Here’s Angeline, photographed with the Fujifilm X-T3, against a plain black backdrop, and with only natural light, coming through a narrow window. I balanced the light with a silver reflector on the opposite side of her face.
I’ve been shooting with Fujifilm X-Series cameras since 2017 when I bought my first Fujifilm X-T2. I was immediately smitten. I’d been a Nikon user all my photographic life, completely loyal to the products of the Japanese giant. I’d begun in the ‘80’s with the FM2, and progressed through the Nikon D2x to the D750. I thought it would ever be so. But when I made my first few images with the Fuji X-T2 I was quickly convinced. It was the photographic equivalent of a Damascus road conversion. Since then I’ve been shooting (professionally and for fun) with the X-T2, X-T30 and X-T3. Everyone of them has been great. But when the X-T2 began to wobble a bit, I decided it was time for a change. I kept the X-T3, sold the X-T2 and X-T30 and with the equity, invested in the new X-T4.
So, what’s special about the X-T4? It’s just a little chunkier than its predecessors, and I’ve encased mine in a leather half-case, more for appearance than practicality, but it’s still an easy camera to hold, much more ‘grippable’ than the X-T2, and that’s important when you are clamouring in and out of vehicles.
Continue reading The Fujifilm X-T4 – Commendation & (Mild) CriticismSssssshhh Santa – Don’t tell anyone that you can get one of our CHRISTMAS MINI STUDIO SESSIONS in November and December for just £20 for the first child and £10 per extra child!
These images are captured using Chromakey (Greenscreen) Technology.
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Like a black cat cowering in a coal bunker, photographing a white car on a white background presents certain difficulties. But then that’s why, when prestige car dealers need photography for their website, they use specialists like me!
This beautiful new BMW 116d sports the new design of the latest One Series, and cuts a dashing figure against its white background…
The key of course, is to slightly underexpose the white car, and overexpose the background by at least two stops. So, ideally the camera should be on a tripod, and the shot bracketed, and later combined in Photoshop. Best practice too is to use a light meter to get the correct exposure on the car.
Continue reading White on WhiteMissed your Graduation Ceremony this year because of Covid-19?
We are offering specialist Graduation Packages at fantastic prices to make sure you don’t miss out on having a formal record of this momentous day in your life. Either at our new ‘Studio-Pod’ at Ballygowan, (from Friday 12th June) or in the comfort of your own home. (Covid Legislation permitting – £20 extra)
Continue reading GraduationsBaby Molly visited the new ‘Studio-Pod’ at Ballygowan (aka ‘Man-Cave for retired photographers! LOL) for the first visit of her ‘Baby’s First Year’ photoshoots. What a lovely subject she was. To maintaining social distancing and good practice, her mummy had to do all the hard work, moving props, and posing her – but it was fine, and we got the studio visit over in around 20 minutes.
In the studio I used the Fujifilm X-T3 camera, fitted with a Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R, LM, Wr lens. Before the visit the fabrics and floor were washed and sterilised, hand sanitiser, masks and gloves were made available, and afterwards all fabrics went straight into the washing machine. As we all say – “When you pod – Pod safely!‘
The new normal!
Dateline: May 26th 2020
Finally got some rails fitted in the new Studio-Pod, so I hung a black backdrop and did my first experimental head-shot – my glamorous assistant (and wife) Janette!
Dateline: May 22nd 2020
I’m still working out the best settings for lighting in the socially isolated Studio-Pod. Here’s what it looks like at the minute:-
I’m sitting behind the desk, looking at the pencil-mug in the light tent, through the Fujifilm ‘Cam Remote’ App on the iPhone. Here’s what I’m seeing (Although obviously, I’ve processed the image)…
Dateline: May 14th 2020
Some exciting news for the Lockdown Log today! My new Studio-Pod is finally finished! The pod had been ordered back in January when I was first considering the long-term future of the studio at Dundonald and before we even had heard the word ‘Lockdown’ mentioned! My original plan was to close the studio around the end of July, when all the outstanding vouchers were finally redeemed. That would give me time to formulate a plan and get organised. So work was to begin on the Pod around March, with installation before the end of that month.
Then came the virus and the Lockdown and everything changed.
But this week some of the construction industry went bak to work, and among them the firm who had already pre-fabricated the Studio-Pod, and it was erected on site in two long days… Here it is!
First images of my newly built Studio Pod at Ballygowan! Just wait until the restrictions are lifted, and I’ll welcome pets, babies, passport photos etc etc. It’s not a full sized studio by any means, not even big enough for a decent family group, but it will serve its purposes very well. It’s all fully insulated, with heating and air-conditioning built in, double glazed and wired.
Inside…
It’s wood lined and comfortable, and waiting for the lights and chairs etc.
So – some really good news in the midst of the gloom.
If you’ve entered the 2019 NPA Competitions in aid of our sponsered Charities please check the winners gallery below! If you’ve won a prize, get in touch, and claim it!
LOCAL PRIZES:
1st. large framed print,
2nd. 16×12 inch print.
3rd. 10×8 inch print.
Portraits2Go.co.uk 