Boudoir Shoot With the Amazing Diandra Godiva! / October 6, 2017 by John Wineberg

I have been a fan of Diandra Godiva for over a year. I would describe her as a 50's style or vintage glamour model. According to Diandra she grew up in Northern California and had an interest in dressing up and taking photos since a young age. She prefers a vintage esthetic and lifestyle. She sings Karaoke and performs burlesque for special events. I discovered her on Instagram and hoped some day i'd get the chance to work with her. This last week I was able to do just that.

Fuju XT1, 56mm f1.2 lens, natural light.

I have had nothing but positive experiences working with models and this shoot was no exception. Diandra was amazing to work with. Her carefree nature and love for her craft shows in every image. I like to think I have a relaxed style of shooting. I want the model as comfortable as possible, knowing that this demeanor fosters a return through the lens. In other words, you get what you give. For me this was one of the most fun photo shoots I've done.

I love natural light. There is something to be said for keeping it simple. I am very comfortable with using off camera flash and have used it for many shoots. When it comes to Boudoir shoots I prefer the look of natural light. I shot with the Fuji XT1 and for this shoot I used the Fuji 56mm f1.2 R lens. Shot mostly wide open, there is a slightly soft nature to these images that works for me.

Diandra takes me back to my youth, watching old Marilyn Monroe films like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Some Like It Hot". I am already working on plans for my next shoot with this amazing model. I hope you enjoy these images as much as I did creating them.

I had to throw in at least one black and white!

You can find Diandra on Instagram or Tumblr

2016 Mid Year Review, All In With Fuji / July 2, 2016 by John Wineberg

So this is my first full year shooting exclusively with Fuji Gear. That gear includes the Fuji X100T, XT1, 18-55 zoom, 56mm f1.2 and the 35mm f2. I have always gravitated toward landscapes. I love the outdoors and am lucky enough to live in California, a place that contains such varied landscapes within a short distance. One of those places is Yosemite National Park, it has always been my favorite landscape location for obvious reasons.

Fuji XT1, 18-55 f2.8-4.  Clearing clouds, Yosemite Valley from the tunnel view rest stop. — Fuji XT1, 18-55 f2.8-4. Clearing clouds, Yosemite Valley from the tunnel view rest stop.

People warned me that I might not like the Fuji gear for landscapes. That I might not be able to duplicate the results that I was used to with my Nikon gear.

Fuji XT1, 18-55 f2.8-4.  El Capitan taken from the tunnel view rest stop, Yosemite National Park. — Fuji XT1, 18-55 f2.8-4. El Capitan taken from the tunnel view rest stop, Yosemite National Park.

To the contrary I believe it has enhanced my landscape photography. Fuji is able to capture color and detail in a way that my Nikon never could. The optics of Fuji's basic "kit" lens (18-55mm 2.8-4) far surpasses the glass that I had on my Nikon, the 18-70mm f3.5-4.5. My ultimate landscape lens would be the 8-16mm f2.8 if and when it is made available. Until then, I am perfectly happy with my Fuji "kit" lens.

Over the last six months I have also enjoyed shooting portraits more than I had in the past. The Fuji 56mm f1.2 is an amazing lens. I love the depth of field that this lens allows.

This lens has expanded my portrait capabilities in ways I cannot even begin to describe. The images made with this lens have a unique look to them. It has a soft quality but you are able to pull amazing detail from a subjects eyes.

I have also started to explore fine art portraiture. Using the 56mm f1.2 combined with off camera flash using the Yungnuo 560 TX paired with the 560 IV Speedlight I have been able to create some amazing images.

Fuji XT1, 56mm f1.2 paired with Yungnuo 560TX and 560 IV Speedlight.

I'm not sureif it is the camera system or my newfound excitement for photography that has pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone. The Fuji system is just plain fun for me. It is light weight and the controls on their cameras are intuitive. I have shot with a Nikon FE2 for close to 30 years and the Fuji system is the closest I have been able to come to that experience in the digital realm.

Through this equipment I have rediscovered my love for photography. I am pushing myself to shoot more. I am drawn to new photographic experiences and adventures.

Fuji XT1, 18-55mm f2.8-4.  Marin Headlands, Overlooking the Golden Gate.  San Francisco, CA — Fuji XT1, 18-55mm f2.8-4. Marin Headlands, Overlooking the Golden Gate. San Francisco, CA

Fuji XT1, 18-55mm f2.8-4.  Bodega Head, Sonoma Coast.  First Sunset of Summer 2016. — Fuji XT1, 18-55mm f2.8-4. Bodega Head, Sonoma Coast. First Sunset of Summer 2016.

Who knows where the rest of the year will take me but I know that it will be fun. Pushing boundaries is the theme for 2016 and thanks to Fuji It is easier and more fun than ever.