Keeping it simple with the Fuji X-Pro2 and 23mm f/2 lens

For the past week, and the last couple of blog posts, I have been going on my photo walks carrying only the Fuji X-Pro2 equipped with the Fuji 23mm f/2 lens.  On this walk I concentrated on photographing dead and decaying tropical leaves. In their various states of decay, leaves go through subtle color changes that are quite beautiful, and at the same time the leaves twist and reshape themselves into unique sculptural forms to catch the light.

Sticking to one simple camera and prime lens combo forces me to concentrate more on the basic composition of the subject and less on the manipulative abilities of my equipment.

The color variations of the decaying leaves are very subtle. To bring out their natural hues I change the color mode to LAB in Photoshop. This color mode allows me to make non-destructive enhancements to the existing colors that displays them in a fuller palette.

Variations on a theme

An interesting result of photographing the same subject over and over again is that it forces you to dig deeper into your creative self to find new ways of photographing or presenting the subject. I find it a great way to grow my technique.

There is a group of tropical plants not far from my house where I often go to photograph, either to test our equipment or just because I need to do a little creative exercising by stretching my imagination. 

Images were taken with a Fuji X-Pro2 and 35mm f/2 lens.

The images are a composite of two images, one of the plants and the other of a textured wall. I applied the same post-processing technique to both of these photographs so they could work alone or be presented as a diptych arrangement hung next to each other, as below.

Retro shooting with the Fuji X-Pro2 and 23mm f/2 lens

I always get something of a nostalgic rush whenever I pick up my Fuji X-Pro2 camera to photograph. Last year I traded in my Fuji 23mm f/1.4 lens for the more compact f/2 version because I felt it would make a more compact kit that would entice me into using it more on those occasions where I wasn't going out specifically to shoot but wanted to have a camera with me just in case I ran across an interesting subject. Essentially, I was creating something similar to the Fuji X100F with its f/2 23mm lens. The only thing lacking in the comparison was that the lens of the X100 series cameras could photograph more close-up -- something I especially liked about the combo. 

Lately, I've been working on a photographic series of tropical plants. Rather that capturing the more vibrant colors and studied tropical compositions, I've been leaning towards a muted palette and casual composition and trying to portray a look that is more casual and happenstance. I don't want to overwork the composition so I stick mostly to fixed focal length lenses, and especially the Fiji 18mm f/2, which has become one of my favorites.  

The camera/lens combo shown above is the perfect size to conveniently carry around. For close-up shots, I've adapted the old 62mm Nikon 5 & 6T close-up lenses, which I often tuck away in a pocket, just in case they're needed. Admittedly, it would be even more convenient to have just the X100F, but I've been resisting adding another camera to my already over-abundant arsenal of equipment.  Plus, the X-Pro2 does allow me to use my other lenses and is a more suitable backup camera when I'm on location with my X-H1.