When Fujifilm X100 was presented in 2011 it was love at first sight. I was immediately attracted by its unique vintage design. When I used it, I realized that it was the perfect camera for my way of photographing and I have not abandoned it anymore since then. It has always been an excellent second camera for me.
Some months ago I had the honor to test the new Fujifilm X100V. It is a pocket camera with high performance.
I did a photoshoot in my studio with two models. It was a different situation for this kind of camera, which is usually used for street or reportage photography.
I think it is interesting to let people know about the extraordinary potential of this professional compact camera, suitable for many settings, such as portrait and fashion.
The lens, which is a must of the series X100, is a fixed 35mm camera lens with f2.0, perfect for portraiture, as it offers a very realistic point of view. This focal lens invites us to go closer to the subject to shoot, improving in this way the interaction, which is very important to perform a good portrait.
I often take a picture directly in jpeg, and when I told this, many photographers are astonished. I am very happy with the film simulations Fujifilm. I find them perfect for my style, especially the Classic Chrome and Acros simulations, which create a file that does not need any post-production work.
I have used many times the X100 series in my studio and I have never been disappointed.
Fujifilm X100V has good news. Besides having a completely new designed lens, it has higher performance in comparison to the previous one. I usually take my photos using ambient light and I must admit to having been amazed by the fast and precise focus, also in low light situations.
In the first years (1994) I used to work for fashion magazines and do reportages and editorial works, often in external locations. It was on such occasions that I learned how to use better the natural light that I had in different situations. I could find a very bright sky when I took my photos at midday, or a very cloudy day and have softer light. In any case, I had to do my photoshoot.
I have learned to adapt to the different light I found every day. It was an experience that has contributed to characterize more and more my style. Also in my studio, I have wide knurled glass windows in a north-east direction, through which a very soft light filters.
In the photoshoot done with the models Elisabetta and Marilena I have used ambient light as well as two 200W led lights and bank diffusers 50×140. I use very often continuous led light because I can have complete and immediate control of the lights.
So, once I have set time and aperture in the camera, I can focus completely on the person, I am portraying.
I usually take photos for some minutes, a maximum of 5 minutes, then I do some intervals during which I download the images and I have a look at them on the monitor with the client.
It is a good technique. I have noticed that the client if he has a look at the pictures immediately, realized the results we are reaching and has new energy to carry out better the fixed work. It is not a case that the last photos of every photoshoot are always the best.
The understanding between photographer and person to portray is essential in order to achieve high-quality photos and it must be based on respect and trust.
The atmosphere created during the photoshoot is very important and the photographer must conduct firmly the different phases giving the persons to portray all indications and making them feel comfortable.
Concentration and empathy during the work are important to obtain real and spontaneous photos.
