Hi and thanks for taking the time to read my latest blog about my life as a photographer and content creator. It’s certainly been a busy time with a steady flow of articles to write for my clients. My work at Shotkit continues with my focus on informal articles relating to all aspects of Fujifilm photography. I’ve also recently complete a number of product reviews for Fujifilm cameras and lenses. During my two year absence from photography and writing, a lot of Fujifilm products launched. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in a place to test or review them. The flip side is that I have since been able to fill in some of the gaps in the Fujifilm lineup. I work with Fujifilm Australia to order in a camera and some lenses and then take a couple of weeks thoroughly testing them before writing a review for Shotkit. The camera and lenses are then sent back to Fujifilm and I await the next box of goodies to be delivered to the door.

Speaking of which, yesterday I had a very large Pelican camera case arrive at my door with the latest Fujifilm X and GFX cameras and lenses. In the locked case, I was delighted to find the new Fujifilm GFX 100S II, the monolithic GF 500mm F5.6, X-T50, and XF 16-50mm F2.8-4.8. In fact, these products are so new that they haven’t been released to market yet. That won’t happen for another week or so. In the meantime, I have some heavy duty camera gear to test and review. I looking forward to the challenge of super-telephoto photography with the GF 500mm. Plus, the GFX 100S II features a 102MP medium format image sensor that captures stunning amounts of data and details.

That lead’s nicely into the purpose for today’s blog. During the week, my friend Charlie, who works for Fujifilm Australia, came to Melbourne to showcase those four new Fujifilm products. However, rather than a flashy powerpoint presentation or products behind glass display cases, he let us get hands on. He brought with him two massive roller cases full of Fujifilm cameras and lenses – including the four new X and GFX one. The showcase took place in the training room at Ted’s Cameras in Melbourne.

About 20 photographers arrived for the event including some mates who I’ve known for years. While it was a Fujifilm event, the group of photographers carried a range of old and new cameras from all the big brands. Charlie spoke for around 30 minutes about each of the products before lending out the gear he had brought with him. Then, with the Ted’s staff leading the way, we hit the streets.

I knew that the case of new GFX and X gear was already on its way from Sydney to my door. As a result, I didn’t opt to use one of the new products on offer. Instead, I stuck with my Fujifilm X-E4 and the XF 50mm F2. The two together made for a lightweight and compact kit. The 50mm isn’t my typical lens of choice for a street walk. However, on this streetwalk, we were fortunate to have four models join us to pose in the streets and laneways of Melbourne. Ted’s and Fujifilm had also organsied for some amazing lighting kits to be supplied by Nanlite. These included handhend LEDs and tube lights that emitted bi-colour and RGB light. As a result, we worked in tight, dark back streets while illuminating the models with the Nanlite lighting kits. We moved through Melbourne and stopped in four different locations to make the most of the backdrops and settings.

The models were all great and a couple of them were very new to the process. I did my best to guide their poses to build their confidence while the gang of photographers circled them with cameras clicking. It was a lot of fun and the group of photographers were incredibly friendly – even the Canon shooters. I met a lot of great people and have connected with many over social media. The event lasted for around two and a half hours and the time flew – although my feet were pretty sore by the end. I love this kind of event as I get to work with like-minded people and learn so much from them. I also do my best to support their knowledge and skill growth in any way that I can. It was also great to spend time with Charlie as we don’t see each other very often. As much as I would love to sit here and write some more, I have a medium format camera and a 500mm super telephoto lens calling to me. Happy shooting. G