📸 SNAPSHOT - Issue 61

Welcome to a brand new Issue of my Magazine. A truly brilliant one, enjoy the read :)

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Fujifilm Officially Teases New Camera

After countless rumours floating around the internet, Fujifilm officially dropped a cryptic new teaser last week, hinting at a small but intriguing new camera with the tagline "half the size, twice the story." It’s only a 19-second video, and they did a great job hiding most of the important details — even if you crank the brightness or mess with the levels, there’s really not much extra to see.

Still, a few things stand out. For one, the camera looks pretty tiny. Comparing the size of the strap lugs to the rest of the body, it seems even smaller than the compact X100VI, which already isn't exactly huge. The viewfinder is positioned at the top left corner, just like the X100VI (and unlike something more DSLR-like, like the X-T5), suggesting it will probably have a similar classic rangefinder style. There's also a noticeable control at the top right, maybe a shutter dial or an exposure compensation dial, but Fujifilm kept it tucked in the shadows.

One of the most interesting clues is the screen on the back. It’s vertically oriented and shows “Provia” — Fujifilm’s default Film Simulation. That’s normal for Fuji cameras, but if this screen is meant mainly to show the active Film Sim, it would be a fresh design move, giving even more prominence to one of Fujifilm’s signature features. After the X-M5’s dedicated Film Sim dial last year, it wouldn’t be surprising if Fuji leaned even harder into this idea.

Fujifilm X100VI

Now about that "half the size" and "twice the story" line — it’s hard to say exactly what they’re getting at yet. Some are guessing it might be a half-frame digital camera (which would be wild and would definitely nod to the film world where half-frames meant twice the shots). Others think it might just be marketing speak about how small the body is compared to the GFX100RF or even the X100VI. Either way, it’s clear this new camera will be very compact and is being pitched heavily on storytelling and creativity.

Given Fujifilm’s recent history, we probably won’t have to wait long — they tend to move pretty quickly from tease to reveal. I’m betting on a full announcement within the next couple of weeks, maybe even sooner if another teaser drops.

Image credits: Fujifilm

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Interview with Yu Shi

This week’s Interview with Yu, a very talented Photographer based in NYC.

You can find him on Instagram as: @yushi.95

Enjoy the amazing Interview ;)

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Yu and I’m a photographer based in New York City. I currently specialize in street, cityscape, and landscape photography and love spending my days exploring the city. What makes photography exciting for me is getting to capture images that make the viewer want to visit new places or places they know from a different perspective. 

How did you get into photography?

I got into photography during my graduation year 2015. My high school had a photography club. I didn’t join the photography club. I joined a coding club. I got inspired by the students who joined the photography club. They took very nice photos. I decided to use my phone to take photos and post on instagram. After I graduated, I got my first Nikon D7100 camera. My photography journey started in summer of 2015.

What role does composition play in your photos?

Composition is everything. It's like the silent guide that tells people where to look and what to feel. I’m always thinking about leading lines, framing, symmetry, reflections—those little details that subconsciously pull you into the image. Without strong composition, even the most beautiful scene can fall flat.

What do you think sets your work apart from others in the industry?

I think what makes my work different is the way I approach perspective. I’m constantly looking for angles that aren’t obvious—the kind of viewpoints that make people stop and think, “Wait, how did he even see that?”

What gear do you use?

Right now, my main gear lineup is the Sony A7IV and the Sony 7CR. For quick shots or when I'm traveling light, I’ll also shoot with my iPhone 15 Pro Max—because honestly, the camera on that phone is insane. And when I’m going for action shots or want something waterproof and durable, I’ll bring the GoPro.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue creating new and unique photographs?

I explore new locations, both near and far, seeking out unique cityscapes, and architecture that inspire me to pick up my camera and capture the world around me. And I collaborate with other creatives, such as models, stylists, and fellow photographers, to exchange ideas, share inspiration, and push each other to new heights creatively. I continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow as a photographer, whether through online courses or studying the work of other photographers. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge fuels my creativity and keeps me motivated to improve.

What are some of the most important qualities for a great photographer to have, in your opinion?

The ability to think outside the box and see the world from unique perspectives allows photographers to create compelling and original images that stand out. Be patient, great photographers are willing to invest the time and effort required to capture the perfect shot, whether it means waiting for the right moment, experimenting with different techniques, or overcoming challenges in the field.

What is your editing software of choice and how much time do you spend editing?

Lightroom for me. It’s just the most intuitive and powerful tool for what I do. Depending on the complexity of the shot, editing can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour—especially if there’s a lot of fine-tuning involved. For videos and reels, I use CapCut. It’s fast, flexible, and surprisingly powerful for something that’s so easy to use. Most video edits take me about 30 minutes or so, depending on how crazy I get with transitions and cuts.

How did you find your signature photography/editing style?

Honestly, it was a lot of trial and error. In the beginning, I didn’t lock myself into any one genre, I explored everything. Street, landscape, portraits, even random abstract stuff. I wanted to figure out what felt the most me. Same thing with editing: I played around with tons of styles, color grades, techniques until something clicked. Over time, you start to notice the little patterns in what you’re drawn to, and that’s how your personal style starts to take shape.

Reels or photos? And why?

I love photos (so that is my official answer), but if you’re trying to grow your page right now, reels are where it’s at. The algorithm just favours video content more. I’d definitely tell anyone trying to build an audience to focus on reels, stay consistent, and stick to one visual style at first so people know what you’re about.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography, to me, is all about storytelling. It's the way I capture emotions, memories, and tiny little moments that would otherwise just slip away. When I shoot, I'm not just taking pictures. I'm trying to freeze time for a second. It’s also a way of connecting with people, even if we don’t speak the same language or come from the same place. A photo can cross all those barriers without even trying.

What are your thoughts on AI in photography?

Don’t rely on AI. It’s ok if you use an AI tool to remove little things on your photos. Just don’t use it to help you create photos. And add many things to the photo. I like to go out explore the world. That is photography to me. - In my opinion

Any tips for beginners?

Understand the fundamental concepts of photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and composition. Familiarize yourself with your camera's settings and functionalities.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your angles and perspectives. Try shooting from high above or down low, or experiment with different vantage points to capture unique and interesting compositions.

Be patient, great photographers are willing to invest the time and effort required to capture the perfect shot, whether it means waiting for the right moment, experimenting with different techniques, or overcoming challenges in the field.

How would you describe your photography style in a few words?

The rest, 3 more questions, of this Interview are for Premium subscribers only.

Luminar Neo’s Spring Update

Skylum Software just rolled out its big Spring update for Luminar Neo, and it’s packed with some solid new AI-powered tools aimed at making editing a lot quicker and easier for everyone.

The headline feature is Auto Adjust, a new tool for Pro and Upgrade Pass subscribers. Basically, it gives you an instant, smart starting point for your edits. It lives inside the Develop and Develop RAW tools and automatically tweaks things like light, shadows, exposure, and black-and-white points to get your photo looking balanced right off the bat. It's not meant to replace detailed edits, but it’ll save you a ton of time getting the basics right.

Next up is something users have apparently been asking for forever: a Catalog Cache Cleaning tool. If you’ve got a huge photo library and have noticed Neo starting to slow down, this new tool will help clear out old cache files and speed things back up without having to dive into your system folders manually.

They’ve also given the export menu a nice overhaul. You now get more detailed options for choosing format, file size, quality, resolution, and even file naming. Plus, they added DNG as a new export option, which is super handy if you’re prepping photos for print.

The last big update is to Atmosphere AI. It’s been upgraded to create even more realistic fog effects with a refined depth model, meaning your moody landscapes and cinematic edits will look way more natural and immersive.

Most of this update started rolling out on April 24, 2025, and it’s free for existing Luminar Neo users. Just a heads-up, though—Auto Adjust is only for Pro Subscribers and Upgrade Pass owners. If you want to grab Luminar Neo or check out subscription details, it’s all up on Skylum’s site, the Microsoft Store, or the macOS App Store.

Image credits: Skylum

Photo Analysis

Welcome to the new part of the Magazine Issue where we take a closer look at a photo and analyse it so that you can learn and better your own photography from it ;)

Photo by: @jccabral_color

Let’s Analyse this Image

Composition


What works well:

  • The line of street lamps stretching into the distance is what makes this shot. It pulls your eye straight down the frame, and that puddle reflection doubles the effect. Its incredible.

  • The people sitting on the bench gives the whole shot a centre of gravity. Without them, it would feel slightly empty—but with them, it feels grounded and a little bit poetic almost.

  • The way the reflection bleeds into the foreground is great, it makes the whole photo feel visually deeper.

  • The background bridge adds a nice little touch of structure without stealing the spotlight, it's like a bonus detail you notice after your eyes settle into the photo.

What could be better:

  • The person walking in the background adds movement and life yes, but they feel a little disconnected from the main story. Maybe waiting a second for them to step into a stronger position or waiting for them to completely be gone could've made this shot even better. (I personally would have waited for them to be gone, I think it sort of disrupts the balance and ‘‘clean lines’’ of the picture)

  • A slight crop from the right side might tighten the composition up and keep all the focus on that lovely leading line.

Lighting


What works well:

  • The glow of those street lamps against the misty night? Very Magical. It feels like stepping into a memory or into a different time.

  • The reflections in the puddle are handled so well—not too bright, not too messy. They keep the dreamy vibe without feeling fake.

  • The dim lighting on the people sitting down is perfect—it keeps them mysterious but still visible enough to anchor the scene.

What could be better:

  • The foreground reflection is just slightly darker than it needs to be. Lifting the shadows just a tiny bit might make that puddle even more lush and inviting.

  • The street lamps have this awesome glow, but some of them feel just a little too clipped (overexposed). Dialing them back slightly would keep more texture in the light itself.

Framing & Perspective


What works well:

  • Shooting from low enough to really catch that puddle reflection was such a good move. It makes everything feel bigger, richer, more atmospheric.

  • The straight-on view down the row of lamps is classic—but with the water and mist, it feels anything but boring. It’s cinematic. I like it very much.

  • Having the bench off-center keeps the photo feeling natural, like you just stumbled across the scene instead of staging it.

What could be better:

  • A slightly wider shot could’ve included just a bit more of the left side—might've helped balance the tree-heavy right side a little better. (however it is only a very slight imbalance)

Storytelling


What works well:

  • This photo feels like a long awaited end of the work week. The city is slowing down, people are going home, people are meeting up with friends. Its moody its warm its cozy.

  • The fog, the soft lights—everything’s working together to create this amazing atmosphere.

What could be better:

  • In my opinion it’s already packed with emotion.

  • Right now it leans a little more into melancholy than mystery. Depending on what vibe you want, playing with more shadows or color grading could push it toward either feeling even harder.

Photography Tip of the Week

The weekly photography tip is only accessible to Premium Subscribers of The Magazine For Photographers.

Photographer of the Week

Photographer of the week goes to: Sascha Stellwag-Konertz

You can find him on Instagram as: @manual_focus_pictures

A few of his images:

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The Rest of this Issue is for Premium Subscribers

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