Videography with Fujifilm: Lehlogonolo Monareng

Yes Lehlogonolo. Tell us about yourself and how you ended up as a videographer.

I’m a cinematographer based in Gauteng and the founder of a small video production company called Yello Mist. We specialise in brand story videos, documentaries and short feature films.

My journey into filmmaking started in high school, capturing street football games with my friends using a smartphone and editing on Adobe Premiere CS4. That casual passion evolved in varsity while I was studying Multimedia. After working for a year as a full-time multimedia designer doing animation, coding, design, illustration and videography, I eventually resigned and took the leap into freelancing. That’s when I discovered my true passion for filmmaking.

No matter the project, I approach every frame with a cinematic mindset to make the work stand out.

As a videographer/cinematographer, what are your biggest challenges?

One of my biggest challenges is access to high-end equipment, software and even reliable transport, as this can limit how far we are able to push our concepts. But these constraints often fuel creativity too.

What camera do you work with? What do you believe Fujifilm brings to the table for your videography?

We work primarily with Fujifilm cameras, specifically the X-T3 and X-T5 paired with Fujinon and other lenses. Fujifilm brings a distinct style and authenticity that aligns beautifully with the aesthetic I aim for. The camera design and lens rendering give our work a unique visual identity. I particularly love the ETERNA picture profile, which we use for more artistic projects, while the standard profile is our go-to for corporate jobs due to its clean and soft look.

Tell us more about your rig set-up.

• Bare Hand Rig:
  
  • X-T3 with the XF16-80mmF4 lens (for its OIS), mounted with a top cage handle.
  • Alternatively, X-T3 with a 23mm lens for tighter, stylised shots.
  • X-T5 with the XF16–55mmF2.8 and IBIS on for smoother handheld footage.
• Film Handheld Rig:
  
  • X-T3 in a full cage rig with a V-mount battery, Godox GM55 monitor, SmallRig side handle, Rode shotgun mic, and the XF16–55mmF2.8.
• Gimbal Setup:
  • Both the X-T5 and X-T3 with battery grips (no cages) and the XF16–55mmF2.8 lens, balanced for smooth motion.

What’s one thing you learned that greatly improved your videography?

Cinematic lighting without a doubt. Learning how to manipulate natural light using diffusers, negative fill and bounce boards, as well as designing custom lighting setups with LED lights and modifiers, has completely changed the game for me. It gave me control over mood and tone, no matter the environment.

Do you shoot with Film Simulations or are you a believer in F-Log and grading in post?

This is Fujifilm we’re talking about – I trust their colours. In the beginning, I shot everything in F-Log and graded in post. But one day I accidentally shot in ETERNA, graded it, and it looked amazing. Later I shot in the standard profile, exposed it well, and the footage still came out great. Honestly, if the image is exposed correctly and the lighting is solid, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s F-Log or a Film Simulation, no one can tell unless you say something.

 

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Is there something you’d like to touch on that hasn’t been discussed?

Yes, our work is our identity. Especially for young filmmakers or small teams, every piece of work you release should reflect your growth and your dedication to the craft. It might not always be easy but trust me, I’ve been there when the account balance said -R2879.65, but if filmmaking is truly your calling, every project should push your storytelling, lighting, editing and sound to the next level. That’s how you stand out.