Last month I presented on behalf of Fujifilm at The Photography Show in Birmingham,. I was presenting on my approach to photographing the Northern Ireland landscape. For me, the landscape is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the image making process. I wanted to show how light, weather, and timing constantly reshape familiar places, and how a photographer’s patience is often more important than technical complexity.
Contents
Exploring the Northern Ireland Landscape
In my talk, I explored storytelling through place, encouraging photographers to move beyond single images and think in series that express mood and progression. Northern Ireland’s landscape offers constantly changing conditions, from coastal storms to soft inland light.
Using examples from my own work, I showed how patience and timing can turn ordinary scenes into something more meaningful. I emphasised slowing down, observing, and responding rather than rushing to capture.
The key image for the presentation was captured with a pre-production Fujifilm X-Pro2 on a cold November weekend. There was zero visibility as we headed up along Ott Track. When we reached the top the clouds lifted for a brief period to reveal the warm winter sunset over the Irish Sea.
I also spoke about my experience using the new Fujifilm X-Pro2, which I had been testing extensively over the last 6 months. The Fujifilm X-Pro2′‘s rangefinder-style handling encouraged a more deliberate approach, keeping me engaged with the scene rather than separated from it by technology. From the Fujifilm stage I wanted to demonstrate how the camera’s responsiveness and simplicity aligned with the simplicity of the photography philosophy I follow.
The Photography Show Presentation
Ultimately, my message was that equipment should serve creative intention, not distract from it. The best images come from a deeper knowledge of the location, to know where the light falls at various times of the day. The Northern Ireland landscape, continues to offer endless variation and challenge, and I encouraged everyone attending to return to familiar locations with fresh eyes and a slower rhythm of seeing.
Northern Ireland Long Exposure Photography
The Photography Show 2016
The response from the audience reinforced how strongly these ideas resonate with photographers working across different genres and levels. Fujifilm’s approach to cameras is helping inspire and reinvent the industry. The trip wasn’t just about presenting on the Northern Ireland landscape, the Photography Show also offered a catch up with fellow Fujifilm X Photographer Kevin Mullins.
I was also fortunate enough to catch up with Belfast based photographer Helen Sloan. Helen is the unit stills photographer on the Game of Thrones series and a long list of top feature films shot in Northern Ireland. Helen’s presentation on her work as was great as the quality of her photography.
About the Fujifilm X-Pro2
The Fujifilm X-Pro2 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera designed for photographers who value a tactile, deliberate shooting experience. Built around Fujifilm’s X-Trans sens. or technology, it delivers strong image quality with excellent colour science, particularly in JPEG rendering.
The hybrid viewfinder allows users to switch between optical and electronic viewing, supporting both traditional and modern shooting styles. Weather-resistant construction makes it suitable for the Northern Ireland landscape,, while dual SD card slots add reliability for professional use.
The Fujifilm X-Pro2 v X-Pro1
The Photography Show event felt very different from the 2012 launch of the Fujifilm X-Pro1. In March 2012 I was back in the NEC presenting at ‘Focus on Imaging’ . The highlight 0f the X-Pro1 launch had to be a trip to London to see my X-Pro1 and Fujifilm X100 photographs displayed in the famous Harrod’s windows. Coincidentally, more photographs of the Northern Ireland landscape.
Harrod’s Window Display
The Fujifilm X-Pro2 is a major upgrade over the X-Pro1. It adds a 24MP X-Trans III sensor versus 16MP, much faster X-Processor Pro, and a hybrid autofocus system with phase detection for far quicker, more accurate focusing. The viewfinder is improved with higher resolution, smoother refresh, and electronic rangefinder support. It also adds weather sealing and better controls.
See: Celebrating the Fujifilm X-Pro2
About The Photography Show
The Photography and Video Show at the NEC Birmingham is one of the UK’s leading events for photographers, filmmakers, and content creators. Originally launched as Focus on Imaging, the show has evolved into an industry gathering, featuring hands-on demonstrations, expert talks, technology launches, and networking opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts
Links
Celebrating the X-Pro2
Photography eBooks
Fujifilm Related Articles
THe Mourne Mountain Photo Gallery
The Photography Show
Follow on Instagram
