TAKE TEN: Alex Shapiro
Fujifilm is celebrating ten years of the X Mount system by featuring the work of local Fujifilm enthusiasts. Alex Shapiro operates out of Hoedspruit in Limpopo as a filmmaker, photographer and adventure enthusiast. He tells us more about his passion for telling stories. (Image by Kirsten Shapiro)
Why do you love photography/videography?
Over time my reasons have evolved but at the core of it all, I deeply love stories and leaving people better than they were. I spend almost every second of every day seeing things in my head that would be a cool film or a cool message or a still.
Another real big part of it, oddly enough, is memory. I have ADHD and often go through moments so fast that I forget how amazing they were. Using a camera allows me to focus and be present – silly but true.
And lastly, it is technically challenging. From reflecting a flash to understanding codecs, it feeds my inner nerd so much.
What made you switch to Fujifilm and when did this happen?
I’m very fortunate to have worked on a lot of camera systems on various types of projects. This being said, I shoot a lot of adventure/outdoor work. I needed something that could handle my lifestyle and give me a unique edge. Fujifilm has always been present in my career, from people raving about colours to file usability (this is a massive one for me).
The more I researched and tested out others X-T2’s I was like, ok, this is the vibe. One of my raddest friends, Dev, loaned me his X-T2 for a project I was on. At that point I was already sending people to buy Fujifilm cameras but this completely sold it for me. Shortly after I switched.
Which Fujifilm camera do you own?
I use two X-T3s.
What do you love most about the camera?
How ahead of the game they are. I shoot a lot of video and the specs for video have been top notch. For their price point it’s hard to beat. Also, the dynamic range plus how incredibly beautiful the images are. Something I don’t see mentioned often is highlight roll off. The detail between whites to blacks is beautiful, it gives a film-quality feel. Not to mention the camera just looks amazing and gets you stoked to shoot every single time you hold one.
Tell us a bit more about your photography/videography and what you would like to achieve through this.
My goal is to tell stories that have an impact, you know that NatGeo-life, haha. The ideal scenario would be to become a full-time documentary and adventure filmmaker.
Where can people find your work online?
You can find me anywhere on the internet typing in SOMESHAP, as well as www.someshap.com andwww.instagram.com/someshap.
