{"id":64479,"date":"2022-01-21T14:00:20","date_gmt":"2022-01-21T05:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fujifilmnxtc.wpenginepowered.com\/?post_type=xstories&#038;p=4198494"},"modified":"2024-05-02T00:46:20","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T15:46:20","slug":"a-domestic-vestige","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/stories\/a-domestic-vestige\/","title":{"rendered":"A Domestic Vestige"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><h5>Cherished and preserved, family portraits create long-lasting memories that endure for generations. For her latest project, Caroline Tran sets out to craft compelling mementos of her own<\/h5>\n<p>Somewhere in the luminous landscapes of California\u2019s Joshua Tree Park, Caroline Tran is quiet and focused, observantly adjusting the cogs of her FUJIFILM camera. Working amongst acres of sand and soil, her surroundings are an evocative incarnation of the Golden State\u2019s charm \u2013 its dazzling contours the ideal backdrop for captivating portraiture. Documenting the domestic relations of two separate families, Caroline\u2019s portraits are light-hearted reflections of carefree attachments \u2013 images that speak to the longstanding importance of familial memories, bound forever with the sharp snap of a shutter. In this interview, she discusses her process, and how creating these images facilitated a new chapter in her storytelling focus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhose legacy are we documenting? I used to think it was the children, but during this project, I realized that it\u2019s also a reflection of how the parents want to be remembered,\u201d she explains. \u201cThe emotions are too complex for the youngsters to understand now, but they\u2019re feelings that will make sense in years to come.\u201d Beyond the surface sheen and aesthetic pleasure of well-presented photographs, Caroline questions what it means to maintain the recollection of a moment. More than just pictures, these likenesses are a way for parents to fashion memories for their children: retentions that will form a basis for nostalgia as they reach adulthood. \u201cI photographed two families for this project. One had a one-year-old pandemic baby, and it was their first family photo shoot. I\u2019d worked with the other family in the past, when the mother had two children. A pandemic later and she\u2019s got four! To photograph such significant milestones was honestly an honor.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp_flexbox col2\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_nancy_joshuatree2_DSCF0324.jpg?width=581&#038;height=363\" alt=\"A happy Asian family, smiling beside a tree in the sun\" width=\"581\" height=\"363\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_joshuatree1_DSCF9779.jpg?width=581&#038;height=363\" alt=\"A jovial family of three pose for the camera\" width=\"581\" height=\"363\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><p>Though subjects are undoubtedly the most important facet of portraiture, an absorbing locale is crucial when creating engaging imagery. Without the right scenery, expressions can appear sterile, and surroundings seem stark. Opting for the soft radiance of Joshua Tree, one couldn\u2019t imagine a more apt location for affectionate familial portrayals. The climate makes Caroline\u2019s photos gleam. \u201cThroughout the pandemic, people have started exploring the beauty of local spaces, and that\u2019s really great,\u201d she remarks. \u201cI go to Joshua Tree a lot. I love the environment. The trees are so whimsical, they look like they\u2019re straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. The golden fields are wonderful, and there\u2019s always such beautiful, classic light formations. The entire place just screams California. That\u2019s why I photographed one family at sunrise, and the other at sunset. We were able to make use of golden hour for both. To put it bluntly, I\u2019m obsessed. I even have favorite trees that I like to document!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp_flexbox col2\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_joshuatree2_DSCF9975.jpg?width=581&#038;height=363\" alt=\"A father playfully holds his infant son in the air, accompanied by his smiling wife\" width=\"581\" height=\"363\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_nancy_joshuatree7_DSCF0509.jpg?width=581&#038;height=363\" alt=\"A smiling family of six crowd together, smiling amidst golden sunlight\" width=\"581\" height=\"363\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><p>When it comes to equipment and setup, Caroline adopts a minimalist attitude, preferring to do away with needless impediments. \u201cI\u2019m not a gearhead. I\u2019m more about the emotional connection, so I need an easy-to-use camera,\u201d she outlines. \u201cI don\u2019t like to spend too much time behind a computer, endlessly editing. I need something that works fast. I prefer to expend energy on connecting with my subjects.\u201d Back in the days of celluloid and darkrooms, Caroline cut her teeth in medium format environments, establishing her style with FUJICOLOR 400H film. Accustomed to a particular kind of process, the switch to digital initially proved frustrating, especially amid a fluid, rapidly shifting landscape. \u201cI just couldn\u2019t get it to resemble my film work,\u201d she laments. \u201cI would use a 645 analog film camera. I also had a very standard, digital, full-frame SLR. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn\u2019t replicate that look. It wasn\u2019t the same aspect ratio, and the previews were never the same as what I ended up with.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat really dampened my inspiration, and to be honest, it all but killed my creativity. For a long time, I was lost. But then I discovered Fujifilm, and everything changed. It was quite profound&#8230; The previews were exactly the same as the images I captured, and that brought back the excitement of shooting film again.\u201d For this project, Caroline used the GFX100S. Accurate previewing capabilities galvanized her confidence and enthusiasm, instilling her with the assurance to realize her vision. \u201cI\u2019d screen each image with the film simulation \u2013 PRO Neg. Hi \u2013 which is very similar to what my 645 images looked like. That instant gratification and positive reinforcement is what I needed. The large LCD screen is just what I envisaged in my head.\u201d As well as the main body, Caroline required a lens that could reproduce the bokeh and compression of her filmic camera, with comparable efficiency. She found a suitable candidate in the FUJIFILM GF80mmF1.7 R WR. \u201cIt was like the old film days. Around 90% of my work is one body, one lens, and this one is so versatile \u2013 it\u2019s perfect for the types of portraits I\u2019m trying to create.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp_flexbox col2\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_nancy_joshuatree4_DSCF0393.jpg?width=581&#038;height=363\" alt=\"In the background, a couple embrace in shallow focus. In the foreground, two toddlers playfully cover their faces\" width=\"581\" height=\"363\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_joshuatree8_DSCF0220.jpg?width=581&#038;height=363\" alt=\"A man embraces his elderly relative, kissing her forehead\" width=\"581\" height=\"363\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><p>Overcoming the discreet tensions that define most family dynamics, Caroline\u2019s portraits exemplify the warmth of unconditional love, as well as the playful annoyances of closely formed ties. In order to achieve this cleverly pitched mixture of sentiment, she maintained a sense of humor when photographing children, whilst establishing a level of geniality with the adults. \u201cAny time I could get the kids to engage with the landscape, I seized the moment. It kept them entertained and interested. I encouraged older siblings to climb the rocks, while the younger ones explored the grounds. I create lots of games, and children obviously relish a challenge. I allocated objectives, and as they were preoccupied, that provided me with perfect moments to create. Those \u2018assignments\u2019 worked really well: make your brother laugh; make your sister laugh, etc. I also got the kids to engage with the LCD screen. They felt they were part of the process, and you could tell they relished the sense of participation that accompanies a purposeful, collaborative effort.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs for the adults, I identified my allies, and tried to figure out who might be resistant. For instance, I\u2019d put more effort into communicating with the coy personalities, determining a connection before we began. An interest, a hobby, something. Then I\u2019d lean into it when we began. As a general rule of thumb, I find that really helps people loosen up. As for the more dominant character, I\u2019d be more light-hearted and humorous. That balance is what helped produce a convincing outcome\u2026 a combination of silliness and soberness \u2013 just like a family.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp_flexbox col2\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_joshuatree5_DSCF0107.jpg?width=581&#038;height=363\" alt=\"A mother holds her infant son in the air, leaning against her husband on an overturned branch\" width=\"581\" height=\"363\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_nancy_joshuatree8_DSCF0703.jpg?width=581&#038;height=363\" alt=\"Sitting atop her father's shoulders, a little girl places her hands over his eyes\" width=\"581\" height=\"363\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><p>Drawing upon her insight and wisdom, Caroline Tran\u2019s photographs are commanding testaments. In the eye of her camera, family bonds are ceaseless and interminable \u2013 distilled within a frame that does not expire.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_joshuatree7_DSCF0208.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/tran_Caroline_GFX100S_GF80mm12_joshuatree7_DSCF0208.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo 2021 \u00a9 Caroline Tran | FUJIFILM GFX100S and GF80mmF1.7 R WR, 1\/800 sec at F1.7, ISO 50<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2>Behind the Scene Footage<\/h2>\n<div class=\"embed-responsive\"><iframe width=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qw9EFFukcC8\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cherished and preserved, family portraits create long-lasting memories that endure for generations. For her latest project, Caroline Tran sets out to craft compelling mementos of her own Somewhere in the luminous landscapes of California\u2019s Joshua Tree Park, Caroline Tran is quiet and focused, observantly adjusting the cogs of her FUJIFILM camera. Working amongst acres of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":64480,"template":"","category":[2084,1006,1202,3113,10708,1937,10169,1055,13039,3701,13040,3505,320,565],"post_tag":[],"b2b-solutions":[],"class_list":["post-64479","story","type-story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-be-inspired","category-cameras","category-category","category-g-mount","category-gf80mmf1-7-r-wr","category-gfx-series","category-gfx100s","category-lenses","category-mirrorless-digital-cameras","category-gfx-series-mirrorless","category-prime-lenses","category-g-mount-prime","category-products","category-stories"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"fujifilm_category_label":"GFX100S","publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-09-16 22:01:45","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/64479","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category?post=64479"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_tag?post=64479"},{"taxonomy":"b2b-solutions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-my\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/b2b-solutions?post=64479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}