While driving to Bjelovar to meet Darko, I noticed some old buildings which would make a great image. Should return here when I have enough time to capture them as now I was already running late and had no time for a long exposure image.

I met Darko in a gasstation as it was halfway for the both of us. Nothing special, though the coffee bar inside as a bit surreal, and totally fitted the mood of today’s surreal world.

After the meeting, when walking back to the car, I turned around and noticed this wonderful light. An image was inevitable…

the camera captured it perfectly and only minor adjustments were needed afterwards. I guess I am going to enjoy this camera.

It’s the evening before the partially lockdown and I meet Darko in a gasstation near Bjelovar. The drive to it went quick as streets are empty. A new virus came into our world and we need to adjust. Yet, I decided to meet Darko, shortly though, 45 minutes, just enough to talk about camera’s, lenses and photography. At the end of our meeting, I ask the unavoidable question. Can I make a photo? The background is surreal, it fits the present time, which is rather surreal as well. 

Long exposure photography. It is something I’m playing with for a long time. First infrared, then with portraits and then nature and objects. Infrared was on film, lost case. Portraits are long, but not that long: several seconds. 

Nature and objects need several minutes and the cameras I had were not fit for that: the sigma’s didn’t like my filters, and the x-pro did not lend itself for static work: it is simply not such a camera. 

Then, some weeks ago, being along the seaside, I tried again. This time with the xh1: great for work from a tripod and filters nor long exposure are bothering the sensor. I took four exposures: one normal one and three long exposures, the last one being ‘ruined’ as a rather big boat left a rather big wave in my so calm sea.

The first long exposure image was the best in the end: meet the island of Cres, seen from Opatija.

Though the jpeg out of camera looked great, I decided to process the raw image due to colour shift due to the long exposure time.

Dina returned from maternity leave and looked great so I asked her for a portrait. She accepted. Little would I know that it would be the last portrait with the Merrill. Despite being a great camera, I had to sell it. I still have mixed feelings about it as this camera belonged to my project “seconds”, long exposure portraits. For the time being I stop with the project. I created 210 portraits: Dina is the last. At least for now.

Third day in a row that I force myself to make a portrait. It is so funny, when commissioned, there is no fear. I gained the trust of the client and I will deliver. Now, when I need to ask for a portrait, the feeling is different. I am commissioning a person for a portrait instead of the other way around. Anxiety. I could talk about this for hours, but I won’t.

At least, today my subject was shy as well. I’m not alone. To her, a portrait was ok, if she could hide behind her hands. I loved the idea, so I accepted. This time I took more time, using pure window light and a plain wall in my office as a background.

Meet Jelena.

This time I used a custom made acros setting, which is less gritty, more soft to our skin. It’s base I used already with the normal monochrome settings of fuji, but acros really rocks. Raw is only used now as a backup in case I need colour while shooting b/w. Though I thought I’d shoot only 6x6 with my new cam, I do enjoy - and shoot now - 6x7. May be I should try 4x5? Afterall, this is the base of large format.

Regarding the GFX, you can’t notice it on the resized images, but quality is insane. If I crop on Jelena’s eye, I see myself reflected in her pupil. Amazing. 

My heart is pumping, the bar in the office is full of people and I am running late already. But, I promised myself I’d take a portrait. Who to ask? Who will cooperate? I asked a colleague, but he refused, as always. I get nervous as I need to go but I need to get a shot. Mmmmm, this sounds like an addict. May be I am. May be I should be. Questions. No answers.

In the end I take the easy way: I ask the barista as she is in a good mood. Tomorrow she goes on holidays. Good for her. Happily for me she accepts. I take two shots. Again fear of failure rules me and I rush, leaving me with a rather bad composition. Nevermind, tomorrow will be better. 

Meet Ivana. 

This time, the Acros setting fits the scene and I’m happy with the tonal contrast. My new camera plus lens is unforgiving though: no way too hide.

Encounters. “Meet (someone) unexpectedly.” I tried a series before, to take a portrait of those I meet. Somehow, for whatever reason, the series didn’t last long. Can’t really recall why.

However, a new setup is a great reason to (re)start a project. And I need one, to form my ideas, to shape myself, to push the creative me. So, a retry of “Encounters”: a portrait series of those I meet. Setup will be simple: one camera, one lens, available light and that’s it.

There is no better day to start than today. I should not postpone. The camera is still unknown to me, settings as with the x-series, but it might not be good enough as the sensor is totally different. 

Today I meet Zeljko, he reacted on my ad of the XF90. We discuss photography, I guess we’re about the same age. We talk film, medium format and all that stuff. He works for national TV, and knows about photography. 

I decide to take my shot. Nervous as I am, as I always am when I ask a stranger for a portrait, I ask: “can I …”. He allows me, and silly me, I take only one shot. A quick frame, badly composed, not fully aware of the in-camera settings.

I must improve myself, I must get over the anxiety of asking. I simply must. And when I finally ask, I must take those five seconds, or may be even five minutes to put myself on easy. To create the image I have in mind, to create that great portrait.

Funny, with paid assignments this fear is not there. You selected me, you trust me, and I will deliver. The problem arises when I ask you…

Anyway, enough talk, meet Zeljko. 

As my film simulation was too gritty (most probably not for indoor usage), I processed the image in capture one: conversion to B&W and some dodging/burning.

Dunja asked me to take a bridal portrait on the wedding day, before the whole ceremony started, to have an hour or two to create some nice images. A request I immediately granted as I love such sessions cause one can do them without any rush. Dunja was one of those bride with a serene beauty and we had a great time during our photosession.

While looking at my images, it looked like the flowers were dancing. There last dance though as they are dying. Yet, while dying they show their tremendous beauty. One must love tulips.

These are the first images I’ve taken with my new camera. Till now, I remain impressed.

The decision has been made. Back to basics. Today my new camera arrived and all the rest (except one) has been put on sale. Writing reviews is not my specialty and will never be, However, I’d like to share my first impressions of the Fuji GFX50R.

Unboxing

With the Fuji x-series, all boxes where nicely black, and the one from the X-PRO1 was very nicely made. So I was surprised to now get pure white boxes. Classic, yet different. Very nice touch. Not important for me though, as I hope to see the box never again until I sell the camera (I never keep my camera’s when I upgrade and/or switch systems).

Size

Of course the camera is significant bigger then the x-series, but not so much bigger then the X-H1. I’d say it is like a Mamiya 7 (with the GF50mm) and I am not sure if I will need an additional grip or not. This time will tell me. With the GF110mm attached, for sure I will need two hands though I intend to use a tripod mostly with this lens and that’s why I am grateful that it has an adjustable screen.

Weight

Even with the bigger GF110mm, not too much, though I would not like to walk around with that lens whole day, but therefore I bought the GF50mm instead. This will be my everyday walk around lens.

Buttons

Seems perfect to me. Not too many, and all clearly in reach. That said, it will take a while before my hands can find them seamlessly. I need to go out and shoot.

Beauty

To me, the X-PRO series are gorgeous camera’s, almost as the Contax G1. The XH1 is an ugly beast. But extremely functional and good to hold with bigger lenses. The GFX50R is in between. Not as ugly as the XH1, not as beautiful as a X-PRO.

Sound

Huh? Sound? The camera has a shutter that makes noise. A rolling shutter sound, didn’t hear this for ages. Now, one can move to an electric shutter (which is perfectly silent), but for the time being I will enjoy the sound. A present surprise.

So, I’d say that the first impression is a rather positive one, which is nice as of course my expectations were rather high as well.