Books, How To

3

New Book – FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED, 2nd Edition

I’m excited to announce that the 2nd edition paperback version of my bestselling FUJIFILM guide book, X SERIES UNLIMITED has just been published, and is now available from RockyNook, Amazon, other booksellers and select camera stores.

Now at 306 pages, with lots of new text and a host of brand new images, FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED has been fully updated to cover the powerful new fifth generation X series models, including, X-H2, X-H2S, and X-T5.

And of course, it also covers all previous X SERIES cameras as well, since nearly every single model has the same menu system, and they all share many of the same settings and functions.

The Ultimate Fujifilm Guide Book

As with the ebook version, you’ll learn every feature and every menu item, button, and function of the FUJIFILM X Series lineup. More importantly, you’ll learn how to use these features and settings in actual shooting situations out in the world in order to capture great photographs.

In addition to all the technical info and tips on how to adjust all your camera settings, FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED is packed full of inspiration. I show you how to optimize your settings for maximum creative control and I tell you how to take advantage of the best features on the X SERIES cameras so that you can have the most fun possible with your camera.

If you’ve taken a workshop with me, or seen my presentations or video lessons, then you know that my primary goal as an instructor is to show you how to have maximum confidence and fun with your photography.

I want you to love taking pictures as much as I do. I want you to love your Fuji camera as much as I do, and I want you to be able to take awesome photos that you love, and that you’re really proud of. Thats what you’ll get from this book.

Get Your Copy Today!

Order your print copy of FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED, 2nd Edition to feel that luscious real paper beneath your fingertips, and learn how to get the most from your Fujifilm camera in the process.

Order from Amazon here.

And if you want to see what other readers have said about this helpful guide, you can read some testimonials here.

June 13, 2023
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
New Book – FUJIFILM X SERIES UNLIMITED, 2nd Edition

Reviews and Recommendations

0

DxO PhotoLab 6 Now has Full FUJIFILM X-Trans Support

DxO Software’s flagship photo editing program PhotoLab 6, (v.6.4) now features full support for Fujifilm X-Trans sensor cameras, including the new X-T5, X-H2 and X-H2S, as well as previous models. It’s also fully compatible with Nikon Z9 NEF RAW files.

Fuji and Z9 users now have full RAW-processing capability, with PhotoLab 6, and can thus take advantage of DxO’s updated DeepPRIME XD denoising algorithms, which uses machine learning to remove noise and preserve an exceptional amount of detail and color clarity in your image.

I’ve been using DxO PhotoLab for the past two years, and I’ve been highly impressed with its array of powerful image editing tools and relatively easy user interface. The comprehensive tool palettes offer everything from quick adjustment options, to in-depth processing options for everything from exposure, color, lens correction and retouching.

A powerful local adjustments menu allows you to perform precise edits with masks, brushes, control points/lines, graduated filters and erasers.

In addition, you can also incorporate other DxO programs seamlessly into your workflow, such as FilmPack, which produces classic film effects from the past, and the entire NIK Collection of 8 powerful and popular processing plugins, like Silver Efex, Color Efex, Viveza and HDR Efex.

One of my favorite components of DxO PhotoLab, is that it contains an integrated library/digital asset management module, which allows you to browse, search and organize your images, without the hassles of having to actually import all of your images.

This has long been my issue with so many photo programs. If you have a massive library of images, it can take many hours, or even days to build an image database from scratch… that is, if it even finishes without freezing or crashing the program and forcing to you to start over. And even if you do get it all imported, browsing a database can be much slower and way more computer intensive than simply looking at individual folders

That’s what PhotoLab does; it’s simply a browser, and much like Photo Mechanic, which is my all-time favorite image browser, it just looks at whatever folder you point it to. And you can choose how to sort or display your images, set tags (picks/rejects) view EXIF and metadata for your images and also add/sort by keywords and add/sort by color and star ratings as well.

PhotoLab 6 also has a new Soft Proofing feature, which uses paper and ink simulations to help ensure even greater accuracy when preparing your image files for printing.

I’ve used a lot of photo editing programs over the years, and for me, DxO PhotoLab 6 ticks all of the boxes. It has all of the power I would ever need, whether I’m doing full RAW conversions, deep editing or just adding some life to my straight Fuji JPEGs, it has a simple, straightforward user interface, a built-in image browser, and none of the frustrations that I’ve found with other software.

Now, with full Fujifilm support, I’m able to use PhotoLab to bring out maximum detail from my X-T5 images and make them look as good as they can possibly be.

And finally, no subscriptions with PhotoLab 6. One-time purchase and it’s yours.

Check out DxO PhotoLab 6 here.

March 20, 2023
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
DxO PhotoLab 6 Now has Full FUJIFILM X-Trans Support

How To, Online Courses, Personal and Pro Insight

1

Read Student Testimonials for My Fujifilm Autofocus Course

Almost three weeks ago, I launched my brand new online course, MASTERING THE FUJIFILM AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM, and in that short time, I’ve been blown away by the number of students who have enrolled in the course, and by the amazing feedback I’ve received.

Product image

Mastering the FUJIFILM Autofocus System

Learn How to Get Maximum Performance from your X Series Focus System

631 students enrolled

Select a Pricing Plan
Buy now

“Dear Dan, I am 60% through the course and it is brilliant. I find your combination of careful detailed spoken explanations and pictures much easier to follow and learn from than even your excellent book.”

—————–

-John K.

This course compiles every bit of useful knowledge and real-world practice I’ve gained, not just from my ten years using the X Series cameras but from my 26+ years shooting as a professional action, adventure and outdoor photographer.

With over 2 hours of content, the course is a deep dive into the entire Fujifilm focus system. In a series of 20 individual lessons, spread over 10 different modules, I show you every single setting, every single feature, and how they can be applied to your own shooting process.

“Dan: Awesome course. Well done!”

—————–

-Mark R.

“Very informative and useful!”

—————–

-Robert A.

I also share invaluable tips will help you optimize your camera, so that you can be a more efficient shooter, and I give you tons of real-world tips that will help you increase your proficiency and confidence with the system, especially when shooting challenging and moving subjects

A large part of being a successful photographer is having a full understanding of your gear and realistic expectations of how it will perform in certain conditions.

We Fuji shooters often hear the Fujifilm AF system is not as good as SONY/NIKON/CANON/blahblahblah, and that the X Series cameras are not good enough for shooting things like sports action and birds.

If this is indeed the case, then why have I been able to capture so many great action images with every single X-T model that Fuji has made, from the X-T1 to the X-T5? In addition, why have so many of my favorite action images from the past decade been made with the X-T2, a camera from three generations ago?

The simple fact is that it’s not the camera, it’s the big lump behind the camera that is what makes all the difference in photography, and as a long time experienced pro shooter, I can help you make a difference in your own photography.

“Great course on Fujifilm Autofocus Dan! I ran through all the video, now I will go watch all the videos again with camera in hand to insure I understand all the settings. 

Everyone with a Fuji camera should watch this course. 

Thanks very much, keep up the good work!”

—————–

-Neil M.

The best testimonial I’ve received came from a student named Tim, an experienced, former Nikon user who shoots motorsports. He opted for the Add-On Personal 1:1 Coaching Session that’s available when you enroll in the course, and during our session yesterday, he basically explained it this way:

Enrolling in this course is WAY cheaper than buying a new X-H2 or X-T5.

“I have been a longtime follower of Dan’s website and videos. These were an major influence for my move from Nikon to Fuji back in 2017. Dan’s insights gave the confidence that Fuji could handle sports which what I shoot most.“

“Fuji releasing 3 new models this past year all promising huge AF improvements was very tempting! The question I needed to ask is will a new camera make my images better? About this time I saw the offering for Dan’s course to master the Fuji AF system. I enrolled in the course to make sure I could maximize the camera and lens I have, not drop a bunch of money, and be left with the same questions.“

“Upon enrolling there was an offer to add the personal coaching session which looked like a great deal.“

“The “Mastering the FUJIFILM Autofocus System” course is an excellent training resource to explore the nuances that the manual does not cover. The lessons are short and to the point and end chapter quiz is a check on your learning. The early lessons are a good review of the basis function. As you move on, the lessons hone the intricacies of the settings and menus. As I proceeded through the course, I kept notes to ask questions for the Personal Coaching Session.“

“Meeting Dan in the coaching session was a perfect way to addresses all my questions. He was able to point out some misconceptions I held. I look forward to testing these out in the field.“

“I would very much recommend the course AND the Personal Coaching Session to anyone using the Fujifilm system.“

—————–

-Timothy Owens

No matter what model X Series camera you use, or no matter what you like to shoot, I can help make you a more proficient and skilled photographer, so that you can create exciting and dynamic images that you’ll love forever…

…for about the price of a tank of gas with inflation, which will only last about a week.

You can enroll in the course below, or check out the full course description here, and also see the Personal 1:1 Coaching Options that I offer.

ENROLL IN THE COURSE NOW!
January 24, 2023
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
Read Student Testimonials for My Fujifilm Autofocus Course

instruction, Online Courses, Personal and Pro Insight

0

New Online Course – Mastering the FUJIFILM Autofocus System

I’m excited to announce my brand new online course, MASTERING THE FUJIFILM AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM. It just went live this week, and it’s already getting great reviews from people who have enrolled.

“Great course on Fujifilm Autofocus Dan! I ran through all the video without even picking up my camera, now I will go back and watch all the videos again with camera in hand to insure I understand all the settings.”

“Everyone with a Fuji camera should watch this course.

Thanks very much, keep up the good work!”

—————–

-Neil M.

In my new course, I’ll walk you through the entire Fujifilm AF/MF system, show you all the features, setting and controls, teach you how to use them, and I’ll even share invaluable shooting tips I’ve learned from my 26+ years as a pro outdoor action and adventure photographer.

Whether you shoot still or moving subjects, sports, birds, wildlife, kids, pets, adventure, or any other kind of real-life scene, knowing how to navigate the X Series focus system, and knowing how to work around its limitations, will make you a better all around photographer.

LEARN PRO SKILLS FOR SHOOTING ACTION

APPLIES TO ANY X SERIES MODEL CAMERA

I also cover what I feel are the essential Fujifilm settings that can help ensure even more success when shooting action and moving subjects.

I’ll show you how to customize your camera so that it’s ready for action, and teach give you tips on how to capture more dynamic & visually stunning photos with your X Series camera.

I also cover what I feel are the essential Fujifilm settings that can help ensure even more success when shooting action and moving subjects.

I’ll show you how to customize your camera so that it’s ready for action, and teach give you tips on how to capture more dynamic & visually stunning photos with your X Series camera.

With the tips and techniques I share with you in this course, you are guaranteed to increase your skills and confidence when photographing things that move. I even show you tips that are specifically designed for the new 5th Gen Fuji cameras, like the X-H2, X-H2S and X-T5.

ALMOST TWO HOURS OF FOCUSED CONTENT

LEARN HOW TO DO MANUAL FOCUS OVERRIDE

BECOME AN AUTOFOCUS MASTER

This course is the product of my many years of experience shooting a wide range of subject matter, so it’s your chance to take advantage of my 26+ years as a working pro shooter, in an area where I feel I’m an expert. If you want to be better at focusing, no matter what you like to shoot, then I promise, this will be a very helpful resrouce. 


If you haven’t enrolled already, you can check out the course here. And as with all my courses, you have a fully 100% money back guarantee if you’re not satisifed. 

ENROLL IN THE COURSE HERE
January 6, 2023
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
New Online Course – Mastering the FUJIFILM Autofocus System

Camera Gear, Featured Images

4

My First Photos Shot with the FUJIFILM X-T5

Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska

Eight years ago, I got to test a new camera that hadn’t even been announced yet. It was the Fujifilm X-T1, and with its high performance and small, rugged form factor, it was the world’s first weather-sealed, fast action capable outdoor-ready mirrorless camera.

Instantly falling in love with the X-T1, my entire photography life was transformed, and with the successive X-T2, X-T3 an X-T4, I had a front row seat as the X Series cameras came of age over the next few years.

This week, the next chapter began in my X Series life when I snagged the last X-T5 in stock at my local store. As soon as I opened the box and put the camera in my hands, my X Series love was rekindled once again with this new hot-rodded fifth generation model. And with the regular 3-way tilt LCD screen, it felt like home again.

I won’t delve into the specs here, although you can find them at my X-T5 into post. I’ll just say that with a chassis that’s closer I size to the X-T1 than the X-T4, the new X-T5 felt like a familiar friend. Inside, though, the X-T5 is essentially the bionic version of the X-T1.

With the radically upgraded 5th gen features and specs that were introduced earlier this fall with the X-H2 and X-H2S, the X-T5 brings almost all of that into the traditional SLR style “X-T” body that so many of us love.

Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska

Being “magic hoar frost” season here in Anchorage right now, I immediately slapped a lens on it, (the XF70-300mm), bundled up and took it for a short walk around my neighborhood in the clear, cold -10F degree air. Over the next 53 minutes, I shot a collection of photos that I feel perfectly show of what I’ve always loved about the X Series.

All of these are straight JPEGs, right out of the camera. Most were shot with the Velvia film simulation, although the last photo in this post was made with the new Nostalgic NEG film sim.

I’ll definitely be posting more images and doing some review posts and videos for the X-T5 after the new year. For now, enjoy these snowy photos and have a great holiday season!

If you want to grab an X-T5 for yourself and support my site, you can order one at B&H Photo.

Also, if you do get one, my bestselling Fuji guide, X SERIES UNLIMITED, has been fully updated with all the relevant X-T5 info.

Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska
Winter scenics around Anchorage, Alaska. Shot with Nostalgic NEG film sim
December 22, 2022
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
My First Photos Shot with the FUJIFILM X-T5

Camera Gear, Reviews and Recommendations

5

The FUJIFILM X-T5 is Here!!!

8 years ago early 2014, Fujifilm released the groundbreaking X-T1. This was the world’s first fully weather sealed, fast autofocus, action-ready mirrorless cameras designed specifically for outdoor photographers.  

With its incredible, innovative capabilities and small stylish, SLR-inspired body, this amazing camera took the world by storm and set the tone for everything that came afterward in the entire industry.  

I had the privilege of being one of the very first photographers in the U.S. to shoot with the X-T1, and since that day, my photography life was changed forever, from the moment I first picked up the camera.

Following up on this highly innovative machine, Fujifilm improved each generation of the X-T line with more power, more performance, more features and constantly improving image quality, and today, they have announced the brand new 5th generation X-T5.

Designed with the same 40MP X-Trans HR BSI sensor and 5th gen X-Processor Pro 5 engine, the X-T5 has nearly the same specs and feature set as the X-H2. It has up to 7 stops of IBIS in-body stabilization, 15 fps mechanical shutter, up to 20 fps ES, the new ultra-fast Subject Detect AF system, the new Pixel Shift Multi Shot feature, and 6.2K/30p video capabilities with up to 13+ stops of dynamic range.

And it retains the same classic styling that so many people have come to love on the X-T series.

In many ways the X-T5 is nearly identical to the X-H2, but there are a few differences. I have just uploaded my X-T5 launch day video analysis, where I preview the new camera and discuss the main specs and features, and let you know how it compares to the X-H2. 

  • 40 Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI Imaging Sensor
  • 15 Frames per second in Mechanical Shutter
  • Up to 7 stops of Internal Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) 
  • New shutter 500,000 snaps.
  • 160MP pixel shift multi shot 
  • New subject detect AF
  • Nostalgic Neg film sim
  • 1/180,000 Max Shutter Speed in Electronic Shutter
  • 0.8x Magnification, 3.69 Mil Dots EVF
  • Externally Record Apple ProRes Raw or Blackmagic RAW
  • Up to 13+ stops of dynamic range with F-Log2
  • 6K/30P 10-bit 4:2:2 Video 

This is a very exciting day indeed!!! Enjoy the video, and be sure to leave a comment and let m know what you think or if you have any questions.

Finally, you can preorder the X-T5 here at B&H Photo and Amazon. It starts shipping in two weeks, on November 17.

November 2, 2022
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
The FUJIFILM X-T5 is Here!!!

How To, instruction, Press, Interviews and Info

0

Check Out My Brand New Online Photography School!

A couple weeks ago, I asked my subscribers to let me know what kinds of online photography courses they’d like to see me teach, and I got some incredible feedback! After reading hundreds of answers, I have some solid direction about how to proceed, and I’m looking to start filming some brand new courses in the next few weeks.

With that in mind, I’m excited to announce the launch of my brand new online school, which features a free course, called Creative Color Techniques for Photographers and brand new options for personalized individual coaching.

My Signature Course – Now in 3 Flavors!

In addition, I’m now offering 3 different options for my signature 30-lesson course, Photography On The Brain, that are designed to better match a variety of budgets and commitment levels.

ESSENTIALS gets you unlimited access to all 30 lessons and downloadable PDF assignments, at the lowest price I’ve ever offered. (Even lower with the discount below!) 

WORKSHOP adds full forum access where you can share you own insight, post your images for critique, and get input from me and other students. 

MENTORSHIP goes even deeper by adding personal coaching with a series of 4 one-hour video calls. This is the ultimate way to keep your motivation up and get targeted instruction and insight as you progress through the lessons. 

Photography On The Brain is still the most thought-provoking instruction on composition and creativity that I’ve ever offered. 

I cover such a wide variety of topics that you are guaranteed to come away with a huge batch of new ideas, confidence and inspiration.  

If you want to be better at composition gain more creative confidence, then I strongly urge you to check out this course, because I know it will help you expand your creative skills in a big way.  

Go Deeper with Personal Coaching

I’m also unveiling my brand new PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COACHING SESSIONS. 

With three different video call options that range from 30-minute Quick Coaching sessions, 60 minute 1:1 sessions and an extended series of 4 one-hour monthly sessions, I can give you one-on-one advice, targeted instruction, and provide critiques, direct feedback and direction that will help you progress in your current photography life. 

Whether you just need quick answers about a specific topic you’re struggling with, insight about how to better apply a certain creative technique, or if you want more in-depth feedback and ongoing follow-up, this is an incredible option for learning. 

Awesome New Course Interface and iOS App

I’m so excited about my new course site, which is built with the Teachable interface. The user dashboard and lesson pages are so easy to navigate, and they look great! You can view the lesson videos and assignment briefs with unlimited access on any device, and there’s even a free iOS app you can use for streamlined viewing of lesson material when you’re offline. 

I actually did a 12-week online singing/vocal course last winter that was built with the the same framework, and I was really impressed by the clean format and ease of access that Teachable offers. That’s why I’m using it for my own courses, and I think you’re really going to like how it looks and functions.  

Limited Time Launch Discount!!! 

Finally, to celebrate the launch of my new course site, I’m offering my readers a special limited time discount code for Photography On The Brain.  

Use coupon code LAUNCH20 at checkout to save 20% on either theESSENTIALS or WORKSHOP tiers. (This code is only good for the next two weeks.)

My readers have been incredibly supportive over the years, and that’s why I’m so excited about my new course site. I know that you guys like to learn from me, and you deserve the best possible user experience to access and absorb the information that I share.  

I’m looking forward to building and uploading more courses in the coming weeks and months, but for now, I encourage you to check out the site, try out my free color course, and the share my courses with your other photographer friends.  

Thanks so much for reading and take care.

October 20, 2022
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
Check Out My Brand New Online Photography School!

eBooks, instruction, Press, Interviews and Info

4

My Bestselling Fujifilm Guide Now Covers the X-H2 and X-H2S

I’m excited to announce that my bestselling Fujifilm guide, X SERIES UNLIMITED has just been updated will full coverage of the new 5th generation X-H2 and X-H2S cameras. You can grab the latest 2022 Edition here.

The latest comprehensive revision includes all of the new features found in the X-H2, X-H2S, and revised/expanded information about all of the other current X Series models, including the X-T4, X-T3, X-Pro 3, X-E4, X-S10, X-T30/30 II, X100V and the X-T100. 

If you’re a Fujifilm shooter, then this is the most definitive guide to the X Series cameras you can get. It explains every single feature and every single function, and it does so with clear descriptions, real world examples and a very easy-to-follow format.

X SERIES UNLIMITED – October 2022 Edition

It teaches you everything you need to know in order to become a better, more proficient, more creative photographer with your Fuji camera.

It has full coverage of all current and past models, all the way back to the 1st generation X Series cameras, and if you purchase the book, you’ll be entitled to free updates in the future when Fujifilm releases new models and firmware updates. 

Click here to see what other people have said about the guide, and then let me help you get the most from your Fuji camera. Join thousands of other Fuji users around the world who have downloaded the guide and benefitted from the vast amount of knowledge and expertise I’ve put into it. 

If you’re on the fence. rest assured; it comes with a 100% money back guarantee. If you don’t like the book for any reason, I’ll refund your purchase.

Download X SERIES UNLIMITED!
October 4, 2022
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
My Bestselling Fujifilm Guide Now Covers the X-H2 and X-H2S

How To, instruction, Videos

0

How to Make a Music Video with Final Cut Pro X

I’ve got something a little different today. Call it a slight expansion of my teaching skills. Teaching to my passions, if you will. Or you can just think of it as little bit of Friday fun and entertainment.

In my latest YouTube tutorial, I show you how to make a music video. That’s right. Having grown up in the golden age of MTV, and having made a handful of them with my own original recorded songs, I decided to share my knowledge of how to create a classic-style music video using the Multicam feature in Apple’s Final Cut Pro software. 

Specifically, I show you the steps needed to shoot and edit a handful of clips, so that they’re all in sync with the music. Final Cut Pro makes this really easy, but if you don’t know where to look in the software, it’s hard to figure this out. To illustrate, I use the video clips from my own song and music video, A Very Cozy Christmas, which I released back in 2020.

Now, I realize, that a lot of my readers probably don’t use Final Cut Pro, or have any intention of every making a music video for that matter, but who doesn’t love a good music video? The classic ones have such cultural significance in our lives. Or at least they once did.

With that in mind,  it might just be fun to watch this video, just to see how they’re made, and to support my efforts. If you enjoy my teaching style, this is a great way to help me expand my audience, which helps me continue to make more photography tutorials. So, even if you’re not a Final Cut Pro user, or a music producer, please consider watching and leaving a comment, just for that reason. 

So whether you were raised on videos like Thriller, Jump, Every Breath You Take, Hungry Like the Wolf and Sledgehammer, or not, thanks so much for your support and have a great weekend, and I promise, I’ll get back to making some more photography tutorials very soon!

August 19, 2022
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
How to Make a Music Video with Final Cut Pro X

How To

0

Watch My FUJIFILM AF-C Custom Settings Tutorial Video

The AF- Custom Settings are one of the most powerful autofocus features on the Fuijfilm X Series cameras, because they allow you to fine tune how the camera sees and reacts to your scene when shooting fast action and moving subjects.

In my latest video tutorial, I show you detail how the AF-C Custom Setting system works, how to adjust the three main parameters, what each of the 5 presets do, and how to use them to best capture your subjects.

I also let you know which are my favorite AF-C custom settings presets, and I show you how to configure the system to best match the subject matter you like to shoot.

This setting first appeared on the X-T2, and it’s included on nearly every single X Series camera since then, including the X-T30 and X100V.

As an action and sports photographer, I find this to be incredibly useful tool, and one that clearly demonstrates Fujifilm’s dedication to make very high performance cameras that are suitable for handling the fastest action and sports shooting tasks.

If you like to photograph things that move, whether it’s sports, action, adventure, wildlife, birds in flight, race cars, motorcycles, airplanes, or your children, grandchildren and energetic puppies, then I think you’ll find this to be a very useful lesson.

July 13, 2022
See this post
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
Watch My FUJIFILM AF-C Custom Settings Tutorial Video