#SOOC: Eva Marguerat x X-S10

My name is Eva Marguerat, I have been a professional photographer for a few years already. I specialized in portraits and beauty shots.

I have worked with many models and make-up artists on fashion/beauty projects. I was also lucky enough to work on several campaigns for cosmetics brands, department stores, and also public institutions and enterprises from the aeronautics and defense industry. This versatile background allows me to nourish my photographic vision in many areas of expertise.

For many years, I used to work with a DSLR, which I took everywhere on land and at sea. I’m used to SLR ergonomics, but mirrorless cameras came and changed everything in the photo and video universe.

THE X-S10

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve had the opportunity to preview the X-S10, for all my shootings with models as well as on my summer jaunts.

I must admit I’m surprised to see how such a compact and well-built camera allows me to shoot anywhere, anytime, with a superior image quality compared to my former camera. I have to move, to make pictures in different places, so it is tremendously important for me that my gear is as easy as possible to carry along. And such is the X-S10: combined with the XF35mmF1.4 R lens, I can carry it everywhere without the need for a big camera bag.

Another thing I really enjoyed with the Fujifilm system: its ability to produce JPEG files with unparalleled image quality. Thanks to the Film Simulations and tones, white balance, contrast, and grain settings, I can now go back to simpler pictures, with much lighter editing work. Post-production is an important part of my work, but using the different profiles, I can come back to a more authentic approach of color – though I still put in my personal touch!

SHOOTING + EXPERIENCE

Along with a great team, I could test the X-S10 performance in genuine shooting conditions. With a model and a make-up artist, we could produce fashion pictures using the X-S10. The “mood board” was set for a “classy countryside ” style. So I chose the “Pro Neg Hi” Film Simulation and used a few menu options to push greens and warm tones in the picture. This is the one simulation I use for most portrait shootings, because it makes colors really beautiful, with a contrast boost that’s really interesting for my photography.

Switching from a DSLR to a mirrorless allowed me to enjoy working with an electronic viewfinder. It’s probably the main improvement: it allows us to deal with every parameter at once and to preview the final picture before you even take the shot. Thanks to this EVF, I never break eye contact with my subject. It allows me to capture her face and eye more quickly, thanks to reliable and swift autofocus that covers the whole sensor. All those abilities allow me to get even faster and more confident about capturing the best pictures.

Just like DSLRs, the X-S10 offers P, S, A and M modes (programmed, speed priority or aperture priority auto exposure, and manual exposure), which allow considering picture-taking more easily. I mostly use manual mode, so I keep control of every image parameter.

C1, C2, C3, and C4 modes are personalized presets (film simulations, exposure settings, contrast, ISO sensitivity, etc.) that can record every preference for a type of shooting or a picture rendition. Each mode can then be refined using the many camera dials. These ergonomics remind us of a DSLR, which is ideal for photographers used to those.

VIDEO

Let’s not disregard video: nowadays, it’s taking an important part in our line of work. More and more often, I’m asked to create small movies, video clips for social media. The X-S10 can film in 4K with a “flat” profile or with the different Film Simulations, which immediately give videos an interesting look.

Image stabilization allows me to get stable shots, without needing a tripod or a gimble.

PORTRAIT

It’s already been 2 years since I specialized in portrait and fashion photography. As I was shy and quite insecure at first, working portraits allowed me to blossom and to meet many wonderful people. What’s most important in my line of work is sharing and putting humans forward. I love faces: for me, a successful picture is when the person in front of me tells me that my photos look like her, that she’s proud of those. You have to highlight their characters, and sublime them using an atmosphere, accessories, style…

If you want to start portraiture, you must first learn to communicate well, and to look for expressions so you can magnify your subjects and capture their intimacy. Directing your model is important: dare, discuss, exchange and express yourselves in your pictures!