I just returned from a spectacular week in Iceland with a huge collection of new images. The trip had two purposes. One, to promote my Alaska photo workshop tours at the Icelandair Mid-Atlantic travel trade show, and second, to shoot with the brand new Fujifilm X-T1, which was just announced a couple weeks ago.

 

I’ve known about the X-T1 for awhile. Fujifilm brought me onboard back in November to test out the prototype and produce sample images to help feature the X-T1's impressive capabilities. Although the camera isn’t slated to hit shelves until March, as an official X Photographer, I got my hands on one as soon as it was officially announced. In fact, I’m the first photographer in the USA to own an X-T1.

 

 

Essentially, the X-T1 is a compact rugged, SLR inspired X camera that’s been designed with action, adventure and outdoor photographers in mind. It’s got an all-metal, weather sealed body with a number of metal dial and programmable FN buttons that let you instantly change settings, a brand new, high eye point EVF that’s actually usable, (I hate most EVFs) a vastly improved predictive autofocus system and a max shooting rate of 8 frames per second. Perhaps the most impressive features is that it will actually lock on and track moving subjects at 8 fps. This is huge. My D700 isn’t even this fast.

 

In my mind, the X-T1 breaks some amazing ground and I’ve got hand it to the Fuji engineers for coming up with such a solid feeling and powerful camera. I’ve been a big fan of the Fuji X models for a couple years now because I love the image quality and the way they handle. I often shoot them side by side with my DSLR, but this new camera lets me truly shoot my style without limitations. 

 

 

So far, I’ve shot fast action, landscapes, travel and the norther lights, and in every case, I’ve been super impressed with the X-T1. I’ve already written a few detailed posts that highlight the main features, the AF capabilities and the overall image quality of the camera. I’ll be doing more as well so that you can be as informed as possible about the X-T1 when it launches on March 7. 

 

 

If you’re an outdoor photographer who is looking for a highly capable compact camera and like the look and feel of a classic looking camera with analog controls, I’d highly recommend taking a look at the new Fuji X-T1. It’s getting some pretty good press, so I imagine it being pretty popular when it first comes out. 

 

Check out my reviews of the X-T1 below, and then if you think you want one, you can preorder the camera at B&H Photo, Amazon or Adorama. Remember, ordering through these links helps me out a bit and shows me that you appreciate the time and effort I spend bringing you this content. :)

 

 

 

Right now, you can save up to $250 on 8 of the Fuji XF lenses. They don’t put their lenses on sale very often, so if you’re a X camera user, and you want some new glass, now is the time to pick it up. There are a couple of specific Fuji lenses that I’ll definitely be buying soon. I’ve got my eye on the tiny little 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens. I’ve tried it out, and it’s a super compact all around lens.

 

My favorite Fuji glass is the XF 14mm f/2.8 lens. This is a superbly sharp ultra wide angle lens that is extremely versatile for a variety of subjects. I always love fast primes and this one is top notch! Read my full review of this lens here. This lens is $250 off right now. Here’s the full list of Fuji lenses that are on sale. You can also get these special prices at Amazon. Check for stock, because sometimes one place has an item that the other is sold out of.

 

 

If you’re intrigued by the Fuji X camera system but haven’t pulled the trigger yet, right now you can save up to $200 on some of the bodies, including the X-Pro1, the X-A1 and the X-M1. The X-M1 and X-A1 are great affordable ways to get into the system, because even though they’re less expensive cameras, they have the same style 16MP X-Trans sensor that you find inside all the top of the line models. You can pick up an X-A1 with lens for only $499, and an X-M1 with lens for only $599. You can see all the X camera deals at B&H Photo, and also at Amazon. Again check stock.

 

 

Nikon is also running a special lens deal right now and through the end of February, you can save up to $400 on a number of AF-S Nikkor lenses. You can save even more if you bundle the lens with a body.

 

WHEW!!

 

That was an awful lot of gear talk! Let’s move on, shall we?

 

 

I’m already taking bookings for my Mountain Cathedrals Photo Workshop with Through The Lens Alaska, which will run here in Alaska this summer July 9-13.

 

This is a five day, four night all inclusive workshop tour that features a number of awe inspiring environments for you to photograph while you learn how to improve your skills and techniques. All lodging and meals are included, so all you have to do is get yourself to Anchorage, and we’ll take care of everything else! 

 

 

Essentially, We lead fun, wild photo-centric tours and workshops to help photographers of all skill levels maximize their Alaska travel and shooting experience.  Our packages and workshops cater to specific photographer needs, such as shooting in the best hours for lighting, air-to-air small plane photo shoots and exclusive small boat charters. We take guests to unique vantage points, far from tourism masses, and use our vast back country experience to find wildlife while keeping everybody safe at the same time.

 

The Mountain Cathedrals Workshop is limited to only 10 participants, so if you’re interested, get your reservation soon in or contact us for details.

 

 

The photography world has changed. We have more opportunities than ever before, but if you’re interested in making money at it, even part time, it can be very difficult to figure out what road to take or how to balance traditional marketing with social media.

 

I highly recommend the ASMP Guide to New markets in Photography. It’s a must-read for anyone who is working as a photographer or who wants to get into the business. It’s relatively short, easy to read and packed full of powerful insight from a number of established pro shooters. Check out my review of this book, or just do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. Your future photography self will thank you.

 

Around the Web

 

Make Your Own Luck. I always enjoy Maria Popova’s pieces over at her site Brain Pickings. This one is a really insightful post about how to live a life where you make your own success. It’s filled with some very powerful quotes. Worth a read.

 

100 Landscape Photographers Worth Knowing. This is a wonderful list of landscape shooters with some gorgeous and very interesting imagery. Kind of a cook post and worth checking out.

 

Feature Interview with Ian Plant. Ian is a truly gifted and hard working landscape photographer whose work I love. This is an interview I did with him a couple years ago, mostly transcribed from a nice long phone call I had with him. You can learn a lot from Ian and his photography.

 

Lightroom Made Easy Course. Phil Steel does a great set of video tutorials that can help you get up to speed with using Lightroom. If you’re new to digital photography or if you just want to get a handle on how to use Adobe Lightroom to edit and archive your photos, check out his course here. This week, you can get the 24 part video course for 30% off.

 

Color Space Tutorial. Have you wondered exactly what the term “color space” means in photography and how to use it? This is an excellent tutorial on color space and how to understand the different spaces used in modern digital imaging. Definitely worth a look, even if you think know it pretty well!

 

 

In my last newsletter edition, I talked about my One Killer Photo Per Month Challenge. Keep this in mind as we cruise through February. I know that some of you have having very usually weather for this time of year, so take advantage of that with your camera! Be ready to share your one great shot of the month when I make the callout in about two weeks.

 

 

That’s all for now, I hope that you’re enjoying winter and are planning some awesome photography outings for the next few weeks! Thanks for reading my newsletter and very best regards.

 

If you're a new reader, then don't forget to check out my selection of photography eBooks, and to everyone, be sure and share this with your other image making friends!

 

Take care,

 

Dan