Become #greenblooded: FUJIFILM Australia X Photographer shares photography tips for beginner creators 

The trend of ‘retro photography’ is gaining traction and brands like FUJIFILM Australia are tapping into this trend and releasing entry-level cameras like the Fujifilm X-T30 III so more creatives can get on board. 

For those who are new to photography and want to create unique content with ease, FUJIFILM Australia’s X Photographer Andrew Hall shares tips and tricks – no matter what subject matter you are capturing.     

Tip #1 – AM or PM? The time of day affects your photos 

The light is generally softer at the beginning and end of the day. Sunrise and sunset provide ample opportunities to capture gorgeous warm landscapes and seascapes, or flattering portraits in the lovely soft light. 

As a general rule, avoid shooting out in the open during the middle of the day, as the light is too harsh and very high in contrast. For example, portraits taken in those lighting conditions are often unflattering. 

Tip #2 – Use the features of your camera to your advantage

Get to know your camera and the features that come with it. Fujifilm cameras have 20 inbuilt Film Simulations, meaning there are 20 opportunities for creativity. The Fujifilm X-T30 III features a Film Simulation dial  for ease of use. From the rich saturated colours of Velvia to the more subtle tones of REALA ACE and the stark black and white contrast of ACROS, there is a Film Simulation to suit every photographic opportunity. You can see the effect of each Film Simulation through the viewfinder in real time, allowing you to select the one that best suits your creative vision for your images. A fun way to do this could be through setting yourself a photographic challenge with the Film Simulations: 

• Choose ACROS and shoot only in black and white for the day.  
• Pick a colour, for example, find subjects with the colour Red and use Velvia film simulation to emphasise and saturate.  
• Use NOSTALGIC Neg. to create some retro style images.
• Choose ASTIA for beautiful natural skin tones in your portrait images. 

Tip #3 – Know your lenses 

There are two types of lenses; zoom and prime. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning you can’t zoom in or out. For example, a 50mm prime lens will always have a 50mm field of view. Because you cannot zoom, you must physically move closer or farther from your subject to change the composition. This can be a bit restrictive, but it can also help improve your creativity and understanding of composition. 

For certain types of photography, such as portraiture or street photography, prime lenses are ideal. Prime lenses also often feature wider maximum apertures (e.g., FUJINON XF35 mm F1.4 or FUJINON XF35mm F.2), allowing more light to hit the sensor. This makes them ideal for low-light conditions and for achieving a shallow depth of field (blurred background or ‘bokeh’). When to choose a fixed lens:

• Portraits: Lenses like the FUJINON XF56mm F1.2 and FUJINON XF90mm F2 are popular for their beautiful ‘bokeh’ (out of focus highlights) and ability to isolate subjects from the background. The ideal lenses for classic portrait photography are usually prime lenses from about 50mm to 135mm as these focal lengths provide a flattering perspective without distorting the facial features and allows for nice separation from the background when using wide aperture (F1.4 etc). Avoid using lenses of about 24mm or wider for portraiture as the wide-angle nature of the lens will  result in distorted features.
• Low-Light Conditions: Prime lenses’ wider apertures are great for shooting in dim  environments, such as indoors or at night. 
• Street photography or travelling: If you’re looking for a compact, lightweight option for street or travel photography, then a prime lens is your best choice. 

 Zoom lenses offer a variable focal length, meaning you can adjust how close your subject appears in the shot. For example, a FUJINON XF16-80mm F4zoom lens lets you shoot anywhere from 16mm (wide) to 80mm (short telephoto). 

These are more versatile because you can quickly adjust the focal length to capture different types of scenes without changing lenses. Zoom lenses are favoured for events, travel, wildlife and sports photography where the ability to adapt to different subjects and situations on the fly is important. When do choose a zoom lens:

• Versatility: If you need flexibility and don’t want to change lenses constantly, a zoom lens allows you to cover a variety of focal lengths with one lens. 
• Event/Action Photography: In situations where you need to quickly adjust the framing (like at weddings or sports events), zoom lenses are invaluable. 
• Travel: A zoom lens like the FUJINON XF16-80mm F4 allows you to carry one lens that can cover a wide range of scenes, making it easier to pack lighter.

Tip #4 – Think about movement 

Use a road or a river, an ocean pier or a city street to draw the viewer into the image and lead them to the main subject. This is called leading lines, and these can work really well to create a sense of movement and flow through a scene, particularly in landscape scenes.

Tip #5 – Change your point of view 

Don’t forget to look at what is around your feet or towering above you. Lay on the ground beneath a canopy of trees and capture the view above you. Look for patterns and objects on the footpath under your feet as you stroll through the city. Images are everywhere, waiting to be captured, you just need to change your point of view!

Tip #6 – Follow the rules… or don’t 

There are general rules for photographic composition and if you are new to photography hearing terms like “rule of thirds,” “leading lines” and “negative space” can sometimes seem a little intimidating. Often, if an image looks pleasing to you through the viewfinder your brain and your eye may have just used a few of these rules subconsciously. 

Don’t overthink it and just push the button!