Everyone is after a Wes Anderson look right now!
When I first watched the trailer for the upcoming Wes Anderson movie Asteroid City, I thought perhaps it might be possible to mimic the aesthetic on my Fujifilm X-T5; however, I quickly realized that it’s not possible straight-out-of-camera. The movie has an orange and teal look, and I’ve tried unsuccessfully for years to achieve that on Fujifilm. In order to get orange and teal, the White Balance Shift requires plus red for orange and minus red for teal; it’s not possible to do both, so you must decide which one you want: orange or teal? After a few hours of unsuccessfully trying to get the settings right, I gave up.
Then I saw your pictures on Instagram. Specifically, there were photos captured using the Bright Summer, Bright Kodak, Kodak Portra 400 Warm, and Pacific Blues Film Simulation Recipes that had some Wes Anderson vibes to them, which convinced me to try again. I directly compared those four Recipes to Asteroid City screenshots, and decided that Bright Summer and Bright Kodak were the closest; however, none of them were quite right. So I set out to get a little closer—as close as I could—knowing that I wouldn’t be able to achieve a perfect match, but I hoped it would be similar enough that at a cursory glance it would pass for Asteroid City.
Knowing that most of you don’t have an X-Trans V camera, I made a version for X-Trans IV models, too, since the majority of those who shoot with Recipes do so on X-Trans IV cameras. Also, I figured that some of you won’t be satisfied with the results, and are after an even closer facsimile of Asteroid City, so I have some advice for that, too, a little further down, but it does require a small amount of post-editing with Capture One.
While attempting to mimic Asteroid City, I was inspired by another Wes Anderson film: The French Dispatch, specifically, the indoor scenes of the newspaper office, so I made Film Simulation Recipes for that, too—one for X-Trans V and another for X-Trans IV. I don’t know what the light situation was exactly in those scenes, so I don’t know if it would render similarly under identical light, but it does produce convincing results in certain artificial and mixed light scenarios.
If you are after a Wes Anderson look, check out the four Film Simulation Recipes below!
Vibrant Arizona (X-Trans V)
The Vibrant Arizona Film Simulation Recipe can be characterized as bright, colorful, and warm, yet still classic-analog-like, with some similarities to overexposed Kodak negative film. While not an exact match, I’m confident that it is as close as you’re going to get to an Asteroid City aesthetic straight-out-of-camera. The movie takes place in a fictional northern-Arizona town (although it was filmed in Spain, apparently), so that is why I’m calling it Vibrant Arizona.
An important note is that this Recipe uses D-Range Priority (a.k.a. DR-P), which takes the place of Dynamic Range and the Tone Curve (Highlight and Shadow). I don’t have a lot of Film Simulation Recipes which utilize D-Range Priority, but there are a few, including Pulled Fujicolor Superia, Scanned Superia, and Portra-Style, the last of which has some similarities to Vibrant Arizona.
This particular Recipe is for X-Trans V cameras, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-T5, X-H2, and X-H2s. For best results, use in sunny daylight. I shot in both the 3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratios, and preferred the latter for a more cinematic feel.
Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: 4350K, +6 Red & -8 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR-P Strong
Color: +4
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to + 1 1/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Vibrant Arizona Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:
Vibrant Arizona (X-Trans IV)
Because X-Trans V cameras render blue more deeply on some film simulations, the X-Trans IV version of this Recipe calls for Color Chrome FX Blue to be set to Strong instead of Weak, and is otherwise identical. This Vibrant Arizona Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras. For the X-T3 and X-T30, you can ignore Grain size and Color Chrome FX Blue (since your camera doesn’t have those options), and use a 1/4 Black Pro Mist or 10% CineBloom diffusion filter in lieu of Clarity; however, it will look slightly different. For newer GFX models… I’m not sure if you should use this version or the X-Trans V version, but one of the two should work well on your camera—try them both, and see which you prefer.
Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: 4350K, +6 Red & -8 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR-P Strong
Color: +4
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to + 1 1/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Vibrant Arizona Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:
Asteroid City Edit
If you aren’t satisfied with how well the Vibrant Arizona Film Simulation Recipe matches Asteroid City, there is a quick and easy Capture One edit that will make your pictures even closer to the aesthetic of the motion picture film. Simply import your straight-out-of-camera JPEGs (not the RAW!) into Capture One, find the Basic Color Editor, and make these adjustments:
Cyan
Hue -30
Lightness -20
Blue
Hue -20
Saturation +50
Those are the adjustments that I made to the picture above plus the five images below. You might have to stray from the above settings and modify the exact parameters, just depending on the photographs, but for these six, I followed them precisely and made no other changes. With this edit, the pictures are pretty convincing, and there’s no doubt that we’re mimicking Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. Even though this will get you closer to the movie aesthetic, I personally prefer the unedited versions.
There was a moment while creating the above Recipes that I became particularly frustrated with the process, so I took a break, and instead worked on a different Wes Anderson look. I was inspired by the indoor scenes inside the newspaper office in the movie The French Dispatch, so I began working on a Film Simulation Recipe to mimic that aesthetic. The look is warm when shot in warm light, with somewhat muted colors and low contrast. This is a much different aesthetic than Asteroid City, but it is another Wes Anderson film that’s popular right now.
While the movie takes place in a fictional French town, it was filmed in the real town of Angouleme, which apparently (and appropriately) is known as the City of the Image. While these Recipes look quite interesting in outdoor daylight situations, they are intended for artificial and mixed indoor lighting, which is where they really shine. That’s why I’ve named the two Film Simulation Recipes below Indoor Angouleme. Although none of the movie was filmed in the 16:9 aspect ratio, I used it for these Recipes, but feel free to use whichever aspect ratio you prefer.
Indoor Angouleme (X-Trans V)
This version of the Indoor Angouleme Film Simulation Recipe uses the new Nostalgic Neg. film simulation. It also utilizes the Auto Ambience Priority White Balance, which I’ve only used once before (on the Ektachrome 320T Recipe). Indoor Angouleme is compatible with X-Trans V cameras, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-T5, X-H2, and X-H2s. Those with newer GFX cameras can use it, too; however, it will likely render slightly differently.
Film Simulation: Nostalgic Neg.
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: Auto Ambience Priority, -2 Red & -6 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -2
Shadow: -2
Color: -1
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Indoor Angouleme Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:
Indoor Angouleme (X-Trans IV)
The Nostalgic Neg. film sim is somewhat similar to Eterna, and can sometimes be closely mimicked with it. Since X-Trans IV models don’t have Nostalgic Neg., I used Eterna instead. While this version isn’t 100% identical to the X-Trans V Recipe, it is pretty close overall, and retains the same feel.
This version of Indoor Angouleme is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras. To use it on the X-T3 and X-T30, ignore Color Chrome FX Blue and Grain size (since your camera doesn’t have those options), select regular AWB (since your camera doesn’t have the Ambience option), and use a 1/4 Black Pro Mist or 10% CineBloom diffusion filter in lieu of Clarity; however, it will look slightly different.
Film Simulation: Eterna
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: Auto Ambience Priority, -1 Red & -6 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -1
Color: +4
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Indoor Angouleme Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:
Find these Film Simulation Recipes and nearly 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly — Film Recipes App!
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You gotta love photo nuts. When the trailer for “Asteroid City” hit the web, all the photography detectives started trying to determine what the camera that seemed to be around the neck in every scene of one of the characters was. The consensus seems to be a Kiev rangefinder but with some cosmetic alterations.
I like Wes Anderson’s movies and I like the period and subject of this film, so I’ll definitely be seeing it upon release.
I have received probably 100 requests for an Asteroid City recipe since the trailer was released. It’s pretty wild!
Any chance doin for bayer lens xt200
It will be much more difficult… I think your best bet will be the X-Trans II Portra 160 Recipe, but use DR400 and Color +2, and increase the exposure a little. Give that a try.
Would love a similar recipe for the X-T3
👍 😀
Ooh! Love these. Can’t wait to try the first one out on a sunny day.
Awesome!
Amazing work!! I will definitely try that Asteroid City recipe, thank you very much!!
I appreciate your kindness! 😀
Beautiful!
Something similar for X-Pro2 please?😁
Without D-Range Priority, it will be tough to replicate. DR400 with both Highlight and Shadow set to -2 will be the closest you can get, but it won’t be quite the same. But… it will be worth exploring, so I’ll take a look. Thanks for the input!
That’s brilliant. I’ve just watched the trailers. Your versions are very close!
I also like muted pastel colours like in this series [ https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/atmospheric-photography-of-pastel-coloured-swimming-pools-by-mria-varbov/ ]
On Fujifilm cameras, to get a similar look, you have to use one of the double-exposure recipes:
https://fujixweekly.com/2020/02/25/my-fujifilm-x-t30-vintage-color-fade-film-simulation-recipe/
https://fujixweekly.com/2019/06/15/my-fujifilm-x-t30-faded-color-film-simulation-recipe/
https://fujixweekly.com/2021/02/22/fujifilm-x100v-film-simulation-recipe-faded-negative/
Of course, those are more tricky to use, but with a little effort, you can probably get pretty close.
Thanks, Ritchie. I have looked at the Vintage Color Fade recipe before. I like how it renders the colours. Should give it a go sometime.
It can be tricky to use, but the results are interesting.
I got my wife the “Accidentally Wes Anderson” photo book as a gift a few years ago, highly recommended:
https://www.amazon.ca/Accidentally-Wes-Anderson-Wally-Koval/dp/0316492736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=W4P5BK4K93UL&keywords=wes+anderson&qid=1682436280&rnid=5264023011&s=books&sprefix=wes+anderson%2Caps%2C142&sr=1-1
Thanks for sharing!
If you Google (for example) Wes Anderson Use of Color, you’ll find a handful of thorough, thoughtful, and helpful articles that are worth reading if you ever find yourself bored one day.
Hi Ritchie,
Wes Anderson, wow! please keep up the fantastic work, you’ve really knocked this one out of the park ! Great work on the Nikon Z recipes too.
I am a subscriber and FujiX Weekly. I enjoy seeing your regular emails with recipes, stories and information.
I always recommend FujiX Weekly app and website, to all my students to study, not only the FujiX Weekly recipes and film derived thereof, but the way that you can really get in camera, the desired result without even going to post processing.
I’m just amazed at how you just keep doing this, week after week !! Keep up the fantastic work !!!
You are a true “Ambassador of Photography”, and you have earned my respect.
If you make it to Sydney, I’d be honoured to show you around.
Thank you, Kindest regards, Neoklis.
Photography Tutor Sydney Australia
neoklis@neoklisbloukos.com
>
Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement! I would love to meet up if I ever end up in Australia. I appreciate your comment!
Hi Ritchie,
You’re always welcome here in Sydney : )
you deserve the praise many times over
You could also call yourself Fuji X Daily as you virtually post nearly every day!
I Hope you and your family are all safe and well
Kindest regards
Neoklis
🤣 I called it “Weekly” because when I started it, I felt I could commit to posting once per week; however, I have well exceeded that one-post commitment almost every week since the very beginning. 🤣
Hi Ritchie, interesting work, congrats
Below a link to 3 pics I just did today with your “Vibrant Arizona” simulation on my GFX100S.
https://jeanyvescoulot.format.com/11927979-2023-vibrant-arizona
JPEGs straight out, no editing
X-Trans IV version seems to work quite well on the GFX. Full rez pics are quite impressive
Cheers
Jean-Yves – Paris
Cool! Thanks so much for sharing! 😀😀😀
Im poor. I want this colours but i have a fujifilm xf10…. i want the Popeyes – Litchfield Park, AZ color! That color! 💔
Unfortunately, the XF10 is much more limited in options than X-Trans IV and V. Your camera doesn’t have D-Range Priority, Grain, Color Chrome FX Blue, or Color +4, or Clarity. It will be pretty difficult to replicate. Your best bet might be to use the X-Trans II Kodak Portra 160 Recipe, except use DR400 and Color +2.
This recipe also works on my XQ2 (X-Trans II) with some small adjustments:
Classic Chrome, DR400, WB 4300K R: +6 B: -8, Color +2, Sharpness -2, Highlight -2, Shadow -2, Noise reduction-2
Thank you for sharing!
Glad that you could make it work 😀
Is it possible to make this vibrant Arizona simulation in Fujifilm XF10 compact camera? That would be awesome!
Unfortunately, the XF10 is much more limited in options than X-Trans IV and V. Your camera doesn’t have D-Range Priority, Grain, Color Chrome FX Blue, or Color +4, or Clarity. It will be pretty difficult to replicate. Your best bet might be to use the X-Trans II Kodak Portra 160 Recipe, except use DR400 and Color +2.
Hi.. I tried to save this recipe to my Fujifilm X Raw studio as a recipe pre-set but it wont allow me to choose “Dynamic Range: DR-P Strong”. The option shows as off and is greyed out, I cant change it? I can do it in my XE-4 but not in the X raw studio evem with the XE-4 connected and turned on? What have I missed or did wrong? thanks..
I don’t use X RAW Studio personally, so I’m not an expert, but… it works the same as in-camera, which means that unless you shoot with DR-P Strong, you cannot select DR-P Strong. It’s like the DR settings: if you shoot with DR100, you cannot use DR200 or DR400 later; if you shoot with DR200, DR400 is not an option, only DR100 and DR200. If you shoot with DR-P Weak, only DR100, DR200, and DR-P Weak are options. I hope this all makes sense. It’s how Fujifilm programmed their cameras. So if you want to retroactively use any of the DR or DR-P options, you must always use DR-P Strong when out shooting. My top advice is to program into the camera and shoot with the Recipe that you want to use, and not rely on reprocessing later, since you can know exactly what you are going to get and compose and expose for that.
Long time visitor, first time commenter. I gotta say that this looks incredible! We had a day of full sun today but as I was working I only got a chance to test this recipe on a walk to the shops. It didn’t disappoint.
I skipped the clarity setting s I am using a 10% Cinebloom on my X100V but the results were amazing. It gives a wonderfully nostalgic summer feeling to the images. It’s certainly a happy recipe.
I’m looking forward to getting out and about this summer and testing this recipe some more. The only negative so far is that some greens can be a bit wild! Yellows & oranges are gorgeous though.
Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind feedback! Glad you commented 😀
Wouldn’t it be nice if Fuji would allow for importing and exporting of presets, so we wouldn’t have to meticulously enter all of these settings? One could simply download a recipe, like a preset in Lightroom. If that feature is available in X Raw Studio, I’d love to know how to use it. Then this site could simply offer a quick download for each setting.
Love the recipes! Please keep them coming! It would be nice, though, if the new ones could be added to the top, or at least have a posted date on each sensor type landing page.
What would be the closest alternatives for these film simulations on the X-Trans III (X-Pro2) sensor?
Maybe Kodak Portra 160? You could use DR400 and Color +4.
Tryed Vintage Arizona on my xt3 with a Auto chinon attached at f2,8. The lens i quiet soft at f2,8 and mimics the minus clarity very well. Its not 100% same but im very pleased with the results anyway.
Awesome! I love using old lenses. I have a scratched Vivitar lens that has wonderful softness. Thanks for sharing!
Looks great and thanks for your work with these sims. Would it be possible to do some Movie sims? Tried this one but not all the options are there on my X-T5 when in Movie mode.
I’ve never made Recipes specifically for video. A YouTube video takes sooooo much time and effort to produce, so a video Recipe would take 3 to 5 times more resources than a stills Recipe. With that said, you can certainly use stills Recipes for video, but, as you noted, not all of the settings are available, so it will render a little different.
Here’s a video that shows what it looks like, though:
https://youtu.be/HoDUcMWb2oQ?si=-e-M5WeDcBQ3q-Md