{"id":63861,"date":"2021-09-08T14:00:42","date_gmt":"2021-09-08T05:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fujifilmnxtc.wpenginepowered.com\/?post_type=xstories&#038;p=4191789"},"modified":"2024-05-02T01:11:50","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T16:11:50","slug":"gfx50s-ii-more-than-full-frame-x-tommy-simonsen","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/stories\/gfx50s-ii-more-than-full-frame-x-tommy-simonsen\/","title":{"rendered":"GFX50S II: &#8220;More than Full Frame&#8221; x Tommy Simonsen"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"embed-responsive\"><iframe width=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9ARoUn3Y14g\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2>For the love of the Arctic<\/h2>\n<p>For the feeling of being small, to be at the mercy of the elements of nature.<br \/>\nThat allows me to experience the greatness of the harsh but fragile beauty of the polar landscape and its creatures.<\/p>\n<p>My name is Tommy Simonsen, an official Fujifilm X-Photographer from Harstad, Norway.<br \/>\nI\u2019ve been performing a field pre-test of the new FUJIFILM GFX50S II and the GF35-70mm in the Arctic.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_01.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_01.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>When I got my hands on the FUJIFILM GFX50S II for the first time I thought: -Yes! This is It! This is what I need to make my days out in the field easier, providing me with a superb quality.<\/p>\n<p>I love the size of it, I love the accurate Auto Focus, the low weight. Well the size of it is just fantastic! I\u00b4ve used to drag an analog Pentax 6&#215;7 around in the field for 10 years, so I know what the weight of a medium format camera system means.<\/p>\n<p>The pre-test project with the FUJIFILM GFX50S II has been special in every way. The project was set to mid-June. At this time the midnight Sun has been around at this latitude for several months. That means that the daytime sunlight is boring like noon the whole day. It\u00b4s simply too bright. That is the main reason why I decided to work at night and sleep at day;<\/p>\n<p>Almost the whole FUJIFILM GFX50S II project is shot in night light!<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp_flexbox col2\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_02-300x230.jpg?width=300&#038;height=230\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"230\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191791\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF35-70mm ISO100 1\/160 f:22 09:39 in the evening<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_03-225x300.jpg?width=225&#038;height=300\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191792\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF250mmF4 + 1.4TC 04:40 at night<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The images in this article is edited out of jpgs from the camera, as it is a prototype GFX50S II I\u00b4ve been working with.<\/p>\n<p>Search North.<br \/>\nAlthough I am a Northern Norwegian, I\u00b4ve always been searching even further north.<\/p>\n<p>My north is the archipelago of Svalbard.<br \/>\nLocated north of Norway between 74 to 81 degrees north.<br \/>\nAbout 60 % of Svalbard is covered by glaciers.<br \/>\nThose islands are about the same size as Ireland.<\/p>\n<p>I\u00b4ve been working as a photographer at Svalbard for more than 20 years, several trips each year. One of those years living there, working as a dog musher.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_04.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_04.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>Throughout all those years I\u00b4ve been lucky to establish a stable group of close local friends, just as eager as me to get out in the field around the year.<br \/>\nThey are total vital for me to be able to do my photography work here.<br \/>\nDue to safety reasons I never go out in the field in Svalbard alone.<br \/>\nAnd lets not forget the social reasons: those friends are FUN and solid!<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp_flexbox col2\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_05-225x300.jpg?width=225&#038;height=300\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191794\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF250mm+ x1.4TC 12:21 at night<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_06-300x204.jpg?width=300&#038;height=204\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191795\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Often it\u00b4s nothing about the cameras in the beginning of the journeys,<br \/>\nit&#8217;s all about the adventure.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s all about getting out, getting away from everything.<br \/>\nRely on nature, rely on people around you.<br \/>\nBe out to feel that you\u00b4re alive.<br \/>\nThen along come the good photographic moments and the images,<br \/>\nwhile living a good life.<\/p>\n<p>I may not be the typical landscape photographer, since I often add people into my landscapes. But that\u2019s just the way I do my thing.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_07.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_07.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 400   1\/160   f:16     11:11 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>From the early years I\u00b4ve been Inspired by old stories of adventures in the ice. Of men and women poorly equipped with what the previous century had to offer, but with decisive minds, struggling to survive long nights, bitter cold, Polar Bears and Arctic blizzards.<br \/>\nTrappers, explorers, scientists and miners.<\/p>\n<p>Also their stories about the feeling of relief at the arrival of the spring;<br \/>\nThe return of the light. \u00a0About this desolate cold landscape coming back to life. \u00a0Melting ice, and birds returning in numbers. Vanishing snow. Reproduction. \u00a0Reindeer calves grassing in the valleys, Seal cubs on the fjord ice. Thousands of chicks in the bird mountains. Rocky terrain that suddenly pops with clouds of tiny pink flowers. Prosperity for all the animals, also the carnivores. \u00a0The circle of life in just a few hectic summer weeks.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_08.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_08.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF23mm  ISO1250  1\/60  f:29 12:49 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>Around the world this place is best known as Spitzbergen. Discovered and named by the Dutch explorer Willem Barentz in 1596 in his search for the north-east passage to China.<br \/>\nWhat he found was a land with peaky mountains, therefor Spitzbergen.<br \/>\nSpitzbergen is actually the largest island in the archipelago.<\/p>\n<p>Svalbard is an International community with approx. 3000 souls. Governed by Norway, but inhabited by people from all over the world, according to the international Svalbard Act of 1925.<br \/>\nThis is why you find both Norwegian, Russian and other smaller international settlements here.<br \/>\nThe main settlement is Longyearbyen with about 2400 inhabitants.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp_flexbox col2\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_09-300x225.jpg?width=300&#038;height=225\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191798\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF35-70mm ISO 100 1\/350 sec f:5.6<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_10-300x225.jpg?width=300&#038;height=225\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191799\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">1\/80 sec f:7.1 about 05.00 afternoon<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For ten years I used to work with analog Pentax 6&#215;7 and Hasselblad. As a result of this I\u00b4m quite familiar with what the larger formats will give in crisp details.<br \/>\nWhen Fujifilm launched the first medium format GFX 50S I was stoked.<br \/>\nFinally something similar to what I used in my early days.<br \/>\nI ended up using this camera mainly for landscape, as I realized that it was a little slow for action.<br \/>\nBut WOW those landscape images did fly!<\/p>\n<p>In my line of work I have to travel light. Being out in the field, I have to bring the things I need to stay warm and safe. Then I can\u00b4t bring too much weight in camera stuff, to jump onto the rocky beaches and hike the mountains. That\u2019s why I converted from a full frame brand to the smaller Fujifilm X System in 2016.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_11.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_11.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_12.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_12.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 160   1\/160 sec   f:13    11:22 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>For this project I filled my small camera bag with one GFX50S II body (a little larger than the X-H1 body) and Three lenses: A wide angle for landscape\/documentary, a normal zoom and a telephoto zoom plus the GF 1,4x tele converter.<\/p>\n<p>My three preferred lenses was: The wide GF23mm 1:4 (equal to 18mm f.f) , the new superlight normal zoom GF35-70mm (28-55mm f.f) and the GF100-200mm 1:5.6 (79-159mm f.f).<br \/>\nI also used the GF250mm f:4 and TC for the Polar Bear shots to keep distance (helped by additional cropping).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_13.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_13.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_14.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_14.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF250mm + 1.4TC   ISO 250   1\/640   f:13    04:48 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>Prime lenses are of course giving the best quality.<br \/>\nDue to weight and size, I prefer zoom lenses.<\/p>\n<p>The new GFX50S II has the same body as the GFX100S. For me in the field the superb IBIS is highly welcomed, taking away a lot of need for tripod. It also provides extra stability in the moving small boat in both telephoto photography and high speed filming. The accurate AF and the faster serial shooting is also much appreciated.<\/p>\n<p>Being used to the X-T series in the field, I do miss the ISO and shutter wheel on top of the GFX50S II, but I easily got used to scrolling the ISO at right hand index finger and shutter at the thumb.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_15.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_15.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 400  1\/800 sec f:7.1  02:56 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>The new and smaller batteries are powerful. I used one or two each night with intensive shooting and IBIS in use, at temperatures between -2 to +4C. That\u2019s a good improvement. Best part is the new dual usb-chargers, giving me the chance to recharge the batteries by powerbanks in the field, where there\u00b4s no other way of charging.<\/p>\n<p>One thing I really love about the GFX format is the sensor\u2019s dynamic range.<br \/>\nOne thing we got plenty of by living in Northern Norway, is winter months with dark season and limited light.<br \/>\nAs I do a lot of photography with high speed shutter values on animals this is a challenge. Especially my whale and Orca projects at the beginning of, and during the dark season where we got no Sun. Normally I would need shutter speeds up to 1\/2000 part second to freeze the movement. That is the recipe for ISO 6400 and more, with all the noise and bad colors that I would get under such conditions, especially with the smaller X-sensors.<br \/>\nWith the large GFX50S II sensor, I could totally undershoot the image dark black at ISO 100-400, and then re-extract all the information in the raw-file, restoring both details and color, and even do post cropping if needed.<br \/>\nTotally impressed! A new world for me!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_17.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_17.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>Since it\u00b4s been bright all the time at Svalbard this time, my sample is from the whale project in Northern Norway by the GFX50S.<\/p>\n<p>The new GF 35-70mm is a surprise. 2x zoom to make it compact, and that\u2019s fine with me. A lens that equals the wider 28-55mm is better to me than the more narrow 35-70mm.<br \/>\nAs an extra effort to make it compact, Fujifilm has given it the newly developed collapsible structure, to make it even smaller in the bag.<br \/>\nThis means that you turn the zoom a little further from 35mm, and then it becomes smaller than when it is in use. Changing lens with gloves is a little difficult, since the grip band on the lens is a little narrow. I ended up opening\/closing the lens when changing it. But that\u2019s just details I got used to handle.<br \/>\nThe weight is only 390g, with a close range of 35cm. The lens is, as the GFX50S II weather resistant; witch is totally vital in my line of work.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_18.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_18.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF35-70mm  ISO 320    1\/800sec    f:8       11:45 at night Silje, a former swimmer, damaged her elbow in a severe snowmobile accident many years ago. This makes it difficult for her to stretch out her arm while diving. But she is still able to dare a graceful midnight swim in front of the glacier. Water temperature +2C.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>Bottom line, this is a fast lens with the STM system, accurate in AF that produces sharp images, as I have witnessed the weeks I have used it.<\/p>\n<p>On most GF-lenses the aperture is adjusted by the ring on the lens.<br \/>\nAt the GF35-70mm you swap between adjusting ISO and aperture by pushing the index-finger wheel at front of the camera<br \/>\nThe combo of the GFX50S II and this lens gives me a superb compact, bring-along medium format camera.<br \/>\nThe price Fujifilm has set for the GFX50S II and the GF35-70mm kit lens will probably make it a success in the semi-pro\/pro market, so Fujifilm\u00b4s competitors will certainly notice the entrance of this baby!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_19.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_19.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO100   1\/320 sec   f:11    04:11 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>What makes Svalbard special for photographers and filmmakers is the light.<br \/>\nWe have many months of dark season in the winter. Then we`re talking Polar Night: complete darkness. The only visual way in Longyearbyen to see if it\u00b4s day or night, is if the moon is up: If the Moon is out in the fjord it\u00b4s daytime, and if it\u00b4s up in the valley it\u00b4s night.<br \/>\nThere is by the way nothing more magical than the dark season full moon week:<br \/>\nA story about beautiful snow covered valleys reflected in blue, white and silver light, thousands of stars, and Aurora if you\u2019re lucky.<\/p>\n<p>The transition from darkness to total brightness goes fast;<br \/>\nAround March 8th the sun shines in Longyearbyen for the first time each year. A few weeks later about April 20th, we have the midnight sun for the next four months!<br \/>\nThe nature doesn\u2019t come back to life during spring in May and June. It Explodes back to life!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_20.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_20.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">About a thousand Eider ducks are nesting everywhere around the dog yard of Svalbard Villmarkssenter, just out of reach to the sled dogs. The Eiders have realized the dogs gives them a little protection from predators. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>It is the angle witch the Sun hits Svalbard being so far north, that makes the light so special here. Even the white balance on the cameras doesn\u2019t work perfectly.<br \/>\nRAW is essential.<\/p>\n<p>When you get to this latitude other locations around the north pole, these places are mostly capsuled in ice. The reason Svalbard is accessible is due to the last remains of the Gulf Current, that heats up the west coast. This is one of the few places in the world you can get this far north without being on a expedition.<\/p>\n<p><strong>To understand how far north we are:<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>If you board a plane in Longyearbyen,<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>it will only need to fly for one hour to reach the North Pole!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_21.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_21.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>Instead of trying to do the project on a large boat around Svalbard, I decided to use smaller boats in the Icefjord outside Longyearbyen and its smaller side fjords.<br \/>\nOn the map one can get impression that it\u2019s small.<br \/>\nBut it\u2019s actually huge, about 107 km long.<br \/>\nThe weather system in the Icefjord and the side fjords are often different and rough, making them insidious to travel in smaller boats. But I prefer the smaller boats because they are the solution to this sort of photo expedition, as they don\u00b4t need much water under the keel, and can be landed directly on the shoreline. What makes the Icefjord interesting, is the variety in types of rare landscapes, wildlife and especially breathtaking dramatic history and the remains of this.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_22.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_22.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"> Our Captain Silje Marie V\u00e5tvik, and her small and sturdy 225HP boat. GF35-70mm\/ GF100-200mm   03:00 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_23.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_23.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"> GF100-200mm  ISO 500   1\/800sec   f:32  10:24 evening (left) , GF100-200mm  ISO 50   1\/200   f:10   04:24 at night (right)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>Being located so far north, the weather is quite unstable. From day to day, even from valley to valley. Arctic low pressures suddenly comes pounding in from the ocean. To be sure to make this project successful, it wouldn\u2019t be enough to come up for a few days to do this. The weather, especially strong winds would keep me stranded, either in town or better, at a remote old cabin in the fjords. We where actually stuck in one fjord the last days, almost loosing our flight home. To do a project like this, I actually have to plan for such a scenario.<\/p>\n<p>The whole project was an expedition. In the beginning it is nothing about being a photographer, except from studying the mapsa finding out where you want to go shooting. Then figuring how much time it would take to get the job done.<br \/>\nEverything about getting around takes time in advance. Preparing boats, bringing enough fuel and supplies in case we get weather stuck. Securing cameras in waterproof bags. Bringing enough power for them. Safety equipment like satellite telephone and emergency beacon. Planning for good anchor places where we are going. And most of all: having a good plan A and a plan B reading weather predictions so we know when to start out from port in Longyearbyen.<\/p>\n<p>Once we have left the harbor, I can start to think about shooting images. I have to stay on the alert all the time, because I never know what will happen:<br \/>\nWildlife might suddenly approach and the light conditions will for sure suddenly change, painting the unique terrain with dramatic contrasts.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_24.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_24.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"> GF100-200mm  ISO100  1\/320  f:10    12:50 at night  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>If you come to Svalbard, you shouldn\u2019t come for the Polar Bear. If you\u2019re lucky, you might get to see one. I actually didn\u2019t see Polar Bears the whole year I did dog sledding! A guide that came a year later than me had a non-hostile close encounter on his first day out. My advise is: Come to Svalbard for all the other beauty this land can offer, and you won\u00b4t be disappointed!<br \/>\nThe Bear is just a bonus.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_25.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_25.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>People ask me if I am not scared of the Polar Bears, being so much in the field at Svalbard. It is estimated to be about 3000 of them around Svalbard.<br \/>\nI have huge respect for this animal, and we are real careful when we move around, using the binoculars or telephoto lenses a lot to observe the terrain. We try to shoot images at a distance,<br \/>\nand if we find one Bear that is trying to avoid us, we leave it alone.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout all my years at Svalbard, I haven\u00b4t had any dangerous close situations. Not even on the several week-long, slow-moving dogsled expeditions to the east-coast, where the Polar Bear density is much higher.<br \/>\nNo, I\u00b4m not actually worried about the Polar Bear, but I\u00b4m afraid of the weather. I can\u00b4t control the wildness of the arctic elements. I just have to gather as much information as possible, and make solid decisions with my travel mates.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_26.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_26.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 800   1\/1600 sec   f.7.1   05:41 in the morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>For photographers and filmmakers, Svalbard is the biggest nightmare, and at the same a chance for their largest dreams. At Svalbard the weather changes fast. It is seldom just blue skies or total cloudy. Often it\u00b4s cloudy with rifts, where the Sun comes through like a laser beam, painting the terrain with beautiful lines of dramatic light and contrast.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_27.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_27.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF35-70mm   ISO 200  1\/200 sec   f:26    02:41 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_28.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_28.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 50   1\/400 sec   f:10       02:38 at daytime<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>One of the things that makes this land special is the total lack of trees and larger vegetation, making you able to read millions of years back in time at Svalbard like layers in a cake. The mountains are carved out by glaciers and eruption, giving them an out of this world look.<br \/>\nBecause of the missing trees, you got nothing to measure distance. A valley you predict to be 500 meters wide, would most probably prove to be three to four km wide!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_29.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_29.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm  ISO 125  1\/1000  f:6.4        03:44 at daytime<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_30.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_30.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">  ISO 125    1\/1000   f:5.6<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>At a distance the mountain slopes appears to be nice to walk to get to the top.<br \/>\nWhen you come close, you realize that the slopes are just larger and smaller pieces of crushed edgy sandstone. Like walking on the Devil\u00b4s dance floor. It\u00b4s like this all the way to the top, where you often enter a terrain of flat plains. The plains actually used to be ocean floor during the ice age, until the glaciers retreated, allowing it to rise high to become mountains without the enormous pressure of the ice.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_31.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_31.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF35-70mm   ISO 250   1\/125   f:8      01:02 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>Wind is a challenge at Svalbard, with it\u00b4s wide and long valleys where the wind grows in speed and intensity. But it often calms down in the evening and at nighttime, making it nice to be outside and giving us still water with beautiful reflections.<br \/>\nThis was also an important reason why we changed day and night on this Project.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_32.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_32.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"> GF100-200mm   ISO 200   1\/250sec   f:11      11:32 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>During winter, the most common way of getting out in the field is by snowmobile.<br \/>\nHowever I must say that the oldest and best way to get out in my opinion, is by a dogsled. That is outdoor life for the heart and mind.<br \/>\nWe use sledges at snow, but you can experience this in the summer by carts on the roads outside Longyearbyen. We can\u00b4t go off road, because that will damage the tundra.<\/p>\n<p>I\u00b4ve been working as a guide and photographer for Svalbard Villmarkssenter since 2003; the oldest polar dog company at Svalbard, honored with a price by WWF for non-motorized tourism in the Arctic.<br \/>\nYour furry companions will always welcome you with joy, and will work hard for you as long as you cheer them and work together with them.<br \/>\nGoing by dogsled, is just as traveling by a sailboat; It\u00b4s not about going there, but about the journey on the way.<br \/>\nDogsledding is not going fast.<br \/>\nJust as fast, so your soul can keep up with you.<br \/>\n-All the way.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_33.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_33.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF35-70mm   ISO800   1\/1000sec   f:8     03:52 at daytime<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"wp_flexbox col3\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_34-300x233.jpg?width=300&#038;height=233\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"233\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191822\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_35-225x300.jpg?width=225&#038;height=300\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191823\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_36-300x225.jpg?width=300&#038;height=225\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4191824\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>-What is the best month to go to Svalbard? My answer to is that there is no best month here. Because it changes so fast, and every time I come up here, whatever month it is, the scenery, the landscape is totally changed.<br \/>\nLike landing on the moon, only that I return to my second home.<\/p>\n<p>I\u00b4ve been so lucky, to be able to do this sort of job I do. To go out on arctic adventures, to go out with good people in the field.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s basically a dream job.<\/p>\n<p>I can\u00b4t wait for the time to come, to bring the new tool with me in the field!<br \/>\nThe GFX50S2 will definitely be my new preferred camera.<\/p>\n<p>Tommy Simonsen<br \/>\nHarstad, Norway<br \/>\nJune 2021<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_37.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_37.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tommy, Silje, Leonie the polar dog and Mikkel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_38.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_38.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO400   1\/800   f:14     02:55 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_39.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_39.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_40.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_40.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF23mm    ISO400    1\/125    f:20     02:13 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p>-The end of the line-<br \/>\nAt the start of the 1900\u2019s there was a huge interrest for natural resorses at Svalbard. At Kapp Schoultz in the Tempelfjord, a company started a gypsum mine in the mountain above. They soon found out that the raw materials was of poor quality, and it all came to an end.<br \/>\nThe railroad tracks leading to the ocean is left as a reminder of what used to be.<br \/>\nAt the end of the fjord lies the mighty Tuna glacier. It is making a lot of noise, as it keeps pouring ice into the fjord. It\u2019s in surge, way to active, pushing forward into the sea. But in reality it is retreating, getting smaller and loosing it\u2019s greatness.<br \/>\nThe Tuna glacier will also probably come to an end as we know it today.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_41.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_41.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Tuna Glacier.    GF100-200mm   ISO 100    1\/500   f:8     02:10 at night  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_42.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_42.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm    ISO 250     1\/2000      f:10     02:51 daytime<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_43.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_43.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF35-70mm    ISO 500    1\/100   f:11     11:37 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><p><strong>Leonie<\/strong> is a Grand old Princess, 11 years old.<br \/>\nShe has been with us in the field all those years. By boat, out hiking and even snow-mobiling, lying on the seat in front of the driver.<br \/>\nShe is one of the most important of our expeditions:<br \/>\nShe can sense the Polar Bears at a long distance, and tell us about them. She never barks or make a sound unless there\u00b4s bears around!<br \/>\nWe are especially vulnerable while sleeping. Many people uses trip-flares to secure the perimeter. Our dog-tripwire goes off at several hundred meter, giving us the chance to avoid a situation by moving away or scare the bear off if necessary.<br \/>\nShe is of course the most cuddly of our expedition members.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_44.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_44.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 1600    1\/200 sec    f:14     10:34 in the evening   It is seldom that Polar Bears come into town.  But we DO have wild Reindeers walking around in our streets in Longyearbyen \uf04a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_45.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_45.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 800    1\/200 sec    F:9      00:40 at night  Reindeers grassing at the main square in the abandoned Russian mining ghost town of Pyramid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_46.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_46.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">    GF35-70mm    ISO 200    1\/125 sec   f:20     00:51 at night           Ex-Soviet sign at the cultural quarter of the abandoned mining town of Pyramid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_47.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_47.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF35-70mm   ISO 500   1\/125 sec   f:10    01:14 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_48.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_48.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm     ISO 500    1\/160 sec    f:18     11:09 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_49.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_49.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 160   1\/160    f:11<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_50.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_50.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO 125    1\/200 sec   f:6.4    10:39 in the evening<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_51.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_51.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">   GF23mm  ISO 500  1\/60  f:22  01:10 at night      <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_52.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_52.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"> GF23mm ISO 500  1\/160  f:11   00:22 at night <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_53.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/gfx50s-ii-morethanfullframe_tommy-simonsen_53.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">GF100-200mm   ISO6400    f:11      1\/2000 sec      00:49 at night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the love of the Arctic For the feeling of being small, to be at the mercy of the elements of nature. That allows me to experience the greatness of the harsh but fragile beauty of the polar landscape and its creatures. My name is Tommy Simonsen, an official Fujifilm X-Photographer from Harstad, Norway. I\u2019ve [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":63862,"template":"","category":[2084,1006,1202,3113,11247,10855,10316,10953,1937,10218,1055,13039,3701,13040,3505,320,13042,3603,565,13041,3554],"post_tag":[],"b2b-solutions":[],"class_list":["post-63861","story","type-story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-be-inspired","category-cameras","category-category","category-g-mount","category-gf14x-tc-wr","category-gf100-200mmf5-6-r-lm-ois-wr-g-mount-zoom","category-gf23mmf4-r-lm-wr","category-gf35-70mmf45-56-wr","category-gfx-series","category-gfx50s-ii","category-lenses","category-mirrorless-digital-cameras","category-gfx-series-mirrorless","category-prime-lenses","category-g-mount-prime","category-products","category-teleconverter-lenses","category-g-mount-teleconverter","category-stories","category-zoom-lenses","category-g-mount-zoom"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-08-01 22:11:09","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/63861","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63862"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63861"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category?post=63861"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_tag?post=63861"},{"taxonomy":"b2b-solutions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/lv-lv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/b2b-solutions?post=63861"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}