Fujifilm invited me to take part in the European launch event for the Fujifilm GFX50s at a spectacular location in the heart of the English countryside. We were at Althorp; the home of the Spencer family for over 500 years. This is the house that the late Princess Diana grew up in. We set up in one of the bedrooms and I photographed Carla Monaco using the new Fujifilm GFX 50s. My role was to give demonstrations of the GFX camera in a series of mini workshop sessions to the assembled press and dignitaries.
I was using a far more advanced firmware than I’d had access to for my previous shoots and the GFX was a complete joy to use. I was buzzing, and the feedback I was getting from the camera’s LCD kept that buzz alive throughout the day. Here is a small collection of the shot I took using the GFX. (Shots 2 and 10 link through to high res files).
01. This is the wonderful bedroom Carla and I worked in. Some say it was Diana’s bedroom but I’m not quite certain of that. Carla is lit with a Lupo 1000 spotlight from the left that is placed just out of shot by the window and a Lupo 650 spotlight just out of shot on the right of the frame. The natural light changed throughout the day and the daylight had gone last sessions.
02. A low angle close up with the wide 32-64mm lens delivers a great perspective and depth. Click on the picture to see the full resolution jpeg. Please bear in mind that the linked file is a compressed jpeg from a pre production camera that is not using the final firmware. The picture was compressed in Photoshop down to 7mb.
03. When the light is from the right direction it becomes easy to shoot from different positions simultaneously. That’s how I learned to light for TV and film in my previous career. When you have 10 journalists or photographers in the room all with a GFX in their hands this approach is vital.
04. At one point in the morning I showed the group how to make warm sunny pictures on a cold grey January day using just one Lupo light and my white shirt as a reflector. The GFX is an ideal camera to try different viewpoints and exposure variations. It’s not like other medium format cameras that are heavy and best suited to a tripod. The camera in Carla’s hands is a working Russian Zorki 5 type 2b from 1958 that I bought on Ebay for £25.
05. Dappled hard light is my favourite light source for portraits. The room lights give depth to this shot.
06. A calm Hollywood glamour shot with the mood created by the Lupo 1000 spotlight and an ‘Alto’ Scattergel. The Lupo 650 kick light completes the look.
07. A simple one light mirror shot with some depth in the shadows.
08. I decided that the best way to show off the capabilities of the GFX to the press and industry experts is to keep the lighting simple. I used a pair of hard lights to create several set ups and many of them just use one of the lights like the shots on the left above. The shot on the right is lit through a mirror from a light to the left of the shot. The background is lit with the other light dimmed to 30%.
09. I had 7 groups to demonstrate the GFX to throughout the day and this gave me the chance to vary my shots at each setup. Shooting from above and below is made easier with the tilting EVF and LCD.
10. GFX50s with the 120mm lens, 1/40th second (on my monopod) at ISO 800. Click on the picture to see the full resolution jpeg. Please bear in mind as before that the linked file is a compressed jpeg from a pre production camera that is not running the final firmware. The jpeg is at 60% to get it down to 7mb rather than the 42mb for a 100% jpeg. These GFX files just get better and better. I’m beginning to see the true quality in the GFX images, now that I’m working with RAW files. The potential to produce spectacular prints excites me. The next stage is to fine tweak the noise reduction and sharpening settings to create a look that I like.
11. The top picture sets the scene with delicate fabrics and emotive lighting from the two Lupo spotlights. The bottom shot was taken with just one Lupo with a Scattergel. It’s easy to create a beautiful mood with a Lupo spotlight that is impossible to make with flash.
The GFX50s camera just keeps getting better. The difference in finish and functionality between the prototypes and the pre production units is startling. Fuji are on course for a truly remarkable camera that will be spot on from the launch. Fabulous quality images have never been easier and more fun to capture. I’ve got my pre order in and now I’ve got something to really look forward to this Spring. I expect the next time I will be shooting with GFX will be on the Fuji stand at The Photography Show in the UK come and see us there and get your hands on this wonderful camera.
I’d like to thank Fujifilm for entrusting me with this prestigious opportunity to present the GFX to the European press. Marc and Andreas of Fujifilm UK deserve a special mention for putting up with me as I find my way in the role of Fujifilm ambassador. This day was spectacular and the hospitality excellent. I’d also like to thank Carla Monaco for her patience and professionalism. The styling was by me, Damien Lovegrove and Carla did her own hair and makeup.
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