SOOC Live Update: new time tomorrow

Just a quick update about tomorrow’s show: it will now be at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, 12:00 noon Eastern. This is one hour earlier (or 13 hours, if you count my mistake of using PM instead of AM… what an error!). So just to clarify, it will be 9:00 AM Pacific, 10:00 AM Mountain, 11:00 AM Central, and 12:00 noon Eastern. You can find the show on the SOOC Live YouTube channel, or by clicking here. I’ve also included it below. I hope that you can join us! And I apologize for the time mixups and changes.

Film Simulation Dial — Your New Best Friend?

***Correction: Note the new times. The show will now be at 9:00 AM Pacific, 12:00 noon Eastern.***

Wow, it’s been 11 months since the last episode of SOOC Live! Time sure does fly. It’s not for lack of trying that so much time has passed; our schedules just didn’t work out for most of 2025. But, as a holiday gift to you, Nathalie Boucry and I will be hosting a live broadcast on Monday, November 24th, at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, 12:00 noon PM Eastern. I really hope you can join us!

In this episode, we’ll be discussing one of Fujifilm’s most controversial features: the Film Dial. We’ll talk about the good and the bad, and—much more importantly—how to get the most out of it. If you own a Fujifilm X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, or X-T30 III, this is a must-watch episode; if you don’t own one of those models, but are curious about the Film Dial, be sure to tune in. I look forward to chatting with you live on November 24th!

In other news, I just released an update to the Fuji X Weekly App on Android, which fixes the bug that the app will crash when tilted vertical (landscape) on some operating system versions. It was a weird bug that I believe may have been introduced on version 14. Basically, some coding that worked flawlessly on earlier versions no longer worked on newer operating systems. Usually when a new OS update is released, it screws something up unexpectedly. Sometimes it’s a little thing that’s not a big deal; other times it’s a major problem. It took some serious troubleshooting to find and fix this particular issue. This was only for Android, and did not affect iPhones. A special “thank you” to those who reported the problem and helped troubleshoot it!

I’m also working on a fairly significant app update that hopefully will be ready next month sometime. I can’t give away the details yet, but I think many of you will really appreciate aspects of it. I’m constantly working on updates to the Fuji X Weekly, Ricoh Recipes, and RitchieCam apps (even though it may not always seem like it)—between the apps and this website, I stay really busy. I have a lot of various things in the air, which I can’t wait to share when the time is right—hopefully some will be sooner than later. Some things may not ever work out, that’s the way it goes sometimes and that’s ok. Anyway, if you have time on Monday, be sure to join Nathalie and I on YouTube, I’m really looking forward to chatting with you!

Eternal Recipes — SOOC Live Season Finale

The season finale of SOOC Live is just two days away! Join Nathalie Boucry and myself on December 12th at 9:00 AM Pacific Time (noon Eastern), as we finish off Season 4 with what will surely be an epic broadcast. This one will be especially fun, so you’ll want to tune in if you’re able. Since these shows are interactive, your participation makes them better. I hope to see you this Thursday!

For those who don’t know, SOOC Live is a (sometimes) monthly live YouTube broadcast where Nathalie Boucry and I discuss Film Simulation Recipes, give tips and tricks for achieving the results you want straight-out-of-camera, talk Fujifilm news, and answer your questions. Basically, we’re trying to help you master your camera, with a focus on simplifying your photographic workflow. This is a community event, helping each other along our photographic journeys.

Below is the upcoming show, so you can easily find it on Thursday (here is the direct link, in case you need it):

Three Unsung Film Simulation Recipes to Try Today!

Hibiscus Bloom – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Astia Summer

There are popular Film Simulation Recipes that it seems everyone is using, and there are ones that don’t get nearly as much attention. The majority of the most popular Recipes use the Classic Chrome film simulation, so those that aren’t based on Classic Chrome tend to get less use. There are some excellent options that can get overlooked, and in this article I will highlight three specific ones that perhaps you’ve never tried.

This was actually the topic of yesterday’s SOOC Live broadcast, which I included below in case you missed it. Nathalie Boucry and I spent the first part of the show catching up on all that transpired since our last episode, and then spent the second half discussing three unsung Recipes: Astia Summer, Expired Velvia, and Monochrome Negative. Be sure to watch it now if you weren’t able to catch it when it was live.

With over 350 Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly and in the Fuji X Weekly App (available for Apple and Android), it can be difficult to know which ones to program into your camera. Which ones should you choose and when should you use them? Some people enjoy trying them all, others have found their favorites, and some are not sure where to even begin. This article is simply highlighting three to try if you’re not sure which Recipes to use.

Below are three unsung Film Simulation Recipes for Fujifilm cameras. I hope that you give at least one of them a try today!

Astia Summer

Red Spikes – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Becoming Purple – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Brightly Colored – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Astia Summer is one of the 14 Fujifilm X-T50 Film Dial Recipes. My Film Dial Recipe is a universal Recipe that works well with all of the various film simulations. While the universal Recipe approach is easier on the X-T50 thanks to the Film Dial, it can be done with any Fujifilm camera simply by setting one of the FN buttons to open the film simulation submenu. By programming the Astia Summer Recipe into your camera, you potentially unlock as many as 14 Recipes in total—amazing!

What I like about the Astia Summer Recipe is that it is colorful and warm. While it’s not intended to mimic any film emulsion, it does have some vague similarities to Kodak Ektar 100, but it isn’t necessarily a great match for that. This Recipe is excellent for landscape photography, especially in situations where Velvia is too vibrant. While Astia in general can be quite good for portrait photography, Astia Summer is probably just a tad too vibrant for portraits. This Recipe is quite versatile, and can be used anytime of the day or night. It is compatible with all of the fifth-generation models, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50; also, it is compatible with the “newer” X-Trans IV cameras: X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II.

Expired Velvia

Vintage Roses – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Tiny Purple Blossoms – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Unripe Lemon – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

The Expired Velvia Recipe uses Classic Negative and not Velvia. Why? Someone shot a roll of Fujichrome Velvia 50 film that was well-expired, and shared with me their scans of the film; interestingly, it looked very similar to Classic Negative, and not Velvia. This Recipe mimics those film scans very well, producing a convincing analog-like rendering. Aside from resembling expired Velvia film, this Recipe might also be reminiscent of some cross-processed emulsions or even old photographic prints from 1980’s. It’s definitely more of a lomo look, and is not true-to-life.

For best results, use this Film Simulation Recipe in sunny daylight. It might be ok in other situations, too, but definitely try it when the sun is out. You will likely have to underexpose a little, paying careful attention not to clip the highlight. The Expired Velvia Recipe is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (except the X-T3 and X-T30) and all X-Trans V models, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50.

Monochrome Negative

Boxwood – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Oleander Flower Blossom – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Sago Palm Frond – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Monochrome Negative is a lovely black-and-white Recipe with similarities to Agfa Scala, but a little softer. It has good contrast and nice tonality. Be very careful with the exposure, as highlights can clip easily—there’s a good chance your Exposure Compensation Dial will be set at -2/3 or even -1.

There are a number of excellent B&W Recipes, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. They can seem quite similar, too, which might make it even more difficult. My personal favorite is Kodak Tri-X 400, but Monochrome Negative is also an excellent choice. Because it uses Grain size Small, Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome FX Blue Off, and Clarity 0 (no Clarity pause!), it is highly compatible across sensor generations—simply ignore the settings that your camera doesn’t have. Monochrome Negative can be used on all X-Trans III, IV and V models, which (as of this writing) are the X-Pro2, X-T2, X-T20, X100F, X-E3, X-H1, X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50.

SOOC Live is BACK!!

It’s been awhile, but SOOC Live is back! Join Nathalie Boucry and myself on September 19th for Episode 5 of Season 4, as we catch you up on everything that’s been going on since out last show. As usual, we’re going to talk Fujifilm cameras, Film Simulation Recipes, and straight-out-of-camera photography, and more. It’s going to be a great time!

The last episode, Why We Love Fujifilm Film Simulation Recipes, was way back in May. Simon Hügly made a special guest appearance. If you missed that broadcast when it was live, be sure to watch it now. While you’re at it, if you don’t follow the SOOC Live YouTube Channel, make sure that you subscribe and click the bell and all that stuff. Anyway, due to busy schedules, scheduling conflicts, major life events, illnesses, etc., we’ve not been able to broadcast all summer, but that’s about to change.

In just nine days, though, Nathalie and I will be live once again! Be sure to mark your calendar now so that you don’t miss the show, which will be on Thursday, September 19th, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, 1:00 PM Eastern. I’ve imbedded the video below so that you can easily find it. It’s an interactive broadcast, so your participation is what makes it great. I hope to see you then!

Let’s Chat LIVE Tomorrow!

Join myself and Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry live tomorrow as we discuss some must-have Film Simulation Recipes for your Fujifilm camera! It’s an interactive program, so your participation makes it better. Be sure to bring any questions that you might have about Recipes or Fujifilm cameras. The show begins at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, 1:00 PM Eastern. I hope to see you there!

The show will be broadcast on our SOOC Live YouTube page. You can get to it from the SOOC Live website, and I’ve also included it below, so that you can easily find it tomorrow. Also, in preparation for the episode, there’s a poll that will run during the show, which you can participate in right now if you’d like (click here).

One Last Word on Double Exposures

In-camera double exposure using the Mystery Chrome Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4

After the Season 3 finale of SOOC Live earlier this month, where Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry and I discussed double exposure photography at length, I published an article entitled Film Simulation Recipes for Double Exposure Photography as a kind of wrap up of the topic. However, I realize that it was a rather mediocre conclusion. More needs to be said.

Thankfully, Nathalie did a much better job on her website than I ever could. She has a two-part series on this topic that is an essential must-read if you are interested in trying in-camera double exposures. Click here for Part 1, and click here for Part 2. Go ahead and click those links!

A side note about Nathalie’s blog… I Google searched “Fujifilm blog” today, and her’s made the first page of search results. That’s a big deal! I remember when Fuji X Weekly wasn’t even in the first 20 pages (yes, I wen’t through them all to see where I ranked…). When I made it onto the third page I was quite excited, and couldn’t believe the websites that I was placed near (all of which I thought were bigger and more established than my little blog). When I cracked Google’s first page, I was shocked, as I never imagined that it was possible for me. Nowadays I usually rank in the top three spots—often number one—for a “Fujifilm blog” search. Congrats to Nathalie for making it onto the first page! She’s really establishing herself as a top-tier voice in the Fujifilm community, and it’s an honor to cohost SOOC Live with her.

Film Simulation Recipes for Double Exposure Photography

Double Exposure captured with the Mystery Chrome Recipe

In the Season 3 finale of SOOC Live, Fuji X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry and I discussed double exposure photography at length, and especially how to do it in-camera on Fujifilm models. If you are interested in the topic and didn’t catch that episode when it was live, you may want to take some time and watch it now. I’ve included it below. If you are short on time, skip ahead to the 35 minute mark, and begin around there.

I’m not going to rehash all that was said during the show (you’ve got to watch it)—this is a lengthy and complicated topic that can go many different directions. Really, books can be (and have been) written about it. Instead, I want to talk about Film Simulation Recipes for double exposures, and also provide a little more explanation for some things that maybe weren’t clear in the broadcast. I hope it all makes sense by the end.

The three Film Simulation Recipes that we discussed in the show and are challenging you to shoot with for the remainder of December plus most of January are Mystery Chrome, Dramatic Monochrome, and Faded Negative. Some notes about each:

  • Mystery Chrome is fully compatible with X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 and X-T30. To use it on newer models, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Clarity to 0, and choose a Grain size (Small or Large… I recommend Large). For those using newer cameras, we recommend using the Average setting for this Recipe, but don’t be afraid to try Additive.
  • Dramatic Monochrome is fully compatible with the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30. To use it on X-Trans III cameras, simply ignore Color Chrome Effect—the results will be nearly identical. To use it on newer cameras, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Clarity to 0, and choose a Grain size (Small or Large… I recommend Large). For those using newer cameras, we recommend using the Additive setting for this Recipe, but don’t be afraid to try Average.
  • Faded Negative is fully compatible with X-Trans IV cameras, except for the X-T3 and X-T30. To use it on X-Trans V models, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Strong. This Recipe is not found in the Fuji X Weekly App because it requires further explanation on how to use it, and the App format is not conducive to that; however, in the broadcast Nathalie provides a great tip for how you can use the New Recipe (Blank Recipe Card) feature to add it to your App if you’d like. Be sure to read the article before attempting to use this Recipe.

The third Recipe—Faded Negative—requires a different technique than the first two. It’s definitely an outside-the-box approach to double exposure photography. There are other Recipes, which are also not in the App, that require double exposures, including Faded Color, Vintage Color Fade, Bleach Bypass, Faded Monochrome, Faded Monochrome for X-Trans II, and Split-Toned B&W. You can dive pretty far down this rabbit hole if you’d like. For further ideas, check out these articles: Making Color Pictures Using Acros, B&W Toning & Multiple Exposures, How To Add Texture To Your In-Camera JPEGs, The Treachery of Images, Creative Faded Exposures, Double Exposure Art — A Simple Method, and Easy Double Exposure Photography.

In-camera double exposure on a Fujifilm X100F

You can use any Film Simulation Recipe with double exposure photography, but in my experience the ones that work best are Recipes that are especially contrasty. For the purpose of the show, we’re using three specific ones; however, feel free to try any Recipe that interests you. The color pictures below were captured using the Ferrania Solaris FG 400 Recipe, and Kodak Tri-X 400 was used for the B&W. As for submitting images for the Viewers’ Images Slideshow, please only use the Mystery Chrome, Dramatic Monochrome, and Faded Negative Recipes.

One thing that perhaps should have been demonstrated in the show but wasn’t is what in-camera double exposures look like, taking a peek at each of the two exposures individually and then the combined image. Since the newer cameras can save a RAW file of each exposure (which can be processed into a JPEG in-camera), it’s possible to demonstrate this pretty easily.

Exposure 1
Exposure 2
Double Exposure using Average
Exposure 1
Exposure 2
Double Exposure using Average
Exposure 1
Exposure 2
Double Exposure using Additive

I would say that double exposure photography takes a lot of practice to feel comfortable with, but there is a ton of potential for creativity. It’s worth trying, and it’s worth going through a lot of failures in order to get good at it. There are also so many different approaches and methods that can yield very different results. You’ll discover some of these as you practice. So my encouragement for you is to try and try again. If the pictures aren’t very good at first, don’t give up! Keep at it, and pretty soon you’ll surprise yourself with what you create.

One last thing: below I’ve included the Viewers’ Images Slideshow for the Reala Ace episode. If you haven’t yet seen it, be sure to watch it now. I want to express a very big “Thank you!” to everyone who submitted their photographs for inclusion in it. I always enjoy seeing your wonderful pictures!

Let’s Talk About Double Exposure Photography!

Double Exposure Photograph

Tomorrow—Thursday, December 7th—is the season finale of SOOC Live. Not only that, but it’s also our holiday special. Oh, and we’re going to take a deep dive into double exposure photography. Join Nathalie Boucry and I tomorrow at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, 12:00 noon Eastern as we bring Season 3 to a close. This is an interactive program, so your participation makes it even better. I hope to see you tomorrow!

If you don’t already subscribe to the SOOC Live YouTube Channel, be sure to do so now—otherwise you might miss out on future broadcasts. To make it easy to find, I’ve included tomorrow’s show below:

Double exposure photography is simply two exposures on a single frame; however, getting good results can be quite tricky. There’s actually a whole lot to it, with a number of techniques and considerations to talk about. There’s also a ton of creative potential, and various ways to use double exposures that you might not have thought of. You can get amazing straight-out-of-camera results that perhaps seem impossible to achieve in-camera, but are indeed possible.

This article contains five of my double exposure photographs. Perhaps you are surprised by some of them, as they might not appear to be double exposures. You might also be surprised to learn that they’re all camera-made JPEGs. We’re going to talk about the specifics tomorrow, so be sure to tune-in if you want learn more about double exposure photography on your Fujifilm camera.

Double Exposure Photograph
Double Exposure Photograph
Double Exposure Photograph
Double Exposure Photograph

Reala Ace + 3 More Recipes!

Luxury Among Palms – Laguna Hills, CA – Fujifilm X-T5 – Reala Ace Recipe

Today’s SOOC Live broadcast was wonderful. Thank you to everyone who tuned in and participated—you all make it great!

We discusses the new Reala Ace film simulation, and talked at length about my Reala Ace Film Simulation Recipe. The Reala Ace Recipe is for X-Trans V cameras, and not everyone has one of those cameras, and even if you do, you might prefer a different option, so Nathalie Boucry and I offered three similar Recipes as alternatives. Specifically, we suggested Fujicolor Reala 100, Fujicolor Superia 100, and Fujicolor 100 Industrial. Watch the video below to learn more.

There are two Fujicolor Reala 100 Recipes—one for X-Trans IV (excluding the X-T3 and X-T30), and one for X-Trans V. Likewise, there are two Fujicolor Superia 100 Recipes—one for X-Trans IV (excluding the X-T3 and X-T30), and one for X-Trans V. The Fujicolor 100 Industrial Recipe is just for the X-T3 and X-T30; however, simply ignore Color Chrome Effect to use it on X-Trans III (it will look very similar, and only slightly different), or for newer cameras, set Grain size to Small, Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and Clarity to 0.

While you are here, the long-overdue Viewers’ Images slideshow from the previous broadcast was finally published. You can watch it below. There are some really great pictures by you all, so you’ll definitely want to take a look. Thanks to everyone who submitted photographs!

Some pictures from today’s show:

Reala Ace Recipe
Fujicolor Reala 100 Recipe
Fujicolor Superia 100 Recipe
Fujicolor 100 Industrial Recipe

SOOC Live Postponed Two Weeks

Red Cliffs – Sedona, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Reala Ace Recipe

I know I just told you that the next SOOC Live broadcast will be this coming Thursday, but it’s now been delayed two more weeks, and will now be on Thursday, November 2nd. Sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you. I look forward to seeing you in a couple weeks!

While I have you here, I do have a request: keep Nathalie and Stanley in your thoughts and prayers. They had a loss in their family. It’s been a bit crazy for them, and tough emotionally. So if you can take a moment to lift up their family in whatever way that you do that, it would be really great. The Fujifilm and—more specifically—the Fuji X Weekly community is the best in all of photography, so that’s why I’m making this request to you.

SOOC Live THIS Thursday!

Dodge Van Steering Wheel – Buena Park, CA – Fujifilm X-T5 – Reala Ace Recipe

Mark your calendar! After a two week delay, the next SOOC Live broadcast will now be this coming Thursday, October 19th. Originally, we were going to discuss double-exposure photography (as was advertised at the end of our last show), but we decided to change the topic to Reala Ace.

Why? First, life events happened, and we just didn’t have the time needed for such a big topic, as there are a whole lot of considerations and approaches to multiple-exposures worth addressing. We hope to still tackle this at some point, but understand that it’s a big undertaking, and we can only do it if we have the time to prepare everything. It just didn’t work out this time like we had hoped it would. Second, Reala Ace, which is the name of Fujifilm’s latest film simulation, is a trending subject, and my new Reala Ace Film Simulation Recipe has quickly caught on. So Nathalie Boucry and I thought that we should discuss this instead, diving more deeply into it, while also providing some alternatives.

I hope that you can join us this Thursday! It’s an interactive program, and your participation makes the show better. I’ve included the video below so that you can easily find it, but please follow the SOOC Live YouTube channel so that you don’t miss any upcoming episodes. See you soon!

SOOC Live Postponed

This Thursday’s SOOC Live broadcast will be postponed. It might be for just one week, or it might be longer. I’ll let you know as soon as I know for certain.

Life happens. Sometimes unexpected situations arise. Unfortunately, things have to be shuffled around, and this upcoming broadcast was what had to give. I apologize for any inconvenience, and I appreciate your understanding. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too much longer for the next episode.

Let’s talk about 3 Killer Film Simulation Recipes… Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, myself and Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry will be discussing live on YouTube three “killer” Film Simulation Recipes. This will be a special episode of SOOC Live, with a divergent format and on an abnormal date.

This season, our broadcasts have been (with a few exceptions) the first and last Thursday of each month—the first episode introduces a theme and the second finishes the discussion. So far, we’ve talked about Street Photography, Storytelling, AI, Travel Photography, and Black & White. This month there’s only one episode, and it’s right in the middle of the month, on September 14 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, 1:00 PM Eastern. I hope that you can join us. As always, it’s an interactive show, and your participation makes it better.

I’ve included the video below, so that you can easily locate it tomorrow. You can also find it on the SOOC Live YouTube channel. See you tomorrow!

Seeing in Shades of Grey

Firehoses – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X100VKodak T-Max P3200 Recipe

Black-and-white pictures are abstract by nature. They’re not faithful reproductions of the world as we see it. Because it is abstract, the photographer is invited to capture the scene in a unique way, with a vision that is dissimilar to—and perhaps even the opposite of—reality. It’s not so much about what the scene is, but about how we see the scene through a divergent eye, and how we can express that to the viewer. It’s a timeless approach to fine-art photography.

The strength of color photographs is color, but it’s also its weakness. When color works within a color theory—perhaps contrasting or harmonious—it can create an especially dramatic or beautiful picture; however, when the colors within an image work against each other, it can be a distraction. B&W photos remove the distraction of color, allowing the viewer to see the important elements without color fighting for their attention—it’s the art of subtraction.

Clouds & Cactus – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe

Black-and-white photography is about light and shadow. It’s about contrast. It’s about shape. Texture. Pattern. Space. Emotion. Those are very important elements to color photography, too, but they’re even more critical to B&W pictures. Mastering monochrome will make you a better photographer, even for your color work.

Join myself and Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry as we finish our discussion of B&W photography in-depth on SOOC Live this Friday, August 25th, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, 1:00 PM Eastern. I’ve included the video below so that you can easily find it on Friday. Also, if you haven’t uploaded your photographs captured with the Kodak Tri-X 400, Kodak T-Max P3200, Ilford HP5 Plus 400, and/or Acros Film Simulation Recipes, be sure to do so ASAP (click here)! There’s not much time, so don’t delay. I hope to see you on Friday!

Also, if you missed our the initial discussion of black-and-white photography, check it out below:

Why do we Still make B&W Photos?

Round Window – Pismo Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100VKodak Tri-X 400 Recipe

The world is full of color, so why would one want to photograph in black-and-white? It’s so old-fashioned anyway. Are there any good reasons to make monochrome pictures in 2023?

In 1826, the first photograph was captured by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in France. It was black-and-white because the first process was B&W. But then in 1861 the first color picture was made by James Clerk Maxwell and Thomas Sutton in Scotland. That should have been the end of B&W photos, right? Actually, color photography didn’t catch on for a very long time because the process to create them was much more complex than B&W, and their color reproduction not particularly accurate. Kodak launched Kodachrome slide film in 1935, which was the first reasonably accurate color process. That should have been the end of B&W, but it wasn’t. In fact, many photographers shunned color photography, and derided it as for amateurs. Black-and-white was for the serious, while color was not.

The New American Color movement of the 1960’s and ’70’s is really what made color photography an acceptable art form. It challenged the idea that “real” photography was only in monochrome. Color images could be just as good as, or perhaps even better than, B&W pictures. It revolutionized photography.

Epic Zip Line – Sundance, UT – Fujifilm X100F – Agfa Scala Recipe

That was so long ago. Color photography is the norm now, not black-and-white. Your digital camera captures a color picture, and you have to convert it to B&W if you want to see in shades of grey. B&W has become a niche of sorts.

So why should you shoot black-and-white photographs in 2023? What reasons are there, other than nostalgia for a time long gone? I love B&W photography, so let me offer a few to you.

Black-and-white pictures are abstract by nature. They’re not faithful reproductions of the world as we see it. Because it is abstract, the photographer is invited to capture the scene in a unique way, with a vision that is dissimilar to, and perhaps even the opposite of, reality. It’s not so much about what the scene is, but about how we see the scene through a divergent eye, and how we can express that to the viewer. It’s a timeless approach to fine-art photography.

The strength of color photographs is color, but it’s also its weakness. When color works within a color theory—perhaps contrasting or harmonious—it can create an especially dramatic or beautiful picture; however, when the colors within an image work against each other, it can be a distraction. B&W photos remove the distraction of color, allowing the viewer to see the important elements without color fighting for their attention—it’s the art of subtraction.

Playing with Waves – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe

Black-and-white photography is about light and shadow. It’s about contrast. It’s about shape. Texture. Pattern. Space. Emotion. Those are very important elements to color photography, too, but they’re even more critical to B&W pictures. Mastering monochrome will make you a better photographer, even for your color work.

Fujifilm cameras are particularly great for black-and-white photography thanks to their wonderful film simulations: Monochrome and especially Acros. Many different Film Simulation Recipes can be made using these as the base, with a wide variety of characteristics. Pick one that looks interesting to you, and shoot with it for a day or two to see what you get. My personal favorite is Kodak Tri-X 400, but there are so many that are really good, it’s hard to go wrong with any of them.

Whether you’ve been shooting black-and-white for decades and decades, or if you never have before but are interested, I invite you to join myself and Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry as we discuss B&W photography in-depth on SOOC Live this Thursday, August 3rd, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, 1:00 PM Eastern. I’ve included it below so that you can easily find in on Thursday.

If you missed last Thursday’s SOOC Live broadcast, where Nathalie and I finished our discussion of travel photography, be sure to watch it now. I’ve included it below, or visit the SOOC Live YouTube Channel. Also, if you haven’t seen the Viewers’ Images slideshow (your pictures!), I’ve added that to the bottom of this article—be sure to watch!

Don’t Forget: Join me LIVE this Thursday!

Duck Pond – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – 1970’s Summer Recipe

We’re just two days away from the next SOOC Live broadcast! Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry and I will finish our discussion on Travel Photography, share your pictures (better upload your pictures quick if you haven’t yet), and answer any questions that you might have. It will be a great time, and I hope to see you there!

The four Film Simulation Recipes that we’ve been shooting with are 1970’s SummerElite Chrome 200Fujichrome Provia 100F, and Kodacolor VR. I hope that you’ve enjoyed those four. I can’t wait to find out which are your favorites and why.

Join Nathalie and I on Thursday, July 27th, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, 1:00 PM Eastern. Your participation makes these episodes great, so I hope that you can be there. See you in two days!

If you missed Part 1 of Travel Photography, be sure to watch it. I’ve included it below:

Travel Photography Q&A — Don’t Miss It!

Ken Rockwell at the Coast – Morro Bay, CA – Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodacolor VR Recipe

Next week—on July 27th—Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry and I will be chatting about travel photography in our upcoming SOOC Live broadcast, including showing your pictures and answering your questions. I hope that you can join us!

The Q&A shows, which are the Part 2 of our monthly topics, are always a lot of fun. They’re more relaxed and interactive. Your participation makes them great—your role is vital! If you don’t have next week’s broadcast on your calendar, be sure to mark it now. I’ve included it below so that you can easily locate it.

Two weeks ago was the Part 1 episode, where Nathalie and I introduced the theme of travel photography. We discussed all sorts of considerations and gave many tips. If you haven’t yet seen that show, you’ll want to take some time to watch it. I’ve included the broadcast below, and you can also find it on the SOOC Live YouTube channel.

In that episode we challenged you to shoot with one or more of these four Film Simulation Recipes: 1970’s Summer, Elite Chrome 200, Fujichrome Provia 100F, and Kodacolor VR. Additionally, if you want an even greater challenge, you can try to get good results from one or more of these Recipes in unfavorable light. And if you want to go boss-level, the third challenge is to print and frame one of your pictures that were captured with these Recipes. To summarize: Level 1 is to use the Recipes listed above, Level 2 is to shoot those Recipes in less-than-ideal light, and Level 3 is to print and frame one of the pictures you captured during the first two levels. Got it?

We invite you to share your results with us and the SOOC Live community. Please upload your images (click here) captured with our four recommended Recipes to be potentially featured in the next episode and also included in the Viewers’ Images slideshow. Don’t forget to include the Film Simulation Recipe name in the file name, so that we know which Recipe you used. The deadline for submission is Tuesday the 25th, which means that you still have a little time, but not a lot, so don’t procrastinate. I look forward to seeing your pictures!

Last month’s Viewers Images slideshow was delayed a little due to a few unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances. If you haven’t yet watched it, I’ve included it below. Thank you to everyone who participated!

See also: The Ultimate Travel Compact Camera Kit

Let’s talk Travel Photography

Pacific Poppies – Montaña de Oro SP, CA – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 90mm – Pacific Blues

I traveled to California’s central coast last month. If you regularly read this blog, you’ve certainly seen the pictures, such as Pacific Poppies above. Well, tomorrow—July 6th—Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry and I will be chatting about travel photography in our SOOC Live broadcast. I hope that you can join us at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, 1:00 PM Eastern, as it is an interactive program, and your participation will make it better.

We have a lot of points to discuss—from Film Simulation Recipes to camera gear to practical advice and so much more! If you have any upcoming travel plans, this is a can’t-miss episode! I’ve included it below so that you can easily find it. If you don’t yet subscribe to the SOOC Live YouTube channel, be sure to do so now, so that you don’t miss any future shows.

I hope to see you tomorrow!

Chatting ChatGPT — SOOC Live is Next Week!!!

Abandoned Ford – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams

The next SOOC Live show will be this coming Thursday, June 29th, at 10 AM Pacific Time, 1 PM Eastern! Mark you calendars!

I really hope that you can join us, as Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry and I finish our chat with you about using ChatGPT to make AI Film Simulation Recipes. We’ve been shooting with four—Urban Dreams, Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1, and two others made for the show (called Soft Blue Classic and Vivid Summer Glow). We also challenged you to shoot with one or more of those four Recipes.

We invite you to share with us your photographs (click here) captured with those AI Recipes to be potentially featured in the next broadcast, to be included in the Viewer’s Images Slideshow, and to enter a chance to win a one-year Patron subscription to the Fuji X Weekly App. Please upload your pictures no later than Tuesday, June 27th! That’s coming up very soon, but there’s still time if you haven’t yet begun the challenge. Don’t forget to include the name of the Recipe that you used in the file name.

If you missed the last broadcast, I’ve included it below. You’ll want to check it out if you missed it when it was live. You can find all the past episodes on the SOOC Live YouTube channel.

I hope to see you on Thursday!