Start planning now to ensure you’ll remember this year forever
As inspirational months go, January doesn’t fare well in photographic circles. Festive photo opps are long forgotten, while warm days seem little more than a distant dream. But fear not, we’re here to explain why there’s good reason not to be laden with new year doom and gloom. The early stages of 2022 can be used as a time of reflection on the year past – and a way to plan for the year to come. Here are six ways we can help:
Breathe new life into your kit
Before we delve into ideas about what to do with your images, why not consider what can be done with your X Series kit? All cameras in our range come packed with features, so start by using some of the functions you might ordinarily overlook. You could try new Film Simulation modes, explore some of the bracketing functionality, try multiple exposures or even download the free FUJIFILM Camera remote app and see how you can get creative with remote image making. Check out our article here for some ideas.
Similarly, set yourself gear-related challenges such as only working with one aperture, shutter speed setting or ISO setting, making images using just one focal length on your zoom lens or only using one autofocusing point.
Of course, there’s no better way to make yourself feel better than investing a new piece of gear. Now’s the time to buy that new lens you’ve been promising yourself, some extra accessories, or maybe upgrade your X Series body. Keep up to date with our promotions here.
Finally, don’t forget to give your gear a good clean so it’s sparkling and ready to create in 2022. Bodies can be wiped with a soft cloth, while front and rear lens elements should be carefully cleaned with lens cloth and suitable liquid. If you want to keep your kit in tip-top condition, consider a service or sensor clean.
Turn 2021 memories into art
Many photographers start the year by looking back through images from the previous 12 months. This can help you decide what you want to photograph more (or less) of, while also allowing a critical look at what you created. Try picking out a selection you’re most proud of, images that evoke happy memories, or even shortlist those that you’d like to revisit and re-edit.
In all cases, don’t leave them languishing on a hard drive; there’s no better way to preserve memories than turning them into wall art for your home or workplace. If it’s an individual image that’s special, go big! Print on canvas, aluminium or acrylic glass to make a real statement about your work. Simply select a favourite image to print, or consider getting wall art created of images that complement other colours in the room – a bold picture of a field full of yellow sunflowers will hang perfectly on a navy blue wall or above a deep blue sofa, for example.
Photo © Darcie Judson | FUJIFILM X-T3 and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/30 sec at F4, ISO 320
Can’t trim your selection down to just one image? Create a collage by combining multiple images into one large print. Having a theme works best, such as portraits of a loved one or pet, a favourite location, a set of selfies or colour blocking. Why not visit one of our independent photo retailers where an expert will be able to give you expert advice on how to best display your images?
Scrapbook your year
Scrapbooking is a great way to harness your creative side and steadily build a visual diary of what you do throughout the year, plus it has its mindfulness benefits too! Why not try a take on bullet journaling using your photos? Just make sure to get copies of images you create throughout the year both home and away on holidays, days out, gatherings with friends, solo trips, even work adventures.
Once you have the layout foundation, embellish the pages in your scrapbook by adding relevant keepsakes and mementos. If you went for a day out, include the travel or attraction tickets. If it was a meal, add a logo’d napkin from the restaurant or a copy of the drinks menu you worked your way through. You could even add dried grasses from a walk, small pebbles from a beach you watched the sunset on, a scrap of wrapping paper from a birthday present, or a tag from a surprise gift. Then you can decide what copy you’d like to add in – are there any habits you’re tracking? Any creative writing snippets to include? Or perhaps you want to use this scrapbook as more of a diary, to journal around important dates and life events this year.
Photo © Darcie Judson | FUJIFILM X-T3 and FUJINON XF50mmF2 R WR, 1/250 sec at F2, ISO 320
The key is in the presentation, so make sure you get the best quality prints. At myFUJIFILM.co.uk ours start from just 12p for a 4x4in print on gloss or matte paper. Alternatively, consider using instax prints – images from the new instax Link WIDE are the perfect size for scrapbooking and allow you to add secret messages in the form of QR codes that can send you to map coordinates, voice notes or secret messages every time you review your book!
Commit to a calendar
Some photographers embark on a 365 project or a ‘365’ in January, creating an image every day for a whole year. A more modest target is a ‘52’ – one a week. But can you give your photography just as much focus this year by committing to create a calendar at the end of it? There’s less pressure to get a shot every day or week, but you can still channel your creativity – you only need one image per month.
Decide on a central theme to ensure coherent results. Maybe document your local area. Focus on buildings – or people – in a nearby town or city. Regularly photograph a member of your family, be they two- or four-legged. Take macro-images of everyday objects. Go for fine art shots of seasonal flowers or work to a colour theme. Just be sure to choose something that you’ll enjoy making images of, so you maintain interest.
Towards the end of the year, start putting your calendar together. We offer a variety of formats, whether you want it to sit on a desk or take pride of place on the wall. Pick the pictures carefully, given that each one will be on show for a month, and you’re sure to end up with a great memory for the year gone by – not to mention a ready-made present for friends or family next Christmas!
Photo © Darcie Judson | FUJIFILM X-T3 and FUJINON XF50mmF2 R WR, 1/320 sec at F2, ISO 320
Put together a photo book
Whether you already have a great selection of images or big events planned this year, a photo book is the ideal way of bringing them together into something that evokes special memories.
Photo books don’t need to be hefty tomes – you can start with as few as 15-20 images. We offer four different styles from Premium which are produced on FUJIFILM Original paper and are ideal to remember a wedding, anniversary or once-in-a-lifetime trip to Mini, for a smaller collection of images or thoughtful, personalised gift.
Photo © Darcie Judson | FUJIFILM X-T3 and FUJINON XF50mmF2 R WR, 1/250 sec at F2, ISO 400
Gift or sell your work
Always left scratching your head when it comes to gifts for friends and relatives? Not any more! Images make perfect presents – and you can use any of the suggestions above to make someone feel special, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or other occasion.
But our gift ideas don’t stop there. In addition to prints, photo books and calendars, you can have your finest work printed on mugs, water bottles, cushions, blankets, towels, notebooks and kitchenware… including coasters and chopping boards! You’ll never be stuck again.
Photo © Darcie Judson | FUJIFILM X-T3 and FUJINON XF50mmF2 R WR, 1/200 sec at F2, ISO 400
Of course, if the vision for your images goes beyond supplying friends and family with great gifts, why not push yourself this year and open that online print shop? Fujifilm offers professional printing services at FUJIFILM Pro Labs across the country, where a team of experts can help you choose the best edits, crops and FUJIFILM paper types to print the most immaculate images to send to your fans. To find out just how good your images could look, why not take our Print To Prove It Challenge? We’re so convinced our prints are the best that we’re offering three free 10x8in or 12x8in prints on gloss or lustre paper. Find out more at fujifilmprinttoproveit.com.
Make 2022 the year you do more with your images. The print, photo book and gift ideas discussed in this article are available on the myFUJIFILM.co.uk website or from official FUJIFILM photo retailers and Pro Labs. Check in regularly as we have great offers on selected items throughout the year.