When photographing Mount Fuji, I shoot about 80% of the time with Velvia.
Velvia’s color reproduction captures the hues of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, conveying the atmosphere of the moment—be it freshness, crispness, or chill.
By selecting the appropriate FS RECIPE, Velvia can produce a wide range of expressions, from vivid yet gentle tones to dramatic impressions with a sense of three-dimensionality. The most frequently used FS RECIPE (Pattern ①) is a versatile FS RECIPE suitable for any situation when photographing Mount Fuji, from daytime to nighttime shooting.
Photo①
Photo②
Personally, I find that adjusting the SHADOWS and HIGHLIGHTS on the TONE CURVE to negative values and softening the black density helps convey the atmosphere of the scene more effectively. Additionally, increasing SHARPNESS (+1) and decreasing CLARITY (-1) makes the lines in the rendering feel more delicate.
Photo③
Photo④
Photo⑤
COLOR CHROME FX BLUE is also frequently used. The reason is that the PL filters often employed for Mount Fuji photography exhibit uneven effects depending on the sun’s position, and when applied too strongly, they can look unpleasant. However, using COLOR CHROME FX BLUE allows for the expression of a smooth blue sky.
Photo⑥
Photo①~⑥ FS RECIPE①(Pattern①)
FILM SIMULATION:Velvia
MONOCHROMATIC COLOR:N/A
GRAIN EFFECT:OFF
COLOR CHROME EFFECT:WEAK
COLOR CHROME FX BLUE:WEAK
SMOOTH SKIN EFFECT:OFF
WHITE BALANCE:DAYLIGHT
DYNAMIC RANGE:DR100
D RANGE PRIORITY:OFF
TONE CURVE:S –2, H –1
COLOR:+1
SHARPNESS:+1
HIGH ISO NR:OFF
CLARITY:-1
In contrast to the most frequently used FS RECIPE, the FS RECIPE for dramatic situations (Pattern ③) involves significantly boosting the SHADOWS on the TONE CURVE (+4) and reducing the COLOR (-1), which brings out the three-dimensionality of the clouds and the mountain surface, allowing for a more dramatic impression.
Photo⑦
Photo⑧
Photo⑦~⑧FS RECIPE②(Pattern②)
FILM SIMULATION:Velvia
MONOCHROMATIC COLOR:N/A
GRAIN EFFECT:OFF
COLOR CHROME EFFECT:OFF
COLOR CHROME FX BLUE:OFF
SMOOTH SKIN EFFECT:OFF
WHITE BALANCE:DAYLIGHT
DYNAMIC RANGE:DR100
D RANGE PRIORITY:OFF
TONE CURVE:S +4, H –1
COLOR:1
SHARPNESS:+2
HIGH ISO NR:OFF
CLARITY:+1
When shooting dawn landscapes or sunrise skies, FS RECIPE (Pattern ②) often emphasizes the COLOR CHROME EFFECT. Using the COLOR CHROME EFFECT helps suppress color bleeding and beautifully express the gradation of colors in the stunning sky at dawn or sunrise. Adjusting the TONE CURVE by slightly boosting SHADOWS and HIGHLIGHTS creates a deep, rich sky and sunrise with excellent definition.
Photo⑨
FS RECIPE③(Pattern③)
FILM SIMULATION:Velvia
MONOCHROMATIC COLOR:N/A
GRAIN EFFECT:OFF
COLOR CHROME EFFECT:STRONG
COLOR CHROME FX BLUE:WEAK
SMOOTH SKIN EFFECT:OFF
WHITE BALANCE:DAYLIGHT
DYNAMIC RANGE:DR100
D RANGE PRIORITY:OFF
TONE CURVE:S +1, H +2
COLOR:0
SHARPNESS:-1
HIGH ISO NR:OFF
CLARITY:-1
Since starting my career as a freelance photographer, I’ve begun capturing not only the form of Mount Fuji itself, but also the people living at its base and the culture and festivals associated with the mountain. I hope to continue photographing Mount Fuji from various perspectives going forward.
