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FujiFilm X-T30ii, 18-55mm - TP C.Chrome
2024 - Issue 4 - Spring
Welcome to the Spring Issue, which also covers December - strickly speaking that's Summer, but hey.
A busy end of September, resulted in being taken down by RSV and a lingering cough. It kept me out of the water, and I ended up doing many walks with my camera in an attempt to shift it - I probably should have just gone to the Dr sooner. Then just as I was making a recovery, and getting back into the water the family and I got taken down by a nasty COVID strain. On New Years Day, a few days in bed with fevers and 10 days worth of recovery used up what little leave I had booked. At least I managed to get the new Aquatech water housing (that I mentioned in the last update) into the water in 2024 - albeit on the very last day (so look out for some surfing picture at the end!).
As a result there are lots of days, where I was just going for a walk and took the small Fuji Film xT30ii with me, so again, not so many surfing pictures.
I've created my own Fuji Film recipe, it's like a preset that you can store on your camera. You can tweak many settings including grain, which I included a small amount to give that film aesthetic. It means you can create a look baked straight into a Jpeg, so less editing. My recipe is very subtle and you don't see the grain when looking on phone screen, but is noticeable when you zoom in or look at it on a larger screen..
My recipe is based on the Classic Chrome film simulation, with tweaks. Not as extreme as Reggies Portra
The Bower (Fairy Bower), is one of the most photographed places and often used for brand campaigns, there's gotta be a least one a week on the regular. With its Mediterranean vibe, and a natural shelter from the southerly winds I can see why. Swimwear, Fashion, Drinks the list is endless, and it seems as though it is the ideal back drop.
I wanted to try my film receipt on some classic bower days.
Iconic Freshie Summer South Corner with Jarrad Howse on the Photo Bomb. Check out Livelihood, an excellent project by Callum and Alicia, Featuring local businesses and hosted by Jarrad
Fuji Film X-T30ii, 18-55mm, TP C.Chrome
Fuji Film X-T30ii, 18-55mm, TP C.Chrome
Show and Shine, a quick visit to Bennett Surf Co and the Brooky Surf Club museum and see the some of the boards on display for the festival. The oldest child needed to capture some images on film for his uni assessment and I knew there would be plenty of interesting compositions that he could point his camera at.
The film Camera is an Olympus OM2 with a 50mm 1.8, circa 1975 and still going strong. We also popped next door to McTavish Surfboards
Canon R6ii, 50mm 1.8
iso 3200 | f3.6 | 1/100
Some night time shots to see how the Fuji X-T30ii goes in low light
iso 3200 | f3.6 | 1/60s
iso 3200 | f3.6 | 1/40
Fuji Film X-T30ii, 18-55mm and TP C.Chrome
A new brewery in town. The revamped Wharf Bar is now Felons Manly. I couldn't resist getting a few shots of this Landy on the way home.
Plenty of beach days in November. Fuji Film X-T30ii
Four Ways. The annual community event pitching 4 local clubs against each other. Hosted by Freshwater Longboard Club, with Curl Curl Longboarders, Reef Riders and Manly Malibu Club. This year Manly took the honours.
Photo Gallery here
Photos taken with a two camera set up both crop sensors.
- Canon 80d + 100-400mm (160-640mm)
- Fuji Film X-T30ii + 18-55mm (28-82mm)
Canon 80d + 100-400mm
Canon 80d
Fuji Film X-T30ii, 18-55mm. Four Ways 2024 Winners - Manly Malibu Club
With all that has been going on work wise and health wise, it fair to say that I've missed many sunrises and slept in. This day, I got close and arrived shortly after the sun had cleared the horizon. As of writing I still haven't managed to make that many before dawn trips to the beach. [ Canon r6ii + 24-105 f4 ]
The reason I almost made the sunrise, is that I'd been waiting for a Friday that wasn't windswept and overcast so that I could capture some clean crisp morning photos for the Freshie Sunrise Swims community. If you like the idea of a wholesome and refreshing dip in the ocean, a coffee and chat on a Friday morning then check them out. There's not many better ways to finish off the work week and welcome in the weekend. [ Canon r6ii + 24-105 f4 ]
Whilst the surf pictures suffered, there were plenty of @postcardsfromfreshwater shots.
Fuji Film X-T30ii + 18-55mm
Fuji Film X-T30ii + 18-55mm
[ Canon R6ii + 100-400mm ] - another sunrise that I missed.
The breakfast club. Andy, Jakub and Eva. [ Canon R6ii + 100-400mm ]
As I was missing the morning photo window, before work by sleeping in. I tried to make up for it by get out for the occasional stroll during lunch. Which for these Slim Aarons style of photos works well.
Another lunch time walk down to the beach [ Fuji Film X-T30ii + 18-55mm ]
I finally managed to get to the beach before sunrise, on the last day of the year. I had been waiting for a small day to work out the new Aquatech set up, and the forecast was for a nice sunrise.
Canon R6ii + 50mm, + Aquatech water housing
Canon R6ii + 50mm
The thing about surf photography that draws me in, apart from being a surfer, is the challenge. Anticipating the wave, the surfer and the light - all of which you have no control. Even your movement in the water is outside of your control. The addition is, like surfing, when it all comes together.
Canon R6ii + 50mm, + Aquatech water housing
Canon R6ii + 50mm + Aquatech water housing
I'm extremely grateful for everyone that is following along with me and special thanks for those that have supported my art in 2024, you know who you are.
Thanks, Tony.
Canon R6ii + 50mm, + Aquatech water housing
