Above all the others, one camera seemed to encapsulate that spirit of pure photography: the X100V. So, as borders slowly started to reopen, I made a conscious decision to simplify my workflow, to return to a purer form of photography based on the moments rather than the equipment used to capture them. Although I have enjoyed using all of these beautiful cameras, a recurring question presented itself as I took stock of my development as a photographer during lockdown: how much of the equipment I was carrying around was due to the requirements of my projects and how much as a kind of safety blanket? Either way, the result was a big, heavy camera bag that was well and truly back to my old DSLR proportions, leaving me with a sense of being somewhat back to where I started. My usual assignment setup was three bodies, most recently the X-Pro3, and a healthy collection of lenses. The X100 range still held a special place in my heart but it had become more of a day-off camera. Over the years, I have used almost every X Series camera. But what at first appeared to be a challenge turned out to be an opportunity, giving me the time to reevaluate where my photography was taking me. I had to postpone or cancel my entire calendar of projects pretty much overnight.
Like most photographers, the pandemic had a sudden and dramatic effect on my photography life as a travel photographer is significantly more difficult when most of the world’s borders close within days of each other.
My Fujifilm cameras were taking me all over the world and then the pandemic hit! I have been fortunate enough to undertake projects across six continents and a couple of years ago Fujifilm South Africa approached me to become an official brand ambassador as part of their X-Photographer programme. I had transitioned from the studio-based photography of my DSLR days to becoming a full-time documentary and travel photographer. However, in the hand, it brought a sense of emotion to my photography I simply hadn’t felt using my somewhat clinical DSLR.įast forward a decade and I was all-in with Fujifilm. Let’s be honest, the original X100 was quirky to use, to say the least, and the feature set was nothing to write home about. I bought it on a whim but I can honestly say it changed my photography forever. I would love to say that the technical specifications first drew me to that original model but in truth, I simply loved the aesthetics of this vintage-inspired camera.Īt the time, I was lugging around a big, heavy camera bag full of DSLR bodies and lenses, and something was appealing about the fixed lens, compact size and vintage feel of the X100. My journey with the X Series started way back in 2011 when Fujifilm released the very first iteration of the X100. This may be something of a long read as I take you full circle with the X100V and why I chose it as my only camera for a travel assignment to Ireland.
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