Potentially a silly heading, but let’s go with it for now. Midway through the Covid-19 lockdown I received a call from a new client. “We have an airplane that we can’t ship to the USA at the moment for a big press release. Is there a way to photograph it and print it lifesize on a container?” Naturally my first reaction was, “No problem”, so we set up an online meeting and took it from there.
I am a freelance photographer and I love available light. In some instances, commercial work dictates using artificial light but my first love is to make use of natural light. So, when I had the opportunity to play with the incredible Fujifilm X-T4, on loan to me from Fujifilm SA, I decided to shoot what I like: People – more specifically, my wife.
I regularly sit in front of my browser with YouTube running in the background and a second browser open, searching and looking for fantastically made landscape and cityscape images created by the many talented photographers around the globe.
Professional photographer Alex Bartie recently made the switch to Fujifilm. What were the drawcards to the Fujifilm system, and how did his new X-S10 influence his photography? We chatted to him to find out more.
Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, I adopted the proverbial phrase, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Adjusting to the limitations of the pandemic, whilst being extremely challenging, has also forced me to think differently and out of the box.
Coco Van Oppens has built a name for herself working internationally as an on-set photographer, also called a unit stills photographer. She tells us more about this unique genre, the importance of wearing an invisibility cloak while on set, and her favourite gear to take along
With entries received across Africa, the Africa Photo Awards 2020 awards ceremony recently took place at the Keyes Art Mile in Johannesburg, South Africa. Local photographer and graphic designer, Hanli Smit walked away with the award for Photographer of the Year for her image Homage-to-Tretchikoff. Smit’s images won two main categories: Fashion for Avant-Garde-Fashion-The-New-Normal, and Portraiture for Homage-to-Tretchikoff, with this image securing her the main prize.
Jide Kola is an award-winning wedding photographer from Nigeria. He tells us more about the country’s wedding photography industry, why he loves Fujifilm, and the pros and cons of shooting in Nigeria.
Fujinon is something of a ‘new kid on the block’ when it comes to binoculars for birding but have made a name for themselves with serious marine binoculars and image-stabilized binoculars. In the world of photography, they are also rocking the boat, particularly with their mirrorless camera range.
Landscape photographer Jon Kerrin is no stranger to the Fujifilm blog (check out his Introduction to Astrophotography and review of the Fujinon 16-80mm). This time, we place him under the spotlight, as he takes us through his favourite spots to photograph and how he protects his gear and his favourite image.
Cape Town based Wes Reyneke is Senior Editor for the leading custom motorcycle website, Bike EXIF. This means he gets to do a lot of international travel, as far afield as Indonesia and Japan, various countries across Europe, and the USA. He takes us through some of his experiences, shot with his trusty Fujifilm X-T10 and 35mm f2.
FUJIFILM introduces X-S10 midrange mirrorless camera with IBIS
Up to 6.0-stops of image stabilization from an IBIS packed into a compact and lightweight body, the X-S10 is a high-end performance model with user-friendly controls and grip.
Joburg-based Gulshan Khan takes us through her journey to becoming a photojournalist, staying safe on assignments, and her thoughts on the romanitisations of photojournalism.
Cape Town based photographer Elisha Dibakoane (https://www.instagram.com/dudefromsa/) picked up his passion for photography from his older brother who shot film. He takes us through his favourite photo, photographers and Fujifilm film simulations.
Johannesburg-based photographer, Nonzuzo Gxekwa chats to us about her love of the city, inspiring artists and a risky Sunday shot that turned into her favourite.
Fujifilm South Africa travelled up north to chat to Ghanaian photographer Ben Bond. Anyone who have seen his fashion, portrait or commercial photography, will know why Bond is in such high demand. We chatted to him about the local scene in Ghana, his YouTube channel and, of course, his love of Fujifilm.
We caught up with Jeffreys Bay-based surf and wave photographer Deon Lategan, who chatted to us about creating your own style, the perfect wave photograph and the benefits of always taking a camera along.
Jonny Cohen has a keen eye for events around him and through his visual storytelling tries to bring these to broader attention. We chatted to him about his involvement with boxing, his favourite gear and upcoming projects.
If there is one genre which can really get the adrenaline pumping, it’s photographing live concerts. Henry Engelbrecht has been capturing local and international bands for several years, and chats to us about the do’s and don’ts of shooting at gigs
The Harper Type 5 Sports Car is a high-performance vehicle with its origins in Cape Town, being able to race from 0-60 km/h in 2.7 seconds. To date, there has only been 20 of these beauties made and I was lucky enough to be commissioned to shoot this incredible car.
Andile Bhala is making a name for himself as a photographer telling authentic stories of life in Soweto. Fujifilm South Africa chatted to him about the social value of photography, building on the legacy of others, and finding his stories on the streets.
When Covid-19 started and the gym was closed, I wanted to do something to help the community and keep the youngsters positive. I emptied my Jojo tank at home, and we started off a handwashing station in the middle of the township. Very few people have running water in their homes, so this has been a great help. We now have 8 wash tanks throughout the township. I have also been very involved in water and food relief efforts.
PART 1 – The casual introduction
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The casual introduction (body to hold)
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The second date (some less obvious aspects that reveal themselves)
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Getting in step (spending quality time together)
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When things get real (building trust)
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A constant companion (a match made in Japan)
He might be best known as the man behind the drums for Fokofpolisiekar and aKING, but Jaco S. Venter is also well-versed in the art of photography. Fujifilm South Africa spoke to him about shooting in black & white, his favourite shots, and why it’s so important to have a weather-sealed body…
Professional landscape photographer Hougaard Malan made the switch after he found the image quality of the Fujifilm GFX100 irresistible. We chatted to him about his journey to becoming a pro, the benefits of 100MP, and the unfortunate event of losing cameras to the Cape waves.
In March, I was hiking and tracking musk ox in Dovrefjell National Park, Norway. By my side I was lucky to have the new flagship Fujifilm X-T4 and the XF Fujinon 200mm f/2 (possibly Fujifilm’s best lens), ready for adventure.
A few months back I packed my bags and headed to Argentina for three weeks. This country had been on my bucket list for the longest time, and as a landscape photographer I especially couldn’t wait to see and explore all the natural beauty of this vast and wild nation.
This is a long term project, documenting the youth of Imizamo Yethu, a rough township in Cape Town battling poverty and drugs, as they emerge into adulthood in a tough environment , supported through the sport of boxing.
It was a Sunday morning in 2013 and I was miserable. I had realised that I hadn’t taken any photographs for myself in quite some time – a practice I had cherished all through life – and I got upset.
Ever since I migrated from being a film photographer to a digital photographer, I have always been a ‘just shoot Jpeg’ guy. My reasoning behind this has been really simple: You find a camera that will be able to tell your story the way you see it.
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