Q&A August 2024
Gear
How to know what gear to bring to a shoot?
This is a big topic so will make a dedicated blog. For now though I’d say a 24-70 zoom and a 35mm prime will cover most scenarios.
Is 4mm a big difference between 23mm and 27mm Fuji lens?
Surprisingly yes.
Best use of a crop sensor?
To take photos.
Tips on staying safe with camera gear?
https://www.snapsbyfox.com/blog/how-to-travel-with-camera-gear-safely
Is Fuji AF problem impacting me?
No.
Have you tried LUMIX cameras?
No.
Do I plan to use older Fuji gear for fun?
No.
My favourite Fuji lens?
23/33 f1.4
Difference in IQ between X100VI and XT5 + 23mmf2?
Not really.
Best intermediate camera?
I can only talk about Fuji brand because it’s all I used. I’d say something like an XT50 or XS20 is good.
Is the Sigma 18-50 worth it?
It’s a good travel lens but I miss the build and aperture ring of a Fuji lens. Rumour has it that a new 16-55 is coming so will wait for that too.
Why do I shoot in high ISO and SS?
ISO is usually around 500 due to me using a higher dynamic range setting. Other than that I’d rather deal with some noise than with motion blur.
Best Fuji prime to pair with a 90f2?
33mm f1.4
Why am I using an X100 again?
I sold the V years ago because I didn’t really need it. I got the VI to see what the fuss is about. Currently 5050 on whether I will sell or keep.
Best travel camera besides X100 series?
XT50 with a compact 18-50 lens. Latest iPhone Pro.
Best lens for shooting Carnival?
I’d say a 35mm (full frame).
Thoughts on compact pocket cameras?
Rather use my phone to be honest.
Have I ever thought about moving away from Fuji?
At some point I want to go through a phase where I experiment with all other brands.
Is it a good idea to look at settings in Auto first as a starting point?
I’d say start in aperture priority first and then look at settings. Set it to around f4 - f8.
Small camera bag suggestion?
On the cheap end have a look at the Uniqlo sling. On the premium end, any of the Bellroy Venture slings are amazing.
Photography
How to know what to photograph?
Start by photographing whatever it is that catches your eye.
Can you make good photos in any location?
Yes. Some take much more work than others though.
Tips on shooting in the rain?
Shower cap for the camera, microfibre towel to wipe water off frequently or an umbrella.
What do I think about street photography on a beach?
I think it’s ok from a high level perspective where you can’t see faces and you can’t pick individual people out. However this is more of a postcard photo than a street photo. Traditional street photography though… I personally wouldn’t.
Tips for cleaner compositions with wide angle lenses?
Get closer to the subject.
Do I have any photography goals?
Currently it’s to travel and shoot as much as I can. 100mph. In a few years I would want to slow down and move towards project based work that might take a longer time but will be more fulfilling. Other than that, I would like to eventually get into more nature and maybe even lifestyle photography.
What has surprised you lately in the world of photography?
The toxicity and engagement farming in the Threads app.
Creative rut advice?
Have some rest and focus on some physical activity. Change the location or subject matter. Try a different focal length or piece of gear (phone only for example). Take inspiration from photo books. Travel.
Why the shift from street to postcard travel photography?
I find myself being more drawn to scenes rather than people. I want to have images i can potentially license in the future. I want to expand my skillset. No other real reason other than that’s what I feel like doing at the moment.
Do I take more or less photos when out shooting now that I have more experience?
Less.
Secretly building a portfolio before launching on IG, any tips?
Done is better than perfect. Don’t wait around, publish it and tweak it as you go along.
What annoys me the most about the current world of photography?
Nothing.
Do I pay attention to the histogram when shooting?
No, only when editing.
Have I ever asked permission of the person in the photo before sharing / making commercial?
For commercial work I would never show faces without a model release. For sharing as an art form I don’t ask unless I want a portrait. I generally don’t show faces any more and if I do, I only share if the person looks good.
Do I ever take long breaks from photography?
No. Photography is my way of journaling.
Editing
What settings do I use in LR to get filmic look?
Tone curve, Clarity and grain.
Editing on iPad vs Desktop?
iPad is better for lightweight travel, coffee shops and working on the road. Desktop is better in every other way.
My Editing style has changed to more retro look, why?
No real reason, just going with the flow. I’m sure it will change to something else in a year or two.
Travel
Will you come to “insert country name / location”?
Yes, eventually.
Future photography locations?
So so many! Iceland, Northern Spain, US, Canada, Vietnam, Norway, Morocco, Alps etc.
Full time travel reflections?
Here are some harsh truths about doing this. A full pros and cons blog will come soon. https://www.snapsbyfox.com/blog/the-harsh-truth-about-being-a-digital-nomad-full-time-travel
Top city on my travel wish list?
Hokkaido.
Lightroom Classic or Cloud?
Cloud for sure.
What’s one place I’d like to shoot again now I have more experience?
Istanbul.
Best EU cities to photograph in the summer?
Anywhere that’s not a touristy famous location. Look at Eastern Europe too.
Will I return to Japan?
Yes.
How many more years of full time travel before settling?
2-3 max.
Favourite cities to shoot in EU?
London, Venice, Istanbul, Seville.
How many days for Valencia to see most things?
3 full days is enough.
Do I wish I could travel without making videos / content?
All the time. In my dream world I only take photos and write blogs.
Other
What’s the best way to get my images in-front of people and grow on IG?
Start a blog or YouTube channel.
Favourite movie from a style perspective?
Honestly no idea, I’m not into cinema and films at all. If pressed for an answer maybe Joker or Irishmen.
What would I do for a living if not photography?
Other than photography I love travel, writing, cars and the outdoors. It would have to include some of those aspects. For sure it wouldn’t be a regular desk job.
How did I get my first paid gig?
Friend needed some fitness photos for his business. I had a camera so gave it a go and he was happy with results. Next time he paid me a little and then others noticed and asked me for the same.
How to start earning money through street photography?
Honestly the only worthwhile way is to build an audience around your work and sell zines, books, photowalks etc. The only other option is to go into event / wedding photography with a street documentary style.
Have I ever tried doing a wedding in my style?
No. I can’t think of anything I want to do less lol.
Any tips on running your own business?
Make sure you have your own product or service to sell and don’t rely on brand deals or people finding you. It’s better to have many smaller pots of income that together combine into a large sum than having one or two large pots. Don’t try to go viral or explode overnight. Build a trustworthy and stable brand over a long time.
Would I ever do a Podcast?
No, I don’t enjoy talking about myself and would rather share things in written form.
What’s my purpose?
To squeeze 100% out of this very brief and finite life and leave with the tank on empty.
How would I summarise my year so far?
Full on.
What would I recommend to young followers who want to grow their IG?
First become a good photographer and grow your skillset before focusing on social media growth.
Will I ever make a physical photo book?
Maybe one day in 5-10 years when I have a huge body of work. It’s not a priority.
How much do I spend a month on travel / living?
It depends on the location but on average around £3000 - £3500 a month. Sometimes more sometimes less. Most of my expenses are under my business so are not taxed. Also I don’t have normal life expenses like rent, car, kids etc.
If you found this blog helpful and wish to learn more about photography & travel while having direct access to me, please consider joining my Patreon community.
