TAKE TEN: Heinrich Laubscher

Heinrich Laubscher has been creating beautiful imagery using Fujifilm, both video and stills. As part of the ten-year anniversary of the first Fujifilm X Mount camera, he shares his thoughts on videography and gear. (Image by Jaco S. Venter)

Why do you love videography?

Filming is something that keeps me curious. It forces me to look at the world differently. Even in everyday situations I find myself “looking through a lens”. How would I frame this conversation I’m having? What would be the best way to light the person sitting opposite me? It’s a constant state of education and I am a firm believer that one should never stop learning, no matter how much you think you know.

What made you switch to Fujifilm and when did this happen?

In my professional career I’ve been with Fujifilm from the get-go. I’ve been fortunate to have friends who are Fujifilm ambassadors that helped guide me through my decision-making process when it came down to purchasing my gear. I was also surprised at how supportive the Fujifilm community is. It’s not an us vs. them mentality.

Everybody seems to help each other out and they are happy to share their knowledge. A good example would be Hein Hough from Fujifilm in Cape Town. He’s always stoked about the content X-photographers/videographers create and his passion for the craft is clear. That’s the people I want to surround myself with.

Which Fujifilm camera do you use?

Currently I’m using the Fujifilm X-T3 with a range of Fujifilm variable zoom lenses and also a 35mm prime lens, which is by far my favourite.

What do you love most about the camera?

There are numerous aspects to the X-T3 I love. First of all, it’s compact and light which makes the “run & gun” way of shooting much easier when moving around multiple areas within a location. The camera also has two analog to digital converters which allows me to shoot with less noise at a higher ISO.

I do photography on the side as well and the X-T3 has always given me a good balance between high quality photos and video.

But most of all, it’s the autofocus that does it for me. On most of my shoots I don’t have the luxury of having a focus puller, so having a quick and responsive autofocus is extremely important for the type of videos I shoot.

Tell us a bit more about your videography and what you would like to achieve through this.

There are multiple aspects to my work. My biggest love has always been music and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some great musicians in my time. Music videos are usually passion projects and it’s something that gives me full creative freedom.

Then there’s also the corporate space that I’ve been running with for the last two years and that definitely falls within the “run & gun” category I mentioned earlier. You usually see the location for the first time on the day of shooting which forces you to think on your feet.

My main goal would be to have like-minded people on a payroll in a few years’ time and also do youth outreach. I want to teach the next generation about film making and get them excited about it. It’s the only way I can think of giving back to a community who has taught me so much along the way.

Where can people find more of your work?

Although I’m a freelancer, I trade under the name Kilmer Media. I have a select number of work on my website, www.heinrichlaubscher.com or alternatively I post some of my work on my Instagram every now and then, www.instagram.com/snoekdoggg/