Camera to Cloud for Commercial Photographers | FUJIFILM Exposure Center – USA

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Camera to Cloud for Commercial Photographers

Commercial and portrait photographer Kurt Iswarienko talks about the benefits of Fujifilm’s new integration with Frame.io Camera to Cloud (C2C)

“When I started out, I thought I was a fashion photographer,” remembers Kurt Iswarienko with a smile, when asked about how his illustrious career began.

“That’s what the cool photographer was in those days, so I just said ‘I’m a fashion photographer’. Then I got lots of feedback from fashion people saying I was nothing of the sort!” he chuckles.

“I got into portraiture because early on I was lucky enough to photograph Javier Bardem – and that kicked it all off.

“Once I worked with him and saw what an actor can do – literally in the blink of an eye – it was like, wow!”

Since then, Kurt has forged an enviable career as a portrait and commercial photographer and videographer, working with some of the world’s most famous faces and brands.

“Actors are so rewarding to work with because you give them a note, and if they’re good, they can do something monumental, but it’s almost imperceptible except to the camera,” he explains.

“That’s what’s so magical – and what I’m always looking for. That storytelling connection only the camera sees, and only the camera can capture.”

Kurt Iswarienko reviews images on LCD screen of FUJIFILM X-H2 in a studio environment.

Photo 2023 © Irina Logra | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/80 sec at F2.5, ISO 1250

While working with remarkable talent can create fantastic results, it also brings certain pressures, not least regarding turnaround times.

“I’ve had to develop speed, precision, and confidence all in one space capsule in order to do my job. So, the faster, more confident, and more ‘rest assured, we got it’ I can be, the better,” smiles Kurt.

A creator working in such demanding conditions stands to reap huge benefits from Fujifilm’s new integration with Frame.io Camera to Cloud (C2C), so we equipped Kurt with a FUJIFILM X-H2 camera and FT-XH File Transmitter to test on a recent commercial project.

When linked to an active internet connection, this combination enabled Kurt to automatically upload image files directly from the camera to his Frame.io account as he was making them, without the need for any cables.

He could then share a secure link to the Frame.io project folder with team members and stakeholders. This allowed them to view, annotate, and download images in real time, anywhere with access to the internet.

View of FUJIFILM X-H2 LCD screen showing 'connecting' message when connecting to Camera to Cloud

Freedom of Movement

From an image transfer point of view, C2C effectively created a wireless tether. This allowed Kurt complete freedom of movement, while maintaining the instant connection to his digital tech that is so essential on this type of project.

“No matter how good you are, no matter how long you’ve been doing this, not tethering or not seeing what you’re getting is a disservice to your own artistic endeavor – and the client who’s paying you,” Kurt expresses.

“In my own workflow, C2C is revolutionary. It’s allowed me to do what I do in the most natural way, free from cables and tripods, while at the same time ensuring all the key players have eyes on what we’re doing.”

Kurt Iswarienko uses FUJIFILM X-H2 handheld to make images of a model standing on a podium in a studio environment

Photo 2023 © Irina Logra | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/125 sec at F2.2, ISO 1250

Efficiency of Workflow

In addition to allowing him the freedom to work more comfortably on set, Kurt tells us that C2C has the potential to drastically expedite overall processes.

Enhanced communication is a big factor – between both Kurt and his digital tech, and in turn, the digital tech and client.

“The digital tech has the client closer to them, so they’re hearing everything while I’m hearing almost nothing. It’s like I’m driving the race car and they’re back in the pits,” he says.

“C2C speeds up, simplifies, and demystifies everything the digital tech is dealing with because everyone’s seeing everything in real time.

“If they are like, ‘you’re in the pocket’, I know I can stay at the camera and keep working with the talent,” he explains.

Frame.io image gallery shown on screen of tablet

C2C also helps by bridging the gap between production and post-production. This is particularly advantageous for photographers like Kurt, who works in countless locations around the globe.

“Since digital came into the picture, expectations of timelines have gotten much higher, but there’s a certain blockage to that because you’ve still got to get where you’re going and back again,” says Kurt.

However, with secure access to the Frame.io project folder, a retoucher could be editing the images while Kurt is traveling, making use of valuable hours that would otherwise have been wasted.

It’s even possible to connect Frame.io with Capture One, meaning images can be sent directly to a Capture One catalog for a seamless workflow.

“With C2C, the timeline of delivery and post-production is vastly enhanced in an exponential way. It’s fundamentally a game changer in that regard,” he states.

“And it’s not just changing the endgame reality, but also how we think about going into these jobs in terms of file delivery, feedback, editing processes, and how everything fits together – the entire ecosystem.”

Image of the rear of FUJIFILM X-H2 camera and FT-XH File Transmitter positioned on tripod in a studio environment

Photo 2023 © Irina Logra | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R WR, 1/100 sec at F2.2, ISO 1250

Peace of Mind

When working on high-pressure photography projects, ensuring images are backed up is extremely important.

Therefore, the fact C2C automatically sends copies of images to the cloud as you’re making them is a huge factor for Kurt, especially when considering the added risks that come with travel.

“Storing everything on hard drives is terrifying,” Kurt expresses. “If a hard drive is damaged, corrupted, or stolen, everything is lost.

“C2C is an insurance policy against a natural, instinctual fear that every photographer should have: what happens if the project just disappears?” he continues.

“It provides real peace of mind knowing that the RAW files are going somewhere safe.”

Image of the front of FUJIFILM X-H2 camera and FT-XH File Transmitter positioned on tripod in a studio environment

Photo 2023 © Irina Logra | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/250 sec at F1.4, ISO 1250

Industry-Wide Benefits

Kurt concludes by telling us he can see a huge range of applications for C2C, resulting in advantages throughout the photography industry and beyond.

“It lends itself perfectly to anyone in high-stakes commercial photography, advertising, or entertainment – anything where there are a lot of stakeholders influencing choices at every step who need to be up to speed.

“In that respect, it’s not just for photographers. It’s a tool for enterprises, businesses, marketing departments, creative departments, and creative agencies,” he adds.

When pressed to sum his experience up in one word, Kurt alludes to the way C2C removes obstacles, allowing him to concentrate on doing the best for his clients.

“The word freedom comes to mind,” reveals Kurt. “It’s the freedom to amplify your curiosity, the freedom to explore, and the freedom that comes from feeling like you’re covered.”

The world’s first native digital stills camera integration for Frame.io Camera to Cloud is now available for FUJIFILM X-H2 and X-H2S via firmware update. Learn more about the integration here and sign up now for updates.


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