FUJINON XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 OIS lens : Adventure Photography x Harish Kumar
Adventurer Harish Kumar steps out into the Pacific Northwest’s wilds, to create a visual diary of a place he holds dear with FUJINON XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 OIS lens
Harish Kumar remembers the instant everything clicked, both literally and figuratively. “The moment I started holding that first camera, making photos with it, and looking through the viewfinder, I felt like I was in a different world,” he says. That borrowed camera sparked a path to a full-time career in photography and filmmaking.
Today, Harish calls Seattle home, where he spends his days exploring the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest and turning those moments into heartfelt stories through his photography.
His latest project brought him back to the Olympic Peninsula, a region that’s become both a personal and creative touchstone. With FUJINON XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 OIS lens in hand, paired with FUJIFILM X-M5, Harish set out to create a series of photo and video postcards that celebrate the textures and moods of a place he never takes for granted.
“Occasionally, I think everyone who’s a creative gets a moment where they need to recharge. I always come back to the Olympic Peninsula because I know that when I leave, my bucket will be completely full.”
A Photographer Rooted in Story
Originally from South India and raised in Arkansas, Harish’s connection to nature began as a kid exploring a forest near his home. But it wasn’t until adulthood, when he picked up a camera, that his love of the outdoors truly blossomed.
“Before, I wasn’t really going out of my way to hike or go outdoors. But when I picked up that camera, it made me think the world is so big that I have to go see it with my camera to show it off.”
That same childlike curiosity lives on in his work and online handle, @childishharish. “It reminds me why I keep doing this and to always have that wonder about me,” he says.
He’s become known for placing himself within his images, not just for visual impact, but to send a message.
“One of the main reasons I started putting myself in the frame is that I didn’t see anyone that looked or sounded like me in this space. I want people to see my face and know that if someone who looks like me can make it in the film industry, so can they.”
Creating in the Mood
The Olympic Peninsula is more than just a backdrop in Harish’s visual storytelling. Rain, fog, and muted greens don’t deter him; they inspire him.
“Most people would stay inside. But for me, I grab my camera and go out. I might be the only person on the trail – and that’s the beauty of it. That’s when the scene really opens up.”
A Compact Creative Companion
For this trip, Harish paired FUJIFILM X-M5(X-M5) with FUJINON XC13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS lens, a compact zoom that was an ideal match for his style. “This lens eliminates all obstacles. It just allows me to be creative and forget about everything else. I think if a lens can do that – that’s the best it can offer.”
He found the wide end of the 13-33mm range especially useful for creating self-portraits in nature. “The wide aspect of this lens allows me to put myself in the frame while still keeping the rest of the background fully intact.”
The lightweight build, measuring just 37.5mm (1.47in) and 125g (4.4oz), was another unexpected joy. “It doesn’t feel like anything is in your hand. For a photographer, that’s the most powerful feeling – because it then becomes an extension of you.”
A Lens for Layers
Harish builds each scene by documenting wide, mid, and tight frames to create a layered story. “This focal range is perfect for that,” he says. “At 13mm, I get the full scene, while at 33mm, I can zoom into a detail – like dewdrops on a flower with fog behind it. That’s where I feel I do my best work.”
The lens’s close-focus ability, with a close-focusing distance of 20cm (7.87in) across the entire zoom range, adds depth to his storytelling. “When I’m filming flowers and I want to see specific details on the petals, I can get really close but still photograph that in high resolution. It’s almost like macro work.”
Even while moving through the landscape and filming handheld, Harish found the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) remarkably effective. With up to 4 stops of stabilization, he could stay flexible in the field. “I haven’t noticed any jitter or resolution loss in those pictures,” he says.
Color, Culture, and Creative Freedom
Harish’s mother, who now lives back in India, remains a central influence. From her love of colorful saris to her unwavering support of his creative pursuits, she shaped how he sees the world. “Our house was filled with beautiful colors all the time. Subconsciously, I think that led to me bringing those colors into my work.”
Film Simulations in X-M5 allow him to lean into that influence in real-time. “My favorite Film Simulation is NOSTALGIC Neg. – it gives me those moody greens and blues that I’m always chasing.”
Postcards from the Edge
As with much of Harish’s work, his postcards aren’t just about place; they’re about presence too.
“Not everyone has the chance to stand in these forests or feel that crisp, damp air,” he says. “But if I can share just a sliver of that through a photo or short video, that’s enough.”
The right gear helps make that possible. “This lens lets me focus on what really matters: being in the moment, telling the story, and bringing people into it with me.”
With XC13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS, Harish found the freedom to roam, reflect, and create. The result: visual postcards from a place that continues to inspire him, and a reminder that wonder is always within reach.
