Model Shoot With the Fuji Film 35mm f2 R WR / August 14, 2016 by John Wineberg

Since purchasing the FujiFilm 35mm f2 i've wanted to put it through its' paces during a model shoot. The effective field of view being 53mm on a full frame camera, I thought this would be appropriate. I know this isn't an ideal portrait lens and that there are many other lenses by FujiFilm that would be more appropriate. In addition to this lens I also own the 56mm 1.2 and love it for portraiture, but for this shoot I was looking for a wider field of view.

Here in Northern California we are blessed with some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline that exist on this amazing planet. I've always wanted to do an implied nude/nude photoshoot at one of the local beaches but the stars hadn't aligned until recently. I have been working with an amazing local model that I found on modelmayhem.com . Marie Jean is great to work with and I love the results we are able to obtain together. After a short conversation she suggested the location and we set up the shoot. My hope was to include the sunset but the weather gods weren't on our side. The fog rolled in and wasn't going to lift. We decided to go ahead with the shoot regardless. I actually prefer to shoot in flat light or overcast skies. You don't have to worry about harsh shadows or trying to balance the light on the model with the light of the sun.

Marie Jean, Northern California coast.  Fuji XT1, 35mm f2 R WR Lens — Marie Jean, Northern California coast. Fuji XT1, 35mm f2 R WR Lens

I'm a run and gun photographer. When I shoot outdoors I don't like to lug around a ton of equipment. I love natural light and believe that you don't always need a flash to make a great image. Don't get me wrong, I love working with off camera flash and have done so often. I usually reserve flash photography for my indoor work or when the light is just too harsh to balance with reflectors. For this shoot I was lucky that all I needed was my Fuji XT1 and the 35mm f2 lens.

The focus speed is fantastic with this lens. There were a few times where I switched to manual focus and used the focus peaking feature. For this shoot background blur or "bokeh" wasn't as important to me. Most of the shots have distant backgrounds and this lens handled them beautifully.

Lately i've been exploring shooting implied nudes. I have set out to push the boundaries of my photographic abilities and experiences. I believe that you will never improve your craft unless you get outside of your comfort zone. I was lucky enough to be working with an amazing young lady that put me at ease and was generous with her experience, suggesting spots and poses throughout the shoot.

I've gotten to the point where I no longer have to worry about my equipment or settings. I shot film for close to 25 years with a manual focus camera. Settings come naturally to me. The Fuji system is as close as I can get to using an old school film camera and is much like my old Nikon FE2. The 35mm f2 lens is unbelievably compact and a joy to use. The only draw back that I could possibly mention is that the provided lens hood is practically useless. I can't imagine it makes much difference at all when attached. There are aftermarket hoods available, but so far I haven't needed to use one. This camera lens combination made this shoot effortless and fun. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again in the future.

Marie Jean, Northern California coast.  Fuji XT1, 35mm f2 R WR Lens.  Converted to B&W in Lightroom. — Marie Jean, Northern California coast. Fuji XT1, 35mm f2 R WR Lens. Converted to B&W in Lightroom.

There are additional images that include nudes and semi nudes. I have placed them in a separate post which you can access HERE. Marie Jean can be found on modelmayhem.com and on Instagram. I look forward to working with her again in the near future.

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.