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Featuring Manon (Asuki) Parts I, II, III, and IV are now available on the blog. This Fifth session with Manon aka Asuki, was from the start a photoshoot made for the blog exclusively. A fine art nude session that wasn't planned, but I am glad it happened. This allowed me to meet a new model and further use my optical snoot. Temporary Studio Part I Temporrary Studio Part II Temporary Studio Part III Temporary Studio Part IV

Featuring Sarah Lemzaoui 4th session, all portraits, same gear, and location, I am just mixing up the ingredients at this point... and learning from other sessions. This is common, when I do multiple photoshoots in the same location 2, 3 days in a row. The first 2 are usually the ones where I mess up the most, and the last one or two are the ones where I am more efficient.

Featuring Alizée Juras I did not have enough footage, to make 6 different behind-the-scenes videos for YouTube. I have this rule that I can only make it happen if the video exceeds 6 minutes total. at least 6 minutes worth of footage, and I failed to get them for 4 of them. Unfortunately, we'll have to be happy with these 2 videos of Eva, and Alizée... at least on YouTube. For premium members of the blog, I will still release 4 individual articles with the final selected pictures. UPDATE: One apartment and 6 separate sessions, 3 are already online! Temporary Studio Part I Temporary Studio Part III The interesting thing about these sessions is how each one of them was unique. Even though they were made in the same apartment each model brought their uniqu e flavor. And I had to adapt, obviously every time. It took us a few minutes and 2 outfits to find our groove, as it was our first time working together. An optical snoot and a basic 4 lighting set-up were the bases of all 6 sessions. I used two strip boxes placed at the back of my models, a small modifier with a grid was at the top, and the GODOX P128 was as my main or as my fill light above my head, in my back, or sometimes close to the model.  The gear hasn’t changed throughout, the GF110mm, 80mm, and 55mm were my go-to lenses. The camera was of course once again the GFX100II, and the lights used were 2 X GODOX AD1200 pro, 1 X AD600 pro, and 1 X AD300pro. T here you have it, all the main ingredients, let’s see what we cooked this time: I changed my approach during this session, usually, I let my shadows go dark, but this time I wanted more control, and less contrast, so I used the P128 as a global fill light. Alizée Juras (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF80mmF1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/2.5 ISO 100 Same recipe as the following, but with a less problematic shape. A fake large window is easier to work with as it is easier to play with the light and shadows on your model's body and face. Alizée Juras (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/125sec f/2.5 ISO 100 I haven't used this setup in a while. 4 lights (sometimes I add a fifth), with two that highlight the edges, one for the face, and one for the rest. The way the lights are placed makes it easy for the model to move and improvise her poses. The only light that may be an issue is the one for her face. Alizée Juras (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/125sec f/2.8 ISO 100 The setup didn't move after we changed her outfit. I just repositioned from time to time the light above that lights her face. We used a textured hand-painted backdrop for these portraits, but I didn't take advantage of it. Alizée Juras (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/125sec f/2.8 ISO 100 Wooden floors usually mean for me posing on the ground. As we got closer to the backdrop, we finally got to see it. At this point in the session, Alizée seemed really at ease and I gave her fewer and fewer indications. Alizée Juras (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF80mmF1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/2.2 ISO 100 We ended the shoot with her lying on her back. My only regret for this one is not having a backdrop large enough to fit her entirely. Maybe next time? Alizée Juras (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF80mmF1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/2.2 ISO 100

Behind-the-scenes feat. Charline Poncin Just a little behind-the-scenes video of a recent outdoor portrait photoshoot. If I am totally honest, this will take us a few weeks back, when it was still a bit warm out in the streets of Toulouse. It was my first photoshoot with the GFX100II, if you don’t count my first hands on the camera during the Salon de la photo in Paris. Charline joined me on this one, we worked together a few times before but never made an outdoor photoshoot. The Fujifilm GFX100II was accompanied by the GF55mm f/1.7 lens, and the GF110mm f/2. I brought the GODOX AD300 pro, a small light modifier, and a light stand just in case, that I ended up using for most of the session. The GF80mm f/1.7 was also in the bag, but I didn’t use it on this one.  Charline Poncin (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR 1/500sec f/1.7 ISO 80 The reason behind this photoshoot is simple. I wanted to show how I would typically handle a simple straightforward outdoor portrait session. You may recognize the location, I’ve worked there already with another model... Urban portrait photoshoot in Toulouse The main differences between the two are of course the camera and lenses, my photoshoot with Emma was an excuse to test the Sirui Sniper lenses with the XH2s . A few days later I thought to myself, how would I do this if these images weren't for the web? This is how... Charline Poncin (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR 1/800sec f/2 ISO 80 Camera right, or camera left my AD300 pro was almost always placed in a 90° angle on the side. The balance is up to you, my background is often very slightly underexposed. I do not own the GF110mm f/2 lens, I only had it for a couple of days. But it's always a pleasure to have it in my bag, I say it every time, it's one of my favorite lenses for portraits. Charline Poncin (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/250sec f/2 ISO 80 So why did I bring a flash this time? For control... The weather changed constantly, from partially cloudy to cloudy, and I wanted to work on specific streets that don't always work depending on the light. If you go back to my session with Emma , you will see the difference. We have an overall "flatter look", and that's usually what I am trying to avoid. Charline Poncin (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/250sec f/2 ISO 80 I also love how those textures on the walls pop more with the flash. With a light much more directional and an underexposed background, Charline stands out more and the image overall has more depth. Charline Poncin (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/250sec f/2 ISO 80 I will do a proper review of the GFX100II, I am currently testing the video capabilities of the camera. I am sending it back this next weekend, so the review will probably be out after Christmas. The GF55mm f/1.7 was a nice surprise for me, I didn't expect anything from it, as the focal length wasn't one I was looking for. But this 2nd time working with confirmed my first impressions... I love it! The GF55mm f/1.7 was the "Surprise" lens I couldn't talk about back in April. Now you know which lens I used for both of these sessions: Going with flow Less is more Charline Poncin (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR 1/160sec f/2 ISO 125 I mainly used Eye detection for these portraits, and Fujifilm did make some major improvements to the GFX100II. Walking sideways or towards the camera, it nailed almost every shot. It's always nice to be able to trust your camera to get the shot... I will elaborate more on that, in my review. Charline Poncin (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR 1/400sec f/2 ISO 200 If you wonder how these images were retouched, you should watch my video about EVOTO , the AI software I used the past couple of months, that helped me speed up my retouching process… 3 short dance videos are coming out this week, a few blog posts too so stick around! Charline Poncin (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/160sec f/2 ISO 80

Featuring Erica D. Part I and Part II are available on YouTube and of course here on the blog. This 3rd session with Erica, ultimately couldn’t have been published on YouTube. There is not enough footage according to my standards, and the images we got may not be suited for YouTube anyway.

BTS and first hands on the 45mm, & 85mm lenses I think we ran out of words to describe new tools, especially new lenses. Like using the word game changer or "Cinematic" to have people click on your videos. Like many of you, I'm just passionate about creating images. All I'm interested in is what these tools can do for me. I usually go on YouTube or Vimeo to see what some of you have been able to achieve with this or that tool. Let's do the same with the LAOWA proteus anamorphic lenses! The Laowa Proteus Series is the most accessible professional anamorphic lens for Super 35 sensors with a 2X constant squeeze ratio. These are not my words, but that was enough for me to get me excited hoping to get my hands on them and test them. Like I said in the intro, I saw a few images here and there, kind of liked what I saw, and that’s it. The next step was obvious, I had to get my hands on them! This series comes in 8 focal lengths 20/28/35/45/60/85/100/135 they feature a universal T2 aperture, delivering the classic anamorphic characteristics including elliptical bokeh and signature flares with blue, amber, and silver options. Minimum focusing distance is 55cm minimum, delivered in PL mount and an interchangeable EF bayonet is included in the package.  A hard case is also included… and I had the pleasure of working with the 45 and 85mm lenses. For more info about the PROTEUS series: https://laowacine.com/ And that’s I believe all you need to know about them... They are heavy of course, but seem to be built to last. I tested them with the Fujifilm XH2s, and I have to say, I was surprised by the results! Here is one of the two micro-shot dance film we made with the lenses: - Nemesis - Choreography and performance by Jessica Fyfe - Unraveling - Music by Liam Back Special A film crafted by Haze Kware 1st AC Marlène Blackdough Filmed in Toulouse Shot with the XH2s and LAOWA Proteus Anamorphic Lenses Huge thanks to: LAOWA & Astrid Béteille I haven’t seen these lenses available for rent in my area yet, and I hope they will. At this price point, this would be a nice option for indie filmmakers who wish to go anamorphic on one of their projects, without breaking the bank. We used the same apartment but with two different dancers, on two separate days. It's crazy how the personality of a dancer can change the writing of a piece and lead to a completely different video. - P.O.V - Dancer & Choreographer: Paloma Giinestar ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ A film crafted by Haze Kware⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 1st AC: Marlène Blackdough⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Music:⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣- Breathe (Violin solo) -⁣ Music by Sebastian Kauderer⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Filmed in Toulouse⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Shot with the XH2s and LAOWA Proteus Anamorphic Lenses Huge thanks to: LAOWA & Astrid Béteille I do love the feel and look overall of these lenses, even if the size and weight don’t suit my usual run-and-gun style. But I can see myself considering these if a bigger project requires a set of Anamorphic lenses.  Seems like a lot of people are now going anamorphic… will you?

Feat. Eva M. These happen at least twice a year. I'm always looking for empty spaces to occupy. From big to medium, to small apartments, I am always up for the challenge. But the question is why, why go through the hassle? There are three reasons for me, and one is why I don't do these often.  UPDATE: One apartment and 6 separate sessions, 3 are already online! Temporary Studio Part II Temporary Studio Part III Eva M. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/125sec f2.2 ISO 125 I only set these sessions for three reasons: To develop my portfolio... The end of the year is usually my time for a website update. It’s my alternative to studio work! I am not a studio guy, so any photoshoot that needs a backdrop or a simple wall might be done during these sessions. The rare opportunity for people who wish to book me for a private portrait or boudoir session/ It’s an investment if you are doing this for your portfolio. This is why I don’t do them often. I can reduce the overall cost with a few private sessions, and usually, I manage to get the location for free. I completely stopped doing sessions at home. We still haven’t found a way to move, and it became less complicated for me to move my studio elsewhere. I brought with me 2 hand-painted canvas by gravity backdrops, and a Manfrotto kit to set them up. A few fabrics just in case, a set of Apple boxes, 2 GODOX AD1200 pro, 1 AD600 pro, and one AD300 pro. A pair of stripboxes, the Parabolic P128, and a few C-stands. All these sessions were done with the GFX100II, hang on tight, a review is on the way. We had no electricity available and I learned this the hard way... one hour before the first photoshoot. We brought at the very last minute 2 Ecoflow batteries . Eva M. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/125sec f4 ISO 125 Eva M. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF110mmF2 R LM WR 1/125sec f4.5 ISO 160 Eva M. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/160sec f/2 ISO 160 Some of these images were for my portfolio. I needed fresh images, simple portraits where I use my optical snoot , and more. I said it earlier it’s that time of the year when I usually do a big update of my websites. My portfolio: https://www.hazekware.com  I currently use HOSTINGER's website builder for my portfolio. You get premium features at an affordable price. No coding skills are required, and I have been more than happy with the improvements they made to their platforms in the past years. Faster loading times and a better user experience. Everything you need to get a website up and running fast. They have a crazy Cyber Week offer right now until December 3rd, just follow this link:   https:// hostinger .com/hkvisuals and get an additional 10% off by applying the coupon code: HKVISUALS You can thank me later.  Eva M. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/2 ISO 80 Eva M. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/2,8 ISO 80 So every year, as I am approaching December, I slowly look back and take a look at my portfolio. I get rid of images I do not like anymore, and when possible organize these types of sessions if necessary. It doesn’t always work, but I always end up learning a thing or two, so it’s never a waste of time. You might ask yourself how, how does he get access to these… One word: Connexions… BTS Portrait photoshoot (Extended) 5 models 1 location Boudoir session Boudoir & Glamour photoshoot [Part II] I know a real estate agent here, and I know a few owners who rent out apartments. These apartments are sometimes empty, so I take advantage of a transitional period to set up my temporary studio. This is how it works, at least for me, the relationships you build are very important in this business. Eva M. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100II + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/2,8 ISO 80 So expect some changes in my portfolio in the days, to come. I’ve got 3 short films in the editing room right now, I am filming a short dance film next week and I am also currently preparing my last photoshoot sessions of the year… Already. My next video will be up soon, so don’t go too far.

First thoughts on the Aquatech underwater housing solution. It’s all in the title... How can I introduce this more clearly, I cannot. I’ve been wanting to do this for years. But I wasn’t confident in my diving skills, so I had to make it simple, underwater but not deep. Deep enough to make it interesting, but safe for everybody involved. Of course, the one component that helped me make this possible is the accessory that will allow me to shoot underwater. Aquatech was kind enough to send me the model compatible with the XH2s, and all the accessories necessary to use the 13mm, 23mm, and, 33mm lenses. I ended up using only the 13mm and 23mm. Easy to assemble, and solid, you can dive in no time and make your first images. I was a bit nervous at first, but this went away quickly. You have access to the main buttons of your camera, and although it took me a few minutes to get used to the amount of pressure needed to trigger the shutter, everything went smoothly. I even used it on a simple portrait photoshoot, where I wanted to take some shots from the water. The waves were hitting hard, so the case sure helped keep my camera safe and dry. I also used it for video to capture these shots… and again the waves were hitting hard so it was perfect to protect the camera when filming at a low angle. Since it is not my specialty, I don’t think it is a good idea for me to own one. Hopefully, if a project needs it I will be able to rent this, as I am sure it will get the job done. Maeva K. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + XF 23 mm f/1,4 1/8000sec f/1.4 ISO 800 Maeva K. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + XF 23 mm f/1,4 1/8000sec f/1.4 ISO 800 Maeva K. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX 13mm F/1.4 AF 1/4500sec f/1.4 ISO 800 The complete Behind the scenes, and gallery of the following session, will only be available here on the blog for premium members. We made a few images outside the swimming pool, as the underwater shots were only half of that session. So if you are a premium member check out the blog right here: Portrait of a Swimmer feat. Elsa Robereau . Elsa Robereau (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX 13mm F/1.4 AF 1/1250sec f/2 ISO 80 Elsa Robereau (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX 13mm F/1.4 AF 1/1800sec f/2 ISO 80 If your next project requires some underwater shots, check out Aquatech’s website you might find the right case for your camera. Who knows I might like this so much and make a proper underwater dance series in the future. Not for now, but we never know.

Dance photoshoot behind the scenes feat. Anna Romanova & Ricardo Macedo Finally my answer to a question a few people asked the past months... Why don't you shoot tethered? A practical way to communicate with your team, review your photos and adjust your settings on location? Really? Here are my thoughts on the subject, the pros, and cons of shooting tethered... at least, according to my perspective! The Benefits of Shooting Tethered: The ability to view images on a large monitor as I shoot and adjust and check lighting, focus, composition, and camera settings more quickly and easily, and of course I can instantly see my images at full resolution! You can apply edits to your photos as you shoot them. When creating, aiming a specific aesthetic on a shoot through special lighting. Applying edits can help you make sure you’re achieving that effect you want to better prepare the post-production process. You can, of course, control your camera settings and remote trigger from the connected device The luxury to better share images with your art director your client on-site or remotely It also makes communication easier, you can collaborate more effectively with your assistants, stylists, and subjects... It's great when working with dancers, we can correct poses and movements faster. It can also be helpful when you work solo... When you’re shooting without an assistant, it can be harder to be mindful of those small details that can make or break a photo. Being able to tag, rate, compare images while you shoot is a time saver! And last but not least, you are backing up your files to your hard-drive while shooting and thus reducing the chance of losing your images. Of course, there are a few downsides : You can get too caught up in little details while inspecting the photos, and this can slow down your photoshoot. Don't ignore setup time, although it takes only a couple of minutes to set up when you shoot multiple scenes outside a studio, you have to handle and move more gear around, which can also slow you down and break the energy and the rhythm of your session. Tethering can suck the battery life out of both your camera and your connected computer. if you are working on location, you’ll want to have extra batteries with you and be shooting near a wall socket. Lastly, tethering software crashes sometimes for no apparent reason... I still use Lightroom, it is slow, I heard capture one was a better option! These are the reasons why you don't see me shooting tethered on a lot of my shoots... I often need to work fast, I need freedom, so It all depends on the time I have on my hands, who I am working with, and the type of images I am creating... Huge thanks to the Contemporary art museum of Lyon and the Palais de la Bourse for welcoming us. Here are my 5 favorite shots from these sessions with Anna Romanova and Ricardo Macedo! Anna Romanova 5D mark III + Brocolor SirosL 1/200 F8 ISO 800 - 24mm Anna Romanova 5D mark III + Brocolor SirosL 1/60 F2.8 ISO 640 - 24mm Anna Romanova & Ricardo Macedo 5D mark III + Brocolor SirosL 1/200 F5.6 ISO 800 - 24mm Anna Romanova 5D mark III + Brocolor SirosL 1/60 F2.8 ISO 640 - 24mm Anna Romanova & Ricardo Macedo 5D mark III + Brocolor SirosL 1/200 F8 ISO 800 - 24mm

Feat. Kitti Olar This is the complete behind-the-scenes video of my portrait photoshoot in Brussels with Kitti Olar. The entire session was photographed with the Fujifilm XH2s, and the just released Sirui Sniper lenses kit. 3 lenses (23mm, 33mm, and 56mm) with a fast f/1.2 aperture delivering images with a distinctive character. If you missed my first thoughts video, here it is: Sirui Sniper X-Mount Lenses, first thoughts

First thoughts on the Fujifilm X-mount lens. As I get older, I can no longer bear the idea of working outdoors as winter approaches. All the outdoor images that you will see on the channel from now on were made a few weeks ago. I am done until February, maybe even March… It's just too cold outside. So let's talk about this 75mm lens made by Viltrox. With the 13mm lens, these two are the only non-Fujifilm lenses I own and use with the Fujifilm XH2s… and there is a reason why… I never reviewed the VILTROX AF 13mm F1.4 XF because I barely use it for photography. It is always on my camera for videos, but I should sometimes take it out of the bag for a few stills because it’s a great lens overall. We will mostly talk about the VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF here but I had to mention the 13mm because I am really impressed by what Viltrox has achieved with these.  Both work well with the XH2s, they are snappy, responsive, and deliver sharp images. They are also well-built and are available at a decent price . There is no 13mm in the Fujifilm X-mount lens catalog, and I must admit that I first got it because, well I had the XF 23 and 33mm lenses... I sometimes need for my portraits a tighter lens, and the VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF seemed perfect for my needs. It has autofocus of course, and if you often shoot in dark places the f1.2 should help. Fujifilm doesn’t doesn't have a 75mm either, so it was a no-brainer for me. I had to get one. The following two images of Charline , were made just before my first images made with the just-released GFX100II. I had the Fujifilm XH2s in my bag and the 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF, so I decided to make a few images as a warm-up. Charline P. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF 1/400sec f/1.2 ISO 80 The full Behind-the-scenes of this session made with the GFX100II is on the way (I promise). I also took the 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF with me during my trip to Geneva. I stopped working with Dance studios a few years ago but made an exception with Aerial Dance Geneva. I really enjoyed shooting without flashes the past weeks, so I decided to work this way this time again. Spotlight the city of Geneva Mylène S. (Geneva - Switzerland) Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF 1/800sec f/1.2 ISO 80 When working with studios, you photograph performers of different levels. Which requires the ability to adapt and create the best images possible no matter who is in front of your lens. I usually simplify my compositions and add environmental elements inside my frame for more visual interest. Mylène & Marie Caroline (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF VILTROX AF 13mm F1.4 XF Of course, I used the 13mm lens too. My other 2 Fujifilm lenses also helped me create a wide variety of images for my clients. Mylène S. & Marie Caroline (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF 1/1600sec f/1.4 ISO 80 Viltrox was able to build a lens that behaves like a native Fujifilm lens. The 75 flares a little, but the contrast doesn't suffer too much... You might even like the effect. My only complaint would be the overall size of both lenses. I chose the XH2s because I wanted a more compact package when I travel. Both these lenses while they are not gigantic, could have been smaller. I then took it out for a spin one night (or very early morning) and tried a few images using only street lights. Emma Z. (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF 1/1600sec f/1.4 ISO 80 I have to admit, I really like this 75mm. I now just miss a 50 or 56mm lens. I was hesitating with the XF50mm f1.0 but passed because of the amount of Chromatic Aberration in backlit images.  Have you got any suggestions for me? Tell me in the comments below! In the meantime, learn more about the 75mm: VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF I played with another set of lenses recently, but more about these in my next post.

Feat. Emma Diloy This is the complete behind-the-scenes video of my portrait photoshoot in Toulouse with Emma. The entire session was photographed with the Fujifilm XH2s once again, and the just released Sirui Sniper lenses kit. 3 lenses (23mm, 33mm, and 56mm) with a fast f/1.2 aperture delivering images with a distinctive character. If you missed my first thoughts video, here it is: Sirui Sniper X-Mount Lenses, first thoughts