls, and of the entire Finger Lakes area, where we spent most of our vacation. When the massive ice sheets that once covered this area retreated about 10,000 years ago, the left behind a landscape filled with mountains, steep gorges and numerous large lakes, including the Great Lakes themselves, which comprise 20% of the world’s fresh water, all of which flows over Niagra Falls at a rate of over three thousand tons of water per second.

    Living here in Alaska, we have glaciers just a few miles away from our doorstep, and I explore them as often as I can with my little Cessna bush plane. Of course, even with increasingly warmer temps every year, it’s still going to take a very long time for all of our glaciers to melt, but when they have finished carving up the landscape up here, what will it look like? Interesting things to ponder…

    One of the most memorable aspect about this day was shooting photos of other people enjoying their visit to the falls. After watching one couple awkwardly trying to take a selfie, I offered my services, which began a fifteen minute session of me shooting portraits of people and couples with their phones, some at my own offering, and a few others who watched form the side before garnering up the courage to ask me for their turn. It was fun to share my skills in this way, knowing that theses strangers will go home with a great photo of themselves in front of this amazing natural wonder.

    Anyway, I hope you enjoy these photos. Thanks for reading and for your understanding during my long absence from the blog. I promise I won’t let that much time pass again before my next post.



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  • Tired of missing focus? Try these 6 simple steps.

    Tired of missing focus? Try these 6 simple steps.


    It’s the old school methodology but it is particularly helpful if you’re using a wide angle lens. Stopping down really far to f/8 – f/16 increases depth of field which makes small focus errors less of an issue. See my post on Hyperfocal Distance for more help. On most cameras it may be referred to as focus priority release. Essentially with this setting you’re telling the camera not to…

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  • Are old used digital cameras still good?

    Are old used digital cameras still good?


    Digital cameras are just like any electronic device. They can last a really long time, but they don’t last forever. How long they last is usually determined by how well they’re treated, but, there is more to it than that.

    Issues with old digital cameras

    Batteries

    One possible issue with older digital cameras is the batteries they use. Most old cameras use proprietary batteries that may not be in production anymore. If you can’t power your camera it doesn’t matter if it is in good condition or not, you’ll have to figure how to get it to turn on before you can use it.

    Media

    Some older cameras used obsolete media, such as Sony Memory Sticks, Mini Disks, Floppy Disks, VHS tape, Digital VHS tape, or even CD-ROMS. It might seem absurd to us today, but prior to the creation of SD cards, there were a number of cameras that used weird and potentially unavailable media. While a camera that uses a Floppy Disk is more of a collector’s item than a real camera these days, the point remains, there are some unusual old technologies that won’t be supported by a modern laptop or desktop computer without some effort on your part.

    If you can verify that the used camera you’re interested in uses a media type that you are able to work with, and you can verify that it has new batteries available for it so you can turn it on, then you can start looking at the condition and functionality of the camera.

    Condition

    Condition and functionality is the most complex part of assessing a used camera. People often sell cameras that have sat in a basement unused for 20 or more years and nobody remembers if it was ever a working camera. Even if you know that you can get batteries and media for it, you may not be able to test it out right then and there.

    Usually when something is brand new we can tell that it’s basically brand new because it has that “new car smell” so to speak. And that’s not just a fancy turn of phrase, smelling a camera or lens can give you a good idea of how nicely or poorly it has been treated. If a camera smells clean and fresh, it’s probably been kept in a clean and dry area for most of it’s life. If it has a strong, sharp plastic or glue smell, it could mean that the rubber or plastics are breaking down. And finally, if it has a strong musty or dusty smell that generally means it’s been sitting in a damp and dark place for a long time.

    The problem with dampness and electronics should be pretty obvious. Over time, the dampness will ruin the camera or lens if it is left sitting in those conditions long enough. Dampness and musty basements can eventually lead to mold growth inside the lens, damaging lens element coatings, and usually forming a thin film of fog or haze on the lens. It takes a lot to ruin these old lenses, but some people seem to be working hard on figuring out how to do that.

    I have quite a few lenses with small amounts of haze in the lens and they work great. As long as the haze isn’t too bad, it’s usually not noticeable, but when it does get bad, it can cause low contrast in bright light, or blooming around light sources. A professional might be able to clean them but they can be hard to locate.

    Front quarter view of EOS Rebel T6 with EF 18-55m lens

    Manual Lenses – The Panacea of Used Gear

    If you’re buying manual focus lenses the truth is there isn’t much that can go wrong that you wouldn’t be able to figure out in the first 15 minutes of having it to look at and test.

    Manual lenses can be easily adapted to just about any mirrorless camera, and once you get the hang of it, focusing with manual lenses is actually pretty easy, even for video work.

    Aside from looking inside the lens to make sure it is clean and clear, there’s honestly very little that can go substantially wrong with a manual lens over its lifetime. The biggest danger is going to be mishandling the lens by dropping it.

    As long as the lens is cared for and stored properly there’s no reason it won’t last for a lifetime or much longer.

    AF Lenses – Some Companies Still Support Old Gear

    Autofocus lenses are another story entirely. Technically speaking, just about any AF lens could be adapted to work on just about any other camera, but that requires lots of technical skill and reprogramming of computer chips. It’s not an easy task but it’s doable. The thing is, it’s a lot easier to just buy a new lens that works with the camera you’ve got.

    A few companies like Canon make it easier to adapt old EF lenses to their new RF camera platform. Simply by using an EF to RF adapter, just about any EF lens can be used with no issues on an RF camera. If all you’re really after is a lens with good AF performance then many EF lenses are great options if you’re on a budget or just want a lens with a different look. I have some old EF lenses and I like all of them.



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