First Wedding Photos with the New 18mm F1.4
Weddings Are Back
It's been a while, my friends, but weddings are well and truly back underway.
Whilst September is incredibly busy for me (nine weddings) as a Documentary Wedding Photographer, I'm very conscious of the fact that it's great that the industry is back underway. I even dedicated a track to my compatriots in the industry in my latest radio show.
This last week, I photographed six weddings in nine days, and it was the first time I had a chance to use my newly purchased XF18mm F1.4 lens.
As I said in my preview of this lens, 18mm has been a focal length I always wanted to use more at weddings. However, the older F2 version didn't give me the speed I needed.
I've been nothing short of amazed at the new breed of Linear Motor lenses that Fujifilm is producing.
I was lucky enough to test a prototype version of the upcoming 23mm F1.4 (second edition), and both this 18mm and that lens are producing amazingly sharp images at incredible fast focus speeds.
The images below were created over the last week or so at various weddings: some low light, some outside, some tricky situations and some standard must-get shots.
But my word, I couldn't be happier at having that little extra width for adding story and context to the images that I get with the 18mm F1.4.
The Fujifilm XF18mm F1.4 Is a Stellar Lens
The new 18mm F1.4 is larger than its older brother, the F2 equivalent. In fact, it is much bigger. However, it's not overly cumbersome like I imagine the 50mm F1 might be for my shooting style. I'll caveat that with the fact that I have never used the 50mm F1 lens.
So, a few sample images below of my recent experiences with the 18mm F1.4. I really can't wait to use this lens more in the upcoming weddings that I have.
My only concern, and dilemma, is what happens when the new 23mm F1.4 becomes available. I'm not sure which way I'll turn. One thing is for sure; I'll have to sell some older gear if I do decide to invest in the 23mm, too, as I'm not swapping it out for this incredible performer.
A Note on the Editing of these Photographs
All these photos were edited using my latest set of Lightroom Presets and Profiles.
Over 40 carefully crafted profile based Lightroom Presets. These Film Lightroom Presets are built on carefully crafted profiles generated with colour critical Look-Up Tables.
Over 40 carefully crafted profile based Lightroom Presets.
Including Colour Film simulations, Monochrome simulations, Utilities and bonus “Legends of Film” simulations.
This Lightroom Presets collection is more than just a series of pre-selected sliders.
These Film Lightroom Presets are built on carefully crafted profiles, generated with colour critical Look-Up Tables.
And now for something completely different…
Every Thursday I host a live radio show. It’s an eclectic mix of Country, Folk and Acoustic music. No photography chat. You can listen to the latest show here if you so wish :-)
