#10YearsOfXMount | Fujifilm by Land and Sea

My journey with X Series began in 2018. I had been photographing with heavy DSLRs, but after suffering constant, kitbag-induced backache on a trip around India, I decided to make a change.

I was interested in mirrorless, but with so many new bodies on the market from lots of brands, it turned out to be a bit of a minefield. It was after I’d seen a friend using the FUJIFILM X-T1 that I investigated Fujifilm a little further. The look of the cameras was the first thing that enticed me. The dials on the body and aperture ring on the lenses were so retro – I loved it! I’m not very technically minded, and while the X Series cameras are highly capable, they aren’t purely spec-driven. Much of my photography is based around feeling – and Fujifilm was a natural fit.

I purchased the FUJIFILM X-T3 and was hooked after one outing. It was really easy to pick up and learn, and I just loved the images I was creating. It’s been all over with me, and I found it was much easier to travel with than my old systems.

I’m a chaser of light, an ocean addict and lover of nature, relishing being outside as much as possible. I absolutely adore capturing the beauty of the world through my lens, especially when the weather is most interesting. As I’m out in all conditions, being able to rely on my kit is vital – and X Series has certainly proven itself.

When at home, I’m mostly found down the beach at sunrise, X-T3 in hand. I grew up near the sea, sharing a connection with it that goes way back to my childhood, with many happy memories. Seeing the sunrise over the water stirs up so much emotion, and it’s something I try to instil in my imagery.

I’ll either be photographing the movement of the waves from the shoreline, or put my camera into an underwater housing and get right out there. Both types of seascape photography are so mindful, engaging the senses and encouraging me to slow down and take notice. I love watching how the ever-moving water influences my image on the live LCD, then playing with settings accordingly, to get creative. The X-T3 feels like an extension of my eye and mind, taking the images I’ve visualised and bringing them into existence. It turns fleeting moments into something more permanent.

In summary, X Series cameras have taken me on an adventure I never could have expected. They’ve been essential in the natural development of my photography. I’ve gone from simply observing and documenting scenes from the water’s edge, to getting fully submerged and changing my perspective completely. Becoming an X-Photographer is the latest part in this exciting journey – and I really look forward to being more involved with the brand that has helped shaped my story. Here’s to the next chapter and seeing how it unfolds!