Profile has changed over the past year or so. A polarising filter is invaluable, because you can’t replicate its results in post-processing. I love my neutral density filters to bring some creativity to my images through slowing the shutter speed, but I use neutral density graduated filters a lot less than I used to. There’s a lot to be said for the convenience of getting it right in- camera, but I find that bracketing and blending in post-processing can get me more pleasing and better images. PN: Which one location/country do you aspire to go to, but haven’t yet managed to visit? Chris Upton: I’d love to visit Vietnam. It has such a rich history and culture. The architecture and natural beauty look fabulous, but I like nothing more than getting in among the people, experiencing and recording daily life in the streets, markets and homes. Do you have a final tip for our readers on how they can improve their own photography? Chris Upton: Very simply: get to know your camera and shoot more. Most people typically don’t use all the functions on their cameras, either because they didn’t know they were there or don’t understand them. Now is a great time to sit down with your camera and the manual and go through all those features until changing the main controls and settings becomes second nature. It’s only by shooting pictures, assessing them and correcting the mistakes that your pictures will improve and you’ll become a better photographer. How are your coping with the country’s current lockdown situation? Obviously, you can’t go
RIGHT A street shot full of atmosphere, taken at sunset in Trinidad, Cuba. Shot using the FujifilmX-T2 with the XF18-55 f/2.8-4 R LM OIS, f/11 at 1/200 sec, ISO 200
anywhere, so how are you keeping yourself occupied? Chris Upton: It’s a really difficult time for everyone, we are all impacted in some way and I’ve had to postpone many of my tours and workshops for this year. That said, I believe that out of every crisis there are opportunities, so I’ve been using the time to edit images, improve my processing skills and update my website. The biggest positive has been the opportunity to continue with camera club talks using
Zoom and to help other photographers improve their knowledge and skills through my online learning programmes. It’s been great to ‘meet’ new audiences that previously would have been limited by geography. If any camera club would like to book Chris for a talk or if anyone needs help to move their photography forward, go to his website: chrisuptonphotography.com
“It’s only by shooting pictures, assessing themand correcting the mistakes that your pictureswill improve and you’ll become better”
THE KIT CHRIS USES
Fujifilm X-T3 The X-T3 features the 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 backlit sensor, which gives class-leading image quality without the need for an optical low-pass filter, and its high ISO performance is sure to impress even the most critical user. Image processing is handled by the X-Processor 4, which uses a new algorithm to give an enhanced Film Simulation mode performance, as well as exceptional AF with impressive AF tracking of moving subjects.
Fujifilm X-H1 The 24.3-megapixel X-H1 boasts an in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) feature, developed to make 10,000 calculations every second in five axes to achieve a 5.5EV benefit. Shutter noise and shock
Fujifilm X-E3 The FujifilmX-E3 might be small, but it packs a serious punch with its 24.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor. It also features Bluetooth connectivity for easy image transfer to your smart device, and sensitive and deadly accurate phase- detection autofocusing. Its rear monitor is touchscreen, too, with touch shot and touch AF, and works with intuitive gesture controls, such as flick-and-pinch zoom for image previewing.
Fujifilm XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS With a focal length coverage from ultra-wide to wide-angle, this is the perfect lens choice when you want to make the most of dynamic lines and bold foreground within a scene. Its compact bodyform means it doesn’t take up much room in the bag. The powerful OIS makes sharp shooting when light levels drop a breeze, and an enhanced internal autofocus system is fast, accurate, responsive and quiet.
Fujifilm XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR The XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LMWR is very probably the ultimate standard zoom. It covers the equivalent of 24mm to 84mm in the 35mm format and its fast f/2.8 aperture is constant throughout the range. With an advanced optical design comprising 17 elements (including three aspherical and three ED lenses), this is a lens designed to deliver the highest image quality across the entire frame at every aperture.
Fujifilm XF50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Fujifilm’s flagship telephoto zoom features 23 elements, including six ED lenses and one Super ED lens to minimise chromatic aberration and deliver very high resolution across the frame. The large maximum aperture gives rich bokeh, and build quality is exemplary, with weather resistance, Optical Image Stabilisation and a triple linear motor for breathtakingly fast and silent autofocusing.
Chris Upton uses the Fujifilm X Series with three cameras – the X-T3, X-H1 and X-E3 – forming the heart of his outfit, alongside a trio of high-spec lenses: XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LMWR, XF50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS
have been reduced thanks to a shock-
absorbing shutter unit that makes successful handholding very easy. It’s a great camera to use, too, with a flip rear monitor, large top-plate LCD sub monitor and lockable control dials.
fujifilm.eu/uk
20 Photography News | Issue 77
photographynews.co.uk
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