Being in the field capturing moments, whether they are purely creative or of a more serious documentary nature, is stimulating for me. I don’t care too much for technical jargon or reading instructions; I just want to work with quality cameras that are an extension of my vision. If my equipment is the best then it’s up to me to be better.
My journey with the Fujifilm X Series cameras has been nothing but rewarding. Timing is everything. In February 2012, I reluctantly picked up an X-Pro1. That reluctance quickly transformed into passion.
As an X Series Ambassador, I have had the privilege of working with the majority of Fujifilm’s X Series Cameras. Being recently presented with the X100F I was not surprised by its small and lightweight body, and I was very impressed with its new improved features. A bigger sensor and larger battery along with the added film simulation feature of ACROS + Ye filter.
From the look and feel of the X100F I could tell it was on the mark for documentary work but I also liked the idea of using the ACROS + Ye filter to shoot a series of subtle nudes.
As I continue on this journey I am finding more of a desire to simply appreciate creativity, whether it is in the form of shapes in nature, the human body, or both.
For the shoot I didn’t plan too deeply, preferring to just let things happen on the day. My model Fleur is a former professional athlete and in the health industry so I thought her physique would work well in a strong environment. The night before the photo shoot I sensed that an artistic element would enhance my work, so on impulse I purchased some lightweight, flowing material.
As we arrived at the location the wind increased and it was gusting. I was a bit disappointed trying to work in those conditions until I unraveled the material from its tube. The wind took hold and suddenly the material became alive, dancing and twisting freely, as if possessed.
It was close to midday, the sun was high, the sky blue and the shadows were sharp. When I looked at the first couple of frames I was excited with how dark the sky was with the ACROS + Ye setting.
Encouraged, I looked to the environment – the grooves in the pale rocks, the shadows and of course the wind. The quality of the material became the focus.
Then my thoughts played with the idea of the naked form cocooned in the material.
I had Fleur make a home in the rocks and I draped the material around her. After a few frames I checked to see if she was okay in the heat and on the hard and uneven surface. She said that it was odd she was feeling strangely peaceful.
It was that simple.
