Using a Fuji X-series camera in a studio setting

After almost ten years of using a Canon DSLR for studio portraits, I switched to the Fujifilm X-series for my professional work. Most aspects of studio sessions are the same (lighting, etc.), but there are a few camera settings that need to be in place when you're working with studio lighting after you make the change. I provide them here to save other Fuji portrait photographers time after they make the switch.

1. Be sure you're not in silent mode! I like the silent option offered by Fuji's cameras, and typically have that on. (I remembered one reason why when attending a wedding a few weeks ago where the photographer left on the focus beep throughout the entire ceremony.) Unfortunately, you can't be in silent mode and have the hot shoe fire. So when you attach your trigger, be sure to visit the Set-Up menu and set "Sound & Flash Off" to OFF (yes, that's an unfortunate double negative).
2. The mechanical shutter must be selected. Again, if it's not the hot shoe will not fire your trigger. Go to the Shooting menu and set the "Shutter Type" to MS (manual shutter).
3. Don't preview exposure in manual mode. While this is a nice feature when you're not shooting in a studio setting (or with flash), you don't want it on in a dark studio because it will result in your not being able to see anything through the electronic viewfinder. To turn this off, visit the Set-Up menu, select "Screen Set-Up", and set "Preview Exp./WB in Manual Mode" to OFF.

Be careful who you dance with

I learned when I purchased my first digital SLR that it's best to buy your camera from a reputable dealer. I saved a few dollars when I bought my Canon Rebel from one of those distributors who shaves a little bit off the price and includes some low-value extras (like a tiny tabletop tripod that wouldn't bear the weight of the camera), but they neglected to include the lens, which required follow-up (and some missed photo opportunities).Following that, my camera supplier of choice has been B&H. They are not the only great camera store, but I've always had good experiences with them. Their customer service is great, as is their section. If you are ever in NYC, take the opportunity to visit their Superstore.A few years later I forgot that lesson. I was eager to get my hands on the new Fujifilm X100 (for good reason!), and rather than wait for B&H to get it in stock, I purchased from an Amazon reseller called Big Value Inc. All seemed well until I needed to have the camera repaired. When I sent it to Fujifilm for repair, they informed me that it was not under warranty because I had been sold an overseas model of the camera (what's sometimes referred to as a "grey market" camera).Big Value referred to exchange the overseas model for a model intended to be sold in America. Amazon refused to help since I'd had the camera longer than their exchange period permitted. Luckily, I was able to get in contact with a member of the fraud team at American Express, and they backed me up and reversed the charge.I've purchased all of my cameras from B&H since then, and they recently helped me out in a big way. I was upgrading to a new SLR body, and there was a rebate being offered at the time. I'm not a fan of rebates, but it was worth over $100 and didn't require the purchase of anything I didn't want. I followed the submission guidelines to the letter and sent in the form. A few weeks later, I received a letter from Canon stating that my camera's serial number had already been used for that rebate and I was not eligible. I contacted B&H, they got in touch with Canon, and everything was soon straightened out.

Studio DVDs are ready!

You'll be able to pick up DVDs from The Studio's spring performance beginning tomorrow (July 14). For the first time, we're offering the discs in Blu-Ray format. The price is the same as for a normal DVD, with the added advantages of being in high definition and having a more durable finish. Even if you already ordered a standard DVD, you can switch it for a Blu Ray if you'd like.Thank you for your support. I hope you enjoy watching!

Woo hoo! 2012 Studio dance photos are ready for order!

Studio dance parents, you can now order this year's photos from the usual location. Talk to Jennifer or Vicki if you need the password. Prices are the same as last year, and the same three packages are available as well.To make browsing easier this year, we split the photos into four galleries. One is for the photos taken Friday evening (April 13). The other galleries are designated by the day the classes take place: There is a Tuesday gallery, a Wednesday gallery, and a Mon/Thu gallery.Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, and enjoy looking at the photos!

Thanks, Studio families!

Last Saturday was a very busy day. We shot over 1400 pictures during 13 hours. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the Studio families for your help. Due to your preparation, promptness, and patience, we were able to stay on schedule throughout the day. I think I even had time to enjoy a Shamrock Shake at some point (thanks, Lissa).Your photos are uploading to the following galleries now: Monday classes, Tuesday classes, Wednesday classes, and Thursday classes. Friday students are pictured with Monday or Thursday students (depending on which class they perform with). You can order photos directly from those galleries (where individual prints are slightly less expensive) or using an order form from the studio (from which you can order a package).Thank you again for your cooperation. I hope you enjoy your pictures. Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or special orders.