Crafting a Canvas | FUJIFILM Exposure Center – USA

Exposure Center
Photo 2021 © Victoria Wright | FUJIFILM X-T30 II camera and XF10-24mmF4 R OIS WR, 1/250 sec at F13.2, ISO 160

6 minute read

Crafting a Canvas

How X-T30 II informs a uniquely serene approach to image creation

Long associated with the pangs of nostalgia, photography has always reflected a desire to recall faded remnants and instances past. At its most compelling, the medium suspends time, freezing fleeting moments like self-contained capsules, preserved and permanent. For Victoria Wright, encapsulating this fundamental energy is something that informs a primary focus in her work. Operating across a variety of spheres, she speaks frankly about the importance of seizing life’s transience before it dwindles and wanes. “Photos don’t have to be glamorous or epic if they evoke the energy of a specific place, or time,” she begins. “I try not to get bogged down fixating on technical specifics. I’m much more interested in capturing a moment – and X-T30 II is perfect for that.”

A direct successor to X-T30, version II stands as a new and improved mid-range addition to an extensive Fujifilm catalog. As we relax into an early morning Zoom call, Victoria is quick to point out its suitability, and how the camera ultimately complements her aesthetical style. “I’m constantly on the lookout for a camera I can rely on… something I can use in multiple scenarios. X-T30 II is incredibly enjoyable to work with, especially when it comes to traveling. It’s unique in that it’s capable of professional imagery, but still retains that lightweight, compact feel. It’s massively versatile, which is ideal for someone like me.” Indeed, Victoria’s portfolio is broad and impressive. Billed as a ‘lifestyle, travel & food’ photographer, she’s acclimated to a variety of environments and styles, proving her dexterity across numerous sectors. “The thing that initially drew me to this career was the variability. Every day is different. I’m just not one of those people that can sit at a desk and do the same thing over and over again. I appreciate variety… I never want to restrict myself.” The range of Victoria’s work supports this sense of adventure. “If I had to pick, I’d say travel photography is my favorite, but that’s probably because it’s a broad rubric that encompasses everything else that I do. Experiencing new places with a camera like this is the best possible world to exist in. I love it.”

Snow-capped mountain on horizon reflected on still lake

Photo 2021 © Victoria Wright | FUJIFILM X-T30 II camera and XF23mmF1.4 R, 1/1000 sec at F5.6, ISO 200

Avoiding any sense of affectation, Victoria modestly underscores her outlook as simplistic. She’s cut away the superfluous elements, streamlining her method, so that it serves a more baseline purpose. “It’s obviously dependent on what the subject is, but I would definitely say my style leans more towards minimalism,” she reflects. There’s an undeniable softness to these landscapes. The images aren’t just visually striking; they’re elegant and soothing in composition, offering an unimpeded window into the peace of nature’s most arresting vistas. “I’m drawn to art that’s calming, especially when it reflects a sense of escapism. My life can be very chaotic, so photography has become my outlet. It’s where I go when I want to get away from all the noise. I’m really drawn to that sensation.” X-T30 II complements that sense of tranquility – and for Victoria, it doesn’t feel like she’s lugging around a cumbersome piece of hardware. “It’s minimal, too, and exactly what I need when operating in those moments.”

Moving on to the topic of lens setup, Victoria notes that her images were straightforward and made with restraint, as opposed to complex preparation. “Typically speaking, I think less is more. X-T30 II is small camera, so I’m rarely working with massive telephoto lenses,” she admits. “More often than not, I’m shooting with a fixed 23mm, 35mm or 56mm, depending on the subject. I’ll make sure to grab all three before I set out, but it’s still a very nominal setup. Travel photography necessitates that you pack lightly.” For Victoria, associating so-called ‘quality’ imagery with larger equipment is ill-advised, and in certain ways, counterproductive. Championing the compactness of X-T30 II, she speaks to this misguided perception. “People think they need these big, unwieldy cameras to get good results. Personally, I think they end up becoming a creative barrier. You can still achieve high-quality images with smaller equipment. This camera proves that.”

Dock with yachts and mountain in distance

Photo 2021 © Victoria Wright | FUJIFILM X-T30 II camera and XF23mmF1.4 R, 1/500 sec at F7.1, ISO 200

Having used X-T30 I in the past, Victoria is well placed to observe the differences between the newer X-T30 II and its predecessor. “There’s been a significant uptick in the autofocus speeds, and face and eye detection have definitely gotten better. That’s integral for me whenever I shoot portraiture,” she describes. “My younger sister has had severe eczema her whole life, and I recently photographed her for an ongoing project. She has her own insecurities, but to me, she’s one of the most beautiful people I know. She’s a remarkable human being, and I wanted her to feel confident. I wanted her to define her own sense of self-worth. I think this camera’s autofocus improvements are ideal for that kind of shoot, because they allow me to take advantage of every passing second, and I never miss a moment.” The camera’s low-light capabilities have also been enhanced, and that’s particularly useful when Victoria shoots landscapes at dusk. “It’s great that I don’t have to scramble to adjust to the natural light as it fades. I also find the design much more intuitive than the previous model. There’s definitely an improvement in the clarity of the LCD monitor, which helps when I’m scrutinizing each shot,” she outlines. “Over the years, I’ve learned to always double-check my settings. There are still moments where I dive in and pray for the best, but if I can properly prepare, I always do. The definition of the screen affords me the space and wherewithal to adjust, as and where necessary.”

Victoria also speaks to the value of the camera’s Film Simulations. “They’re really cool features. You don’t even have to alter or amend the settings. You could easily upload photos taken with the simulations provided, and nobody would be able to tell.” Unpretentious in her appraisal, Victoria offers her categorical support of these components, and some words of wisdom. “Once you lose sight of fun, you’ve abandoned the whole point of photography. It’s so important to enjoy the process. Not everything has to be printed,” she laughs.

Tree overhanging still lake

Photo 2021 © Victoria Wright | FUJIFILM X-T30 II camera and XF56mmF1.2 R, 1/250 sec at F6.4, ISO 160

Emphasizing the point, she concludes the conversation by delving into the origins of this outlook. “As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather. He was a professional artist – oil paintings for the most part. Funnily enough, most of his work encompassed quiet landscapes, so I guess you could say he’s been an influence! He played a massive role in my creative development as a youngster. I think he was somewhat annoyed that I was left-handed, but we worked through that, eventually. More than anything, it was about the time we spent together and the fun we had. The whole experience is embedded in my memory, and something of a root to where I’ve ended up today. If X-T30 II can instill a similar sense of enjoyment in its users, then I think Fujifilm is doing a great job.”

FUJIFILM X-T30 II is coming soon to your FUJIFILM Authorized Dealer.

CREATE/SEND/SHARE

see your image on our Social Channels

Featured Photographer

Victoria Wright

Victoria Wright is a lifestyle and travel photographer living in Washington State. In addition to her commercial work, she seamlessly blends social media campaigns with thoughtful, personal glimpses into her everyday life, resulting in a collection of photos that resonate with a unique approachability.
Creator

Victoria Wright

Victoria Wright is a lifestyle and travel photographer living in Washington State. In addition to her commercial work, she seamlessly blends social media campaigns with thoughtful, personal glimpses into her everyday life, resulting in a collection of photos that resonate with a unique approachability. Victoria helps global ...

View Profile

Select Your Country Or Region