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LEFT Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, California. Shot using the FujifilmX-T1 and the XF55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS, f/11 at 1/90sec, ISO 200 ABOVE Heather in the Peak District. Shot using the FujifilmX-T2 and a XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS, f/11 at 2secs, ISO 200
quality, and use either aperture-priority mode or manual. I use multi-zone metering 95% of the time, otherwise it’s spot metering and single-point AF, or manual using the focus peaking with my highlights set to red. For handholding, it’s auto ISO so I can select the appropriate shutter speed to capture movement and aperture to give me the required depth-of-field, safe in the knowledge the auto ISO will take care of the rest of the exposure. PN: You primarily use Fujifilm X Series cameras and, of course, they are capable of excellent image quality. However, have you ever considered shooting with Fujifilm GFXmedium format cameras? Chris Upton: I’ve used both the GFX 50S and 50R, they handle really well and the image quality is stunning and I have considered switching frommy X Series. However, choice of gear is based on a number of factors, including the way I shoot. The X Series offers me the image quality to produce large prints, the range of lenses that I need and is relatively small, portable and light, which is very important for my travel photography. A tough one, perhaps, and I’m not saying never, but just not at the moment. PN: A Desert Island Discs -type question: if you had to pick only one camera/lens combination, what would you choose and why? Chris Upton: That vote goes to the X-H1 and XF16-55mm f/2.8, as these two work together superbly. The lens, with its versatile 24-83mm full-frame equivalent focal length, has a fast f/2.8 aperture throughout the focal range, is weather resistant, robust and delivers superb image quality. Although not image stabilised, when paired with the X-H1 with its five-axis, 5.5EV benefit IBIS, I can now handhold down to1/4sec. The X-H1 has a comfortable and practical grip, which balances really well with the XF16-55mm. It’s very well built, and features a beautiful quiet, soft shutter. PN: What’s your favourite photograph you’ve taken and why? Chris Upton: It’s an image I took at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley,
California. I was there just after dawn and was shooting the patterns and folds in the rocks when a group of walkers appeared on a ridge. Some continued their walk into the valley, leaving these two to give the image some scale and context. I composed to exclude the sky and the valley to give the impression of an unending landscape, took four shots and they were gone, too. It was a magical moment in an awesome environment that I’ll never forget, which I suppose sums up photography perfectly. PN: Which photographer inspires youmost? Chris Upton: This is really difficult as I shoot different genres and different styles. Charlie Waite was an early inspiration, I love his natural style and sublime compositions. Elia Locardi, Richard Bernabe and Steve McCurry are among my favourite travel photographers, while Art Wolfe’s images combine the best of nature and travel with fine art. I just think it’s important to open your eyes to the world out there and draw inspiration from as many sources as possible. PN: A lot of landscape photographers shoot very early and/or very late on the day, so I suppose you’re similar. What do you get up to in the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky, or do you find things to shoot despite the harsh light? Chris Upton: Yes definitely, I prefer to shoot at either end of the day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t photograph in the middle of the day, depending on the season and weather conditions. In the autumn and winter, the sun never rises too high so you can get beautiful, low-raking light throughout the day. Overcast lighting is excellent for woodland and streams, but if it’s really bright and harsh, I would use some time to scout new locations or have a rest before going out for golden hour and sunset. PN: Are you a big user of camera filters? If so, which is the one you use most? Chris Upton: Filters are an important part of my kit, though my use of them
“I just think it’s important to open your eyes to theworldout there anddraw inspiration from many sources”
LEFT Valensole Plateau, Provence. Shot using the FujifilmX-T3 and XF50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OISWR, f/16 at 1/7sec, ISO 160 ABOVE The Peak District. Shot using the FujifilmX-T3, XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LMWR, f/11 at 1/350sec, ISO 160
Issue 77 | Photography News 19
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