TAKE TEN: DONOVAN MATTHEWS
Donovan Matthews has been a Fujifilm shooter since day one. For our Take Ten feature, he takes us through his videography setup, tells us more about why video is his thing and shares what’s on his bucket list.
Why do you love videography?
To put it quite simply, an image speaks a thousand words so why not capture 25 of them in one second to create a memory? The whole concept behind video is beautiful – we get to create a moment, a feeling and a memory that we get to play on repeat in time.
Tell us a bit more about your videography work and what you would like to achieve through this.
Creating a video in a world full of noise is a difficult task, so I set out to let the way I work speak to an audience. In the end, if I can inspire someone to pick up the camera and shoot content, I feel that I have achieved more than a like or a view count.
Tell us a bit more about your videography work and what you would like to achieve through this.
Creating a video in a world full of noise is a difficult task, so I set out to let the way I work speak to an audience. In the end, if I can inspire someone to pick up the camera and shoot content, I feel that I have achieved more than a like or a view count.
What made you switch to Fujifilm and when did this happen?
Since my very first video and my very first photo I have used Fujifilm. Even when working with multiple other camera brands, Fujifilm has always felt like home.
Which Fujifilm camera(s) do you use and what’s your favourite lens?
I have shot with almost every video-focussed camera from Fujifilm but the cameras I use are the Fujifilm X-T5 and the X-H1. My favourite lens is quite difficult to choose, however, if I could only use one, I would go for the Fujinon 23mm f1.4.
In terms of videography, what would be your setup when shooting?
My setup is very fast and convenient – it consists of a camera cage housing the X-T5 with an external recording monitor for the days I need to shoot ProRes. There’s usually a wireless sender connected and my go-to lens, the Fujinon XF 16-55 f2.8 with an ND filter. To finish, powering everything is a V-Lock battery also mounted to the cage.
What’s on your videography bucket list?
A documentary series in Iceland.
What’s a videography tip you wish you knew sooner?
This one is not hard – understanding light is the most crucial aspect of videography, and this is not just artificial light but all sources of light.
View more of Donavon’s work here:
