Learning

Photography is more than just pointing and shooting—it’s about capturing the world in a way that tells a story or evokes emotion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, there’s always something new to learn. From choosing the right gear and mastering light to nailing composition and post-processing, these tips will help refine your skills and make your photos stand out. Dive in and explore practical advice to take your photography to the next level!

The Moon

The Moon

Found a second hand EF400mm F5.6L USM at Map Camera in pristine condition. Cost me a lot less than a brand new RF100-500mm for about the same reach. It’s also less bulky and slightly lighter. It does not have IS, but since the R6 (or the R5 for that matter) does have IBIS, it’s not…

Mitakon Vintage

Mitakon Vintage

There’s a special kind of joy in using a manual lens like the 35mm f/0.95—large aperture, dreamy bokeh, and that tactile focus feel. Pair it with a vintage filter, and you’ve got a recipe for instant creative vibes. It’s less about perfection and more about the process, and every shot feels personal. Definitely a combo…

X-H1 IBIS
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X-H1 IBIS

With IBIS on the X-H1, even small prime lenses can be stabilized: here the 23mm/f2 handheld at 1/4s. Long exposure with motion blur creates such dynamic and artistic shots. Whether it’s streaking lights, flowing water, or blurred movement of people, it adds a sense of energy and time to an image. The effect transforms everyday…

Subway Speed
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Subway Speed

Testing the X-H1 with the 10-24mm to see if IBIS makes a difference, but it turns out I still can’t push beyond 1/4s—about the same as I could manage with the X-T2. Not that I’m complaining, as 1/4s is already pretty solid for handheld shots. Just wanted to see if the IBIS would let me…

787 Narita
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787 Narita

Took two shots with the Zhong Yi Optics 35mm f/0.95, one wide open and one at f/5.6, and the difference is fascinating! At f/0.95, the dreamy, creamy bokeh takes over, isolating the subject beautifully with a soft, artistic vibe. It’s perfect for creating that shallow depth of field look. At f/5.6, the scene becomes much…

Zhong Yi Optics
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Zhong Yi Optics

First day with the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II on my Fuji X-T2, and I’m seriously impressed! The results are remarkable—it reminds me of my beloved Canon 50mm f/1.2L, but sharper and much easier to focus. That Canon lens produced stunning images but was notoriously tricky to nail focus with. I think it…

Christmas Mood

Christmas Mood

The festive lighting at Omotesando Hills for Christmas is nothing short of spectacular. The elegant displays and twinkling lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending modern style with holiday cheer. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the Christmas spirit while enjoying the chic vibe of Omotesando. For reference, the same scene but in…

XF 55-200mm

XF 55-200mm

Took some handheld shots at 1/15s using the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS, and I’m impressed. This “cheap” zoom really delivers. The image stabilization is fantastic—better than I expected and even better than the Canon 100-400mm I used to own. With the Fuji, I can still get sharp shots at 1/15s, whereas with…

Traffic Lights

Traffic Lights

As I mentioned earlier, playing with the focus ring of the little Zeiss Biogon is such a treat. Here’s a defocused shot of the road while waiting at a traffic light in Tokyo. The blurred lights and soft bokeh create a dreamy, abstract vibe—proof that even a mundane moment can turn into something visually interesting…