8 minute read
Fujikina NYC 2022: The Recap
If you missed it and want to catch up, or attended and simply want to relive all the fun, here’s a roundup of the excitement at Fujikina NYC 2022!
On September 10, over 1000 Fujifilm enthusiasts descended on New York’s stunning 12th Avenue Glasshouse to engage in all things image making. There was plenty to enjoy, from Creator galleries and inspiring talks, to Touch & Tries and photowalks. Below you’ll find just a few highlights, to celebrate the momentous event.
The Main Stage
The Fujikina main stage was graced by six expert creatives in just nine short hours – headed up by keynote speaker, Greg Gorman. The portraiture legend’s career has gone from strength to strength throughout the decades. His stark framing of famous faces has made him a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Portraiture from the Professional Photographers of America. Listeners learned about his unique approach to people pictures, exhibitions, and charity work.
Xyza Cruz Bacani delighted documentary enthusiasts with insight into her unflinching work. Among many accolades, she has received The Outstanding Women of the Nation’s Service in the field of Humanities award. Fulfilling the important demand for nature photography, third speaker Sam Abell also took to the stage. His first exhibition was held over three decades ago, and in the time since, he has documented breathtaking scenes from around the globe.
Fujikina 2022: Xyza Cruz Bacani
Irene Yee’s adventure sports photography was of great interest to those in attendance. Beyond photographing compelling scenes primarily from the world of rock climbing, her images seek to uplift women, BIPOC, and the LGBTQIA2+ communities.
Fujikina 2022: Irene Yee
Tom Hegen’s perspective is expansive. Specialising in aerial photography, he treated listeners to an invaluable glimpse into an altogether different method of image creation.
Fujikina 2022: Tom Hegen
Finally, filmmaker Philip Bloom kept listeners engaged throughout his discussion on moving pictures. He stressed the importance of vision over kit, having created many of his eye-catching films with consumer-level cameras.
Fujikina 2022: Philip Bloom
Creator Galleries
There’s nothing more directly inspiring than seeing the work of fellow creatives first-hand. That’s why we chose to organize a gallery especially for Fujikina. A group of eleven Creators were given free rein to tell a story that mattered to them, using FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJIFILM X-H2, announced just a few days before the gallery’s opening. The result was a mixture of stills, films, narratives, documentaries, and perspectives.
Sister, by Bethany Mollenkof
Bethany’s project, Sister, is an intense and moving mixed-media essay, documenting rites of passage and coming-of-age stories told by girls of color.
I Too, Will Be Wise, by Irene Yee
Irene’s project – I Too, Will Be Wise – concentrates on three middle-aged women exploring the Lake Powell area in Utah through climbing, camping, and paddling, showing that we can all thrive well beyond our youth.
See more here.

Photo 2022 © Irene Yee | FUJIFILM X-H2 and XF8-16mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/400 sec at F4.5, ISO 500
Trendsetters, by Yolanda Hoskey
With Trendsetters, Yolanda examines the contradictions of ‘ghetto aesthetic’ versus the ghetto community itself, taking an alternative view that seeks to humanize a forgotten culture.
See more here.

Photo 2022 © Yolanda Hoskey | FUJIFILM X-H2 and XF16mmF1.4 R WR, 1/80 sec at F5.6, ISO 800
Zapotec Weavers, by Jaida Grey Eagle
Jaida’s documentary project, Zapotec Weavers, follows a family of traditional farmers and weavers in Oaxaca, Mexico, who are preserving the land and customs of their ancestors. They teach others the art of indigenous weaving and dyeing techniques.
See more here.

Photo 2022 © Jaida Grey Eagle | FUJIFILM X-H2 and XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/80 sec at F5, ISO 640
We Are Woven, by Micheli Oliver
Micheli’s portrait project, We Are Woven, explores the childlike joy and wonder all ages can experience, when we slow down to look closely at the living world into which we are all intricately woven.
See more here.

Photo 2022 © Micheli Oliver | FUJIFILM X-H2 camera and XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/160 sec at F4.5, ISO 100
Misconceptions, by Nivi Shaham
A passionate product, still life, and stop motion photographer, Nivi highlights texture and taste through evocative lighting. In Misconceptions – a project based around conceptual still life and stop motion – she examines the nuances of people’s food choices.
See more here.
Nourishment 2022 © Nivi Shaham | FUJIFILM X-H2 and XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/25 sec at F11, ISO 400
The Appraisal, by Gina Hackett
Gina’s The Appraisal follows an ambitious, career-driven woman on the verge of settling down with her breadwinner partner, until she witnesses an altercation next door that threatens to jeopardize their picture-perfect future.
See more here.
The Appraisal 2022 © Gina Hackett | FUJIFILM X-H2
Mirasol, by Annalise Lockhart
Annalise’s project, Mirasol, is about a young girl living on a family farm in a climate-changed future, who learns that beauty and hope can endure in the harshest environments.
See more here.
Mirasol 2022 © Annalise Lockhart | FUJIFILM X-H2
The Promise of Spring, by Anna Andersen & Nilu Amin
This creative duo’s project, The Promise of Spring, explores the legacy of prolific backdrop painter Sarah Oliphant and her relationship with artistic daughter Violet, exploring their relationship, hopes, and potential paths forward.
See more here.
The Promise of Spring 2022 © Anna Andersen & Nilu Amin | FUJIFILM X-H2
Greenhouse, by Rachael Porter
Rachael combines her two passions of filmmaking and gardening in Greenhouse, which tells the story of a young flower gardener setting out to grow her first crop. The film explores common experiences of self-doubt and impostor syndrome that many creatives face.
See more here.
Greenhouse 2022 © Rachael Porter | FUJIFILM X-H2
Workshops and Photowalks
Those lucky enough to secure a place got the opportunity to learn from experts in a more hands-on approach. Not only did they receive direct tuition, but applied new techniques using a selection of the latest FUJIFILM cameras and lenses. Now, you can enjoy a select few of the resulting images.
Life in Motion, with Andrew Hall and Jasmine Quinones
Visitors who joined Andrew Hall or Jasmine Quinones were asked to turn their creative eyes to life in motion. Across video and stills, there are plenty of ways to display movement in imagery – those in attendance were guided through the necessary settings and techniques. After an educational briefing, they stepped outside to document roller skaters and dancers.
Life in Color, with Bert Stephani
Fine art and documentary photographer Bert Stephani shared his expertise with attendees – delivering insight into the techniques, ideas and approach that inform his images. The workshop was all about achieving striking results. With professional models, a selection of sets, and the guidance of such a skilled creative, it went off with a pop!
Life in Detail, with Jan Gonzales
Jan Gonzales is a working pro with years of experience and countless fashion sessions under his belt. During Fujikina, he served as a guide for those hoping to hone their skills and add a splash of imagination to their portfolio. He provided a detailed breakdown of his distinctive brand, before visitors applied new skills in a session with models and three gorgeous sets.
Many of history’s greatest images have been created on the streets of New York City. Of course, we couldn’t be sure any of our talented attendees would document quite such world-altering results, but we’re certainly impressed with what was created! Thanks go to Bethany Mollenkof & Bryan Minear, Nivi Shaham & Tom Baumgaertel, Yolanda Hoskey & Giulio Meliani, Jaida Grey Eagle & Lanna Apisukh, and Micheli Oliver & Mio Monasch. The Creators worked in pairs to guide visitors around the city, lending their own individual insights into the photographic process. We’re certain those in attendance left with all-new skills and a wonderful set of memories.
Product News
Immediately preceding Fujikina, the 2022 X Summit was broadcast to the world. No less than five exciting, new products were announced. Visitors were even able to see the creative potential of the new X Series body, through the Creator Gallery. Joining FUJIFILM X-H2, a new XF56mmF1.2 R WR, the GF20-35mmF4 R WR, and a surprise pair of tilt-shift lenses will be arriving soon. Keep your eyes peeled!
If you missed it, you can watch X Summit right now, below.
And the Rest…
When we said Fujikina NYC 2022 was a jam-packed day of fun, we weren’t lying! As if all the above wasn’t enough to cram into a single day of excitement, there was even more for attendees to do on the event floor.
Walkaround models were on hand to provide visitors with photographic opportunities at any given moment. Whether it was a fly-by session on the way to the next activity, or an opportunity to try new kit, our models posed for countless images.
Speaking of new kit, the on-site Touch & Try area gave visitors the chance to handle the latest FUJIFILM cameras and lenses. Specs and sample images are a great start, but nothing compares to holding a creative tool in your hands. For prospective buyers and interested parties alike, this was a big hit!

Photo 2022 © Brandon Remler | FUJIFILM X-H2S camera and XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/200 sec at F9, ISO 320
For those more interested in pictures of the moving variety, William Chua, Mark Fellman, and Michael Bulbenko delivered spectacularly with Cinema Live Talks. Each focusing on their respective niche, the three discussed a common thread of quality: 8K footage was showcased on a multi-camera set, complete with a full video village and edit suit, for a thorough demonstration.
Finally, the focus wasn’t solely on new kit. Attendees were invited to bring up to four cameras or lenses for a free Check & Clean service. It’s the perfect way to keep equipment working at its best for longer. Our technical experts had their work cut out, but between them, they restored countless creative tools to near-mint condition!