Freezing the Moment

Introduction
Hi, I’m Ashish, a tech professional with 20 years of experience, based in New York City and have lived in the Bay Area for about 10 years. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis and golf, watching football, and listening to music—classic rock and pop are my favorites but I’m all over the place. Recently, I read The Metamorphosis and was captivated by the surreal world Kafka created. I’m into creative pursuits like photography and filmmaking, which allow me to capture the world’s beauty and tell meaningful stories. Whether on the court, behind a camera, or with a great book, I’m always exploring new ways to stay inspired.

I also love traveling. My journeys have taken me across Europe, Americas, and Asia so far; 21 countries and counting. Each place has left its mark on me in unique way. On my bucket list are destinations like Japan, Iceland, and Morocco. When planning a trip, I look for cultural richness, unique landscapes, and the opportunity to wander off the beaten path and be spontaneous.

How Fuji Cameras Shaped My Photography Journey
In 2019, my photography journey took a transformative turn when I picked up my first Fujifilm camera—the X-T2. Before Fuji, I had been using the Sony RX100, a capable camera but one that left me feeling bogged down by menus and settings. I didn’t realize how much this was holding me back from understanding the fundamentals of photography until I held a Fuji camera in my hands. I also owned a Canon T3i.

Discovering the Basics with Fuji
The X-T2 was a revelation. Fuji cameras are known for their exposure dials—physical knobs for adjusting shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. These tactile controls brought the fundamentals of photography into sharp focus, quite literally. For the first time, I wasn’t scrolling through endless menus to make adjustments. I could feel the relationship between settings as I turned a dial, learning intuitively how they impacted my images.

The simplicity and clarity of Fuji’s design removed a major barrier to understanding and gave me the confidence to experiment. It was as if the camera wanted to teach me, to guide me to trust my instincts.

From Learning to Thriving
As I grew more comfortable with photography and had fun taking pictures, I upgraded to the X-T3. This was mainly because of its video capabilities, and I used it for a short film I made while I was studying filmmaking at NYFA (New York Film Academy). This wasn’t just a step up in technology; it was a leap in my creative mindset. Fuji’s small and lightweight bodies and lenses made photography feel accessible, not like a chore. With the X-T3, I found myself carrying my camera everywhere—on spontaneous walks, during trips, and even on days when I hadn’t planned to shoot.

Fuji also made photography fun. The analog dials, retro design, and the feel of the shutter release made me feel like an artist, not just someone taking pictures. This tactile joy reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

The Colors That Inspire
If there’s one thing Fuji gets endless praise for, it’s their color science—and for good reason. Straight out of the camera, the images have this magic, this warmth, that invites creativity. The colors are so beautifully rendered that even editing becomes a pleasure, not a burden. I spent less time correcting and more time enhancing, allowing me to focus on the story I wanted to tell with each photo.

The built-in film simulations, such as Classic Chrome and Velvia, added yet another layer to the experience. They felt like pre-built palettes that encouraged me to think differently about mood and tone.

Today, with the X-T5
Now, I use the X-T5, a camera that feels like the culmination of everything I’ve learned and grown to love about Fujifilm. It’s powerful but still rooted in the simplicity that makes Fuji special. Whether I’m shooting a quiet cityscape, an impromptu portrait, or a sweeping landscape, I know the X-T5 will handle it with grace.

The journey from the X-T2 to the X-T5 has been more than just about upgrading gear. It’s been about discovering who I am as a photographer. Fuji cameras didn’t just teach me how to take better photos; they taught me how to see the world differently.

My Lens Lineup
Fujinon XF18mm f/1.4
This lens is my go-to for wide-angle shots. Whether I’m capturing sprawling landscapes, dynamic street scenes, or cozy indoor environments, the 18mm f/1.4 delivers incredible sharpness and low-light performance. The wide aperture not only excels in dim conditions but also creates beautiful subject isolation when needed.

Fujinon XF50-140mm f/2.8
When I need to reach, this lens is a workhorse. It’s perfect for portraits, events, and even wildlife photography. The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures consistent performance across the zoom range, and the optical image stabilization helps me get sharp shots even when I’m pushing the limits.

Fujinon XF35mm f/2
The 35mm f/2 was my first foray into primes, and it’s been a reliable companion. Compact, weather-resistant, and fast, it’s great for street photography and casual portraits. While I love its portability, I’m starting to feel its limitations in low-light situations and autofocus speed compared to newer lenses. I’ve been eyeing the Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 as a potential upgrade to replace my 35mm f/2 for better low light, bokeh, and auto-focus performance.

Sigma 56mm f/1.4
This lens is an absolute gem for portraits. The creamy bokeh and sharpness at f/1.4 make it a joy to use. It’s a great alternative to Fuji’s native primes and offers excellent value for its performance.

Fujinon X16-55mm f/2.8
The XF16-55mm f/2.8 is the Swiss Army knife of my kit. It covers a versatile range for travel and general photography while delivering professional-level results. Although it’s heavier than most kit lenses, its performance makes it worth carrying around.

A Lens for Every Scenario
Between these lenses, I have virtually every scenario covered:
● Landscapes and Travel: The 18mm f/1.4 and 16-55mm f/2.8 are indispensable.
● Portraits: The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 and Fujinon 50-140mm f/2.8 excel.
● Events and Action: The 50-140mm f/2.8 delivers reach and versatility.
● Street and Everyday Photography: The 35mm f/2 is lightweight and unobtrusive.

A Lens Kit That Encourages Creativity
This variety in my lens kit not only allows me to choose the right lens for every scenario but also leaves room to experiment and make creative choices. For example, there are times I challenge myself to stick to a single lens for an entire shoot, regardless of the situation.

Using just one lens forces me to think outside the box—to reframe shots, move closer or farther from my subject, and explore perspectives I might have overlooked. Whether it’s using the 18mm f/1.4 for portraits or the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 for landscapes, these limitations often result in unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

The beauty of this kit is that many of these lenses can be used interchangeably. While each excels in its own domain, they also inspire creative freedom. The 50-140mm f/2.8 can compress a cityscape for a dramatic effect, while the 35mm f/2 can add intimacy to an environmental portrait. It’s this versatility that keeps photography exciting and dynamic for me.

By combining practicality with the willingness to experiment, I’ve discovered new ways to tell stories and capture the world around me. Each lens is not just a tool but an opportunity to push the boundaries of my creativity.

Post-Processing
For post-processing, I rely on Lightroom. My workflow starts with adjusting exposure and white balance before fine-tuning contrast, colors, and sharpness. I keep presets minimal, using them more as a foundation than a final step, ensuring each photo retains its individuality. I love using Nostalgic Neg, Classic Chrome and Monochrome film simulations but I mostly shoot RAW.

The Photographer Behind the Lens
Ultimately, it’s not the camera or even the lens that makes a photograph—it’s the photographer. Gear plays an important role in enabling creative expression, but it’s how you use it that truly matters.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best tool is the one that feels like an extension of your vision. Fujifilm cameras and lenses have given me the confidence to experiment and the tools to grow, but the images come from the moments I choose to see, the emotions I want to convey, and the stories I strive to tell.
Photography is about perspective, patience, and the willingness to connect with your subject, whether it’s a landscape, a person, or a fleeting moment on the street. The right gear helps bring that vision to life, but at the end of the day, it’s the photographer who breathes life into every frame.

So, while I’m deeply grateful for my Fujifilm journey, it’s taught me a lesson I carry with me every day: no matter what camera or lens is in your hand, it’s your eye and heart that make the shot.