Nuzira is hosting free photowalks with Tom Baumgaertel, better known as bewaremyfuji on Instagram, this coming Friday and Saturday in Phoenix, Arizona. It’s a two-day event that you won’t want to miss! Lucas at Nuzira pulled some strings to make this happen, and it’s a real privilege to have Tom come out and teach us his incredible multiple-exposure techniques.
Tom is a friend of mine. We first met two years ago at a Fujifilm event in New York, and we’ve met up a few times since. Last year we co-lead a photowalk together in San Diego, which was unforgettable. He’s an incredibly talented photographer who basically invented a new technique that produces striking results. He’s also just a really great person. Photographing with him will be an experience that you won’t soon forget, whether you have any interest in double-exposures or not. If you are even slightly curious about multiple-exposure photography, this is something you need to attend.
If you are in Arizona and have some time to spare on Friday, January 9th, and/or Saturday, January 10th, be sure to come. You do need to register (click here), but the event is completely free. I hope to see you there!
Above: Various photos of Tom Baumgaertel.
Above: Some of my multiple-exposure images (not nearly as good as Tom’s).
Me, at Create With Us, During Setup – Minneapolis, MN – Fujifilm X-E5 – 1970’s Summer
I returned home late last night from Fujifilm’s Create With Us event in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This was their third annual Create With Us—I was fortunate to be at the last one, too, which was in Austin, Texas. It was a very quick trip: I flew out Saturday evening, and the returning flight landed just before midnight on Sunday. It was a whirlwind, but I’m so glad that I got to be a part of it.
Fujifilm assigned me three jobs: assist with a Fujifilm X-E5 and X-T50 touch-and-try station, cohost a Tech Talk with Christopher Gilbert, and lead a photowalk. The topic of the Tech Talk was straight-out-of-camera photography. Christopher and I discussed the various Film Simulations, how to set up a Film Simulation Recipe in the camera, and how to reprocess a RAW file using the in-camera RAW converter. It was a fun experience, and hopefully educational for those in the audience (the next Tech Talk is on Wednesday, October 1st).
The photowalk was great. It was supposed to be limited to 15 attendees, plus myself and two assistants (someone from Fujifilm, and a local photographer), and two models. We ended up with over 25 people in total (including myself, the two assistants, and the two models). The new Fujifilm North America CEO Ryuichi “Richie” Matoba (forgive me if his official title is not exactly that) also attended. He was the CEO of Fujifilm Australia, but as of a month ago Richie was given the reins of the North America office. It was an incredible honor to have him join the photowalk! I didn’t get a chance to talk much with him, but I would love an opportunity for a longer conversation (I have a lot of feedback and ideas), should he happen to read this.
It was an honor to photograph with and meet in-person all those who attended the photowalk. The two models were great, too. I’m grateful for those who stopped by the touch-and-try booth to say hello. It was a really good event, and I’m sure all who attended can attest to that. If there’s ever a Create With Us event near you in the future, be sure to attend—it’s well worth whatever effort it takes to get there.
The only camera I brought with me was my Fujifilm X-E5. This is such a great travel camera, and for a quick there-and-back adventure, I really didn’t need anything else. I especially appreciate that you can program up to 11 Recipes into the X-E5. I attached the new Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 pancake lens to the camera, and also brought along a Pentax-110 50mm f/2.8 lens and adapter for a second option. One spare battery, which I didn’t even use, rounded out the kit.
Probably the most interesting thing that I learned at Create With Us was from a somewhat off-handed comment from a Fujifilm employee. It would have been really easy to overlook what was said. I don’t think it was intended to be interpreted as an official statement, but I was fascinated by it, so I want to share it with you: “Each sensor generation has its own unique charm. Some people like the Provia rendering of X-Trans I, some people like the Velvia rendering of X-Trans II—each one is different.” I might not have the quote 100% correct, but that’s the gist of it.
The insinuation was (at least as I understood it when it was said) is that the small differences in image rendering between sensor generations, and even the much more subtle differences camera-to-camera within the same sensor generation, is intentional and even a feature. It’s kind of like when an emulsion is updated, it looks slightly different than it used to; one person might prefer the “old” version of the film, while another might prefer the updated iteration. For example, when Kodak went from the second to third generation of Kodachome in 1974, some photographers liked the change, and some (like William Eggleston) didn’t. If you preferred the old version of Kodachrome, you were soon out of luck once it sold out. Fujifilm cameras are a different story because you can still buy the old models on the second-hand market. You can find and use the one with the charm that you most prefer. Maybe that’s the X-Pro1. Perhaps it’s the X-T1. It could be the X100F. Possibly it’s the X-E4. Maybe it’s the X-T50. Or some other camera. It’s up to you to find the one that you especially love, and the intention is that you’ll continue making photographs with it for a long time, and not just for a couple of years until the next iteration is released.
The specific hardware and software in the camera plays a role in the image rendering. It would be extraordinarily difficult to 100% match the output of various sensors and processors. You can get very, very close, though; however, 100% exactly matching is not quite possible. That’s certainly a part of it. Maybe you don’t want to perfectly match the output anyway, if it would require ignoring a benefit of the updated technology. It could be that the new technology allows the programmers to better achieve the intended results, which were less possible with the older technology. Perhaps the vision of what those results should be has been tweaked a little over time. All of that is a factor. But that’s not the point that was made: each Fujifilm camera generation has its own unique quality, which was purposefully crafted, and you might especially like the particular charm of one more than the others. Since they’re not all perfectly identical, you get to decide which is your favorite.
My personal favorite is the fourth generation. I think the JPEG output of the X100V, X-T4, and X-E4 (I own those specific models) is special. The fifth generation, which has the advantage of Nostalgic Neg. and Reala Ace, is a very close second-favorite for me. There’s an obvious difference in output between those two generations, most notable (but not limited to) how deeply blue is rendered on some film simulations. Whether you prefer either of those two generations—or a different one entirely—is up to you; I really like the output from the Fujifilm X-Pro2, for example.
We’re all unique. Each of us have our own unique styles. We all have our own tastes. As the saying goes: Different strokes for different folks. The beauty of Fujifilm’s approach is that no X-series camera generation is objectively better than another. Each one might be considered subjectively better, just depending on who you ask, but they each have their own charm. You might even prefer certain aspects of one and certain aspects of another, and use both.
When it comes to other brands, for the most part you really don’t hear people talk about the picture charm of various models. People don’t discuss the image quality magic of (say) the Canon Rebel T7i or debate which Sony A6000 series model has the best picture profile rendering. This seems more exclusive to Fujifilm, and it’s because Fujifilm intended each iteration to have a unique allure, which sparks the discussions and debates, but more importantly it provides an avenue to connect with and really love the gear you use.
Below are the photographs that I captured on the Create With Us photowalk in Minneapolis with my Fujifilm X-E5.
Find these Film Simulation Recipes and many more in the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.
If you live in or near Minneapolis, Minnesota, please join me at Fujifilm’s Create With Us event on Sunday, September 28th. This is going to be super fun, with a lot of different things going on. Bring your camera—have a spare SD Card just in case—and wear some comfortable walking shoes.
I’ll be cohosting a Live Fujifilm Tech Talk with Christopher Gilbert from 12:30 to 1:15. I’ll also be leading a photowalk from 2:00 to 4:00. At other times, I’ll be at the Fujifilm X-E5 touch-and-try station. If you go, be sure to find me at one of those spots, and say hello. Also, my friend Tom Baumgaertel (bewaremyfuji) will be leading a photowalk from 4:00 to 6:00, and you won’t want to miss it. There are other photowalks, too, that will also be excellent, so be sure to join at least one of them.
You have to register to attend, which costs $5. There are also some workshops on the 27th that cost extra. Hope to see you in Minneapolis!
Fujifilm’s annual Create With Us event will be in Minneapolis, MN, on September 28th, from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM at the Walker Art Center. It’s going to be epic! There will be photowalks, presentations, touch-and-try, and more. I’ll be leading one of the photowalks, at 2:00 PM. I’ll also be hanging around the Fujifilm X-E5 touch-and-try station. If you are in Minnesota, be sure to stop by and say hello, and join me on the photowalk if you can. You must register for the event, which cost $5. There are also some workshops on the 27th that cost extra. Hope to see you there!
I’m so happy to announce three upcoming events that you won’t want to miss. I can’t give you all of the details just yet, but I want to start getting the word out so that you have the opportunity to plan, as these will come up fast. You can expect the full details to be released very soon. In the meantime, I’ll share with you what I can.
September 6th — Fujifilm Film Simulations & Fuji X Weekly Recipes Class — Scottsdale, Arizona
I will be leading a class at Nuzira—an up-and-coming camera store in Scottsdale, AZ—on Saturday, September 6th, at 11 AM. The class is called Fujifilm Film Simulations and Fuji X Weekly Recipes — Film Like Photos Without Editing. We’ll discuss each of Fujifilm’s Film Sims and using Film Simulation Recipes on your X or GFX camera, why you might choose a certain Recipe and what you can expect when you do. This class will probably be the most helpful to Fujifilm photographers, but if you are just Fuji-curious, please come anyway. It will last about one hour.
I’ve co-led two photowalks with Nuzira: one in Scottsdale and one in Phoenix. This isn’t a photowalk, but please bring your Fujifilm camera. We’re going to have a great time! And this will be an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you might have about Film Simulations, Recipes, and Fujifilm cameras. More information, including how to register, is coming very soon, and as soon as it does I will let you know.
September 13th — Fujifilm X half Photowalk — Los Angeles, California
On Saturday, September 13th, at 2 PM, I will be leading a photowalk in Los Angeles, as a part of Samy’s Camera49th Anniversary three-day event. This photowalk is all about the Fujifilm X half, which is such a fun camera. You don’t need to own an X half to take part in this—in fact, this is a great opportunity to try one out—please bring an SD Card so you can take your photos home. Spaces are limited and won’t likely last long, so be sure to register today! It’s $25 per-person ($27.13 after taxes), but each participant will receive a $25 Samy’s gift card, essentially making it free.
This photowalk will last about two hours, and we’re going to have a ton of fun. It will be a great opportunity to create film-like street and urban photos. While you are at Samy’s for this event, you will also want to attend Reimagining Reality Through Multiple Exposures by Tom Baumgaertel (bewaremyfuji), which will be on Friday, September 12th, at 10:30 AM. This is a don’t-miss class, so be sure to go.
September 28th — Photowalk — Minneapolis, Minnesota
I can’t provide the details about this event just yet, other than it will be a photowalk in Minneapolis, MN, on Sunday, September 28th, at 2 PM. Once I get the green light, I’ll be sure to share everything with you, including how to register. The picture above is from a photowalk in Ann Arbor, MI, last year.
September is going to be a busy month. If you are in Arizona on the 6th, L.A. on the 13th, or in Minnesota on the 28th, I hope that you can join me. I’d love to meet you in-person, talk shop, and answer any questions you might have. Whichever event you can go to, we’ll have a good time. Hope to see you soon!
It has been quiet on this website over the last handful of days. I’m traveling up the east coast of America in an RV right now with my wife and four kids. We rented a motorhome, and are driving it from Miami to Boston. The trip is a little over halfway complete. We’ve seen so much, and had wonderful experiences, even though it has rained every single day. It’s been a great opportunity to try out the Fujifilm X half, and I’ll have a full review soon, which you can expect probably next week. Even though I’ve been on the road, I’ve still be busy behind-the-scenes with all sorts of projects.
First up is a surprise that I’ll announce in six days, on June 14th. It’s something that has been in the works for quite some time, and I’m really excited to share. I’m not going to say what it is just yet, so this paragraph stands as the first teaser. I’ll have the full reveal this coming Saturday—stay tuned!
Right after that, on June 17th and 18th, I’ll be in New York City for the B&H BILD Expo. Fujifilm is flying me out to help man their booth, which is where you’ll find me. If you go, be sure to stop by and say hi, as I’d love to meet you in person. The event is free (you do have to register), so if you are anywhere near the New York City area, be sure to join in on the fun.
223 – Savannah, GA – Fujifilm X-HF1
On Saturday, June 28th, I will be leading a photowalk in Manitou Springs, Colorado, with Mike’s Camera and Fujifilm. We will meet at Mike’s Camera in Colorado Springs at 11:30 AM for a meet-and-greet, and to help with gear questions and setup Recipes. Around 12:00 noon we’ll caravan to Manitou Springs, and regroup at the Pikes Peak Library District. We’ll explore the scenic and quirky mountain town of Manitou Springs with our cameras for about two hours, before departing back to Mike’s Camera, where we’ll finish the event with some light refreshments. The cost is $25 per person; however, at the end of the event, each registrant will receive a $25 off coupon for use at Mike’s Camera, which basically makes the photowalk free. You must register (click here), and spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up today. If you live in Colorado or will be visiting that weekend, I hope you can come out for what will surely be an epic photowalk!
Mike’s Camera is doing so much for the photography community near their various stores. Not everyone lives in a place that has a store like this; those that do are quite lucky, so be sure to take full advantage of it: attend a class or join a photowalk. It’s an incredible honor to be a part of this community-building with Mike’s Camera, even though I don’t live anywhere near one of their locations.
There are a number of other exciting things in the works—these are just the ones coming up within the next three weeks. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to share even more news. There’s a ton to look forward to, including a camera announcement on the 12th. It will be great to see some of you in New York City and Colorado Springs this month!
Fujifilm is hosting a free X Summit Experience in Los Angeles on May 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. If you live in southern California, you should try to make it. I’m sure it will be a great time! Click here for more information and to register.
The night before is when the upcoming mystery camera, which is a vertically orientated 1″ sensor model called the Xhalf, will be announced, at 1 AM Eastern Time, 10 PM Pacific. I’m looking forward to learning more about it, so I’ll probably stay awake for the announcement.
Mike’s Camera held a three-day photo and video expo at their Boulder location this last weekend. They invited me out to teach a class and lead a photowalk on Sunday. It was a quick trip (I got back home yesterday), but I had a wonderful time, and it was so great to meet some of you in-person.
According to a few store employees, the first two days of the annual expo were very, very busy. The final day was on Mother’s Day, and apparently it was much slower. Only six people came out for the class and photowalk on Pearl Street, which allowed for lots of one-on-one opportunities. Last year when I co-lead a photowalk with Mike’s Camera, the turnout was large (more than 60!), which was great, but it didn’t allow for longer conversations—some people wanted to ask questions or get help or advice, and they just couldn’t, which was unfortunate. While large group numbers are more impressive, I personally prefer smaller groups—I believe they’re more helpful and enjoyable.
Last year Fujifilm invited me to lead a series of photowalks at the NAB Show in New York City. It was an incredible opportunity, and really thrilling. Fujifilm capped the groups at five people per walk (although there were more than five on all three of my walks). It’s much more casual, and really about connections, conversations, and counsel (I was looking for a synonym for help that started with a “c”…), which are a bit difficult with larger crowds. It’s my favorite photowalk that I’ve been a part of. The Boulder photowalk reminded me of that, and is also one of my top favorites. I think everyone had a great time, and I’m really honored to have been a part of it. I want to give a special thank you to those who took time on Mother’s Day to come out, and express my appreciation to Mike’s Camera and Fujifilm for facilitating it.
Something that I’m really excited to announce is that I’ll be in New York City next month. Fujifilm has invited me to the B&H Bild Expo, which will be at the Javits Center in Manhattan (the same location as the NAB Show) on June 17th and 18th. This is a big event that you won’t want to miss. Peter McKinnon is one of the headline speakers, but there are many others, too. David Geffin, Kyler Steele, and Jasmine Quiñones are three that I personally recommend.
I met David at a Fujifilm X-T50 launch event last summer. He’s a super talented photographer and cinematographer. You’ve likely seen his work before, even if you don’t realize it. I’m not sure when he will be speaking, but it will be well worth your time to attend. Just before the X-T50 launch, Fujifilm held a creator’s retreat in the Catskills, and that’s where I met Kyler. I got to spend a few days hanging out with him and others. He’s quite skilled, and you will not want to miss his presentation, which I’m certain will be great. I met Jasmine at Fujifilm’s Create With Us event last year in Austin. We didn’t get to talk very much, unfortunately, because we were both quite busy. Her videos are topnotch. There’s a good chance you’ve seen her work before, especially if you follow Fujifilm’s social media accounts. Definitely make sure you catch one of their talks, if not all three.
Fujifilm Booth at NAB Show – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Tri-X 400
If you live in New York City or the surrounding areas, or if you happen to be visiting Manhattan in the third week of June, be sure to stop by the B&H Bild Expo. I’d love to meet you. It’s going to be epic, and I can’t wait! Stay tuned for more details.
There’s a lot of really awesome things in the works, which I’ll share with you as soon as I can. If you don’t already, be sure to follow this website (“Follow via email” at the bottom of this page) and/or my social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube) so that you don’t miss out. It was great meeting some of you in Boulder, and I look forward to meeting more of you in Manhattan!
Photographing Phoenix – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI – Nostalgic Film
This last weekend, Nuzira, an up-and-coming camera store in Scottsdale, Arizona, that’s Fujifilm-centric, hosted two awesome events. First, on Friday, I co-lead a photowalk in downtown Arizona with Christopher Berry, Ryan Faer, Darin Watkins, and Lucas White (of Nuzira). Then, on Saturday, Christopher held a portrait lighting class at the camera store. Both were so great! Thank you, Nuzira, for making these happen, and I’m honored to have been a part of it.
The photowalk was awesome! I didn’t count, but my estimated guess is that about 35 people came out, give or take a few. It was a great group, with a lot of interesting conversations. Because of the First Friday Art Walk, it was very busy downtown, and unfortunately—due to the crowds—the group got separated at times; however, I think everyone had a good time, and I’d certainly call it a success. These type of community building events are so important, where face-to-face conversations can be had and friendships can be formed, so I hope to see more of these in the future.
My 11-year-old son, Joshua, came along. This was his first photowalk, and he seemed to enjoy the experience. I let him use my Fujifilm X70. I brought a Fujifilm X100VI, and used a TCL-X100 teleconverter lens for most of the pictures. While I like the 23mm (35mm-equivalent) focal length, I prefer the 50mm-equivalent focal-length just a little more. I want to give a special thanks to everyone who came out—it’s because of you that these events happen.
On Saturday morning, Christopher Berry taught a portrait lighting class at the Nuzira store. He’s a talented photographer from Tucson who is insanely skilled at studio lighting. More than 25 years ago I learned studio lighting in college, but that was ages ago, and I don’t remember much—needless to say, I was very rusty. This refresher was long overdue for me, and I’m so glad that Nuzira brought Chris up to teach it. This is something that I’d pay money for, but it was completely free!
The class was great because everyone got some one-on-one hands-on opportunities. It wasn’t just teaching theories, but putting it to practice. While I don’t have much of an interest in portrait photography personally, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of lighting, which is kind of a critical aspect of photography. Thanks, Chris, for all the great information and advice! I learned a lot.
Besides that, I got to see the new Fujifilm GFX100RF and Instax Wide Evo in-person. And there were donuts, too. It was well worth the drive across town. If Nuzira does something like this again, I certainly hope that I can make it, or be a part of it in some way.
Above: Fujifilm GFX100S II & Fujinon 80mm f/1.7 – Film Dial Recipes (the portraits were with the Reala Ace film simulation)
I’d really like to see more photography events happen—not just in Phoenix, but across the country. We can all learn from each other, and in-person connections are, unfortunately, lacking in our modern society. Camera stores, clubs, and manufacturers can help to facilitate events. This shouldn’t be a one-time thing—it would be great to see more photowalks and classes pop up all over the place. I hope they do. And if there is one in your area, definitely make an effort to attend.
In just 10 days—on March 20th—Fujifilm will announce a new product, purportedly a fixed-lens GFX camera, in Prague. This X Summit takes place at 11:00 AM local in the Czech Republic, which is 2:00 AM Pacific Time and 5:00 AM Eastern Time in the United States. I won’t be awake for that. By the time I brew my first cup of coffee, the camera will have been long announced, and preorders already open. If you want to get this camera right away, my recommendation is to set your alarm clock.
Since most Americans will be fast asleep when the announcement happens, Fujifilm North America is having their own party, which they’re calling an X Summit Experience, in Las Vegas at the WPPI Expo. This will be at 10:30 AM Pacific Time on the 20th. If you are in the Las Vegas area, I’m sure it will be worthwhile to stop by—just be sure to register.
Fujifilm did something similar to this with the launch of the X-T50 and GFX100S II. The X Summit for that was in Australia, which was the middle of the night for most of America. So they had an X Summit Experience on a Manhattan rooftop later in the day to celebrate the announcements. I was invited to be a part of that, and it was a ton of fun. So definitely, if you are in Vegas on the 20th, be sure to go. Unfortunately, I won’t be there for this one.
It’s possible that more than one thing will be announced at this X Summit. Four products—two cameras and two lenses—were unveiled at the Sydney X Summit in 2024; however, since nothing has leaked, I would be surprised if anything else was officially announced. But, I do suspect there could be some extras, such as a future product tease, and/or more info on the upcoming GFX Eterna cinema camera. I won’t catch it live, but will probably watch it on YouTube later in the day.
In just three days—Saturday,November 16th—is the Philadelphia photowalk! I will be co-leading this with Allan Ali, who brings excitement, energy, and fun, as well as expertise and talent. Allan is a local legend, and you will not want to miss this opportunity to photograph with us. We teamed up for a photowalk back in August, and it was truly great!
This photowalk, which will be through the historic and beautiful Old City, is in conjunction with Unique Photo as a part of their two day Camera Show. Even if you don’t join the photowalk, at least come to the Camera Show, because it will be completely worthwhile (and while you’re there, you might as well come along on the photowalk).
If you are in Philadelphia or even as far as New York City, I hope that you can join us. It’s from 10:15 AM to 12:15 PM, and will include a short classroom presentation (we’ll begin and end at Unique Photo in Philadelphia). The cost is $10 per person (but you get it back with a $10 token for in-store purchases), and you must preregister (click here). I hope to see you in Philadelphia very soon!
Join me in Austin, Texas, on September 28th! I will be co-leading two photowalks with Fred Agho, one at 1:30 PM and the other at 4:30 PM, as a part of Fujifilm’s Create With Us event. If you live in Austin (or are within driving distance of Austin), this is an event that you won’t want to miss!
What is Create With Us, you ask?
Create With Us is an opportunity for passionate image makers (that’s you!) to create, learn, and network with industry professionals. Take the chance to meet fellow creators who also see the world through a lens.
Photo and video bays give you the chance to test out Fujifilm’s latest X Series and GFX System cameras and lenses. But don’t worry, all brands are welcome! If you’re a stills photographer or videographer, you’re in.
Join like-minded individuals throughout the day, learning from top industry professionals, in workshops and immersive photowalks around the area. With so much talent under one roof, it’ll be hard not to get inspired.
When your feet get tired, sit in on demos and short film screenings. You can also treat your camera gear to a complimentary Check and Clean service.
This will be an epic day of learning, creating, networking, and more! You must be registered to attend. Space is limited, so don’t procrastinate—sign up today! I hope to see you in Austin!
If you live in or near one of these cities, I invite you to join us on a Film Simulation Summer Photowalk. This is going to be an epic experience, and just a ton of fun. Best of all, it’s free. I hope to see you soon!
It takes a lot of collaboration to pull this off, and I want to thank everyone involved—Fujifilm, Mike’s Camera, Nelson’s Photo & Video, Pixel Connection, Unique Photo, Tommy, Tom, Gabe, and Allen. Without all of them, this wouldn’t even be a thing. Thank you so much for your involvement and help!
