As a Fujifilm photographer, I’ve spent countless hours behind my Fuji X-Pro 3, capturing everything from intimate portraits and stunning landscapes to dynamic travel photos and elegant weddings. My journey with photography has led me to experiment with various workflows, but I’ve recently embraced a significant change: I’ve stopped shooting in Raw.
You might wonder why I’d give up the flexibility and versatility that Raw files offer, especially with the incredible capabilities of Lightroom and Photoshop. The truth is, while Raw files provide endless possibilities, I’ve found the process to be overwhelming and time-consuming. Editing Raw files requires a level of decisiveness in post-processing that I’ve struggled with, often leading to indecision and frustration.
Instead, I’ve discovered a more enjoyable and efficient workflow using Fujifilm’s in-camera recipes. These recipes allow me to apply a ‘look’ to my images directly in-camera, capturing JPEGs that already have the desired aesthetic. This approach has transformed my photography experience, enabling me to focus more on the art of capturing moments rather than the technicalities of post-processing.
Shooting JPEGs with Fujifilm recipes has several benefits:
1. Time-Saving: With the look already applied, my images are ready to use straight out of the camera, reducing the need for extensive editing.
2. Consistency: Using the same recipes ensures a consistent style across my work, which is particularly useful for my website, social media, and printing.
3. Creativity in the Field: I can experiment with different looks and styles on the spot, enhancing my creative process while shooting.
I still shoot Raw for professional projects where the flexibility might be needed for significant adjustments or client preferences. However, for my personal and day-to-day photography, JPEGs have become my go-to format.
If you’re a Fujifilm owner, I encourage you to try shooting with in-camera recipes. You might find, as I did, that this approach simplifies your workflow, enhances your creativity, and allows you to enjoy the photography process even more.
My recipes
Here are some shots I've taken with my favourite recipes in the last few months. These are JPEGs shot in-camera. I'm starting to compile blog posts for each recipe here, with instructions on how to use them.
