Rediscovering Photography: My Fujifilm XT-5 and the Joy of Home Exploration

It’s been a while…a long while, since I last picked up a camera with the intent to learn. I remember taking some photography classes in San DIego, understanding the basics of aperture and shutter speed while going out and learning to use my Sony Alpha 200, but a lot of that knowledge has since been archived in the dusty corners of my brain. But recently, something reignited that spark, and I find myself the slightly intimidated owner of a Fujifilm XT-5.

And what a camera it is! Just holding it feels inspiring. Fujifilm really nails the aesthetics, that retro charm combined with solid build quality. It makes me want to pick it up, which, as I’m rediscovering, is half the battle.

My current companion for the XT-5 is a macro lens. The idea was to start small, literally, by exploring the details around my own house. It’s amazing what you start to notice when you’re actively looking for a shot, the texture of a book cover, the way light hits a water glass, the intricate patterns on a leaf from a houseplant, or just hundreds of photos of Mila. It’s like seeing familiar surroundings with a completely new set of eyes. I’m far from mastering the art of macro photography, or any photography for that matter, but every little click is a learning experience.

What’s truly drawing me in this time around is the desire to experiment with the manual modes. Auto is great, and I’m sure I’ll rely on it plenty, but there’s a certain satisfaction in trying to dial in the settings myself, even if it means a lot of trial and even more error right now. Understanding how each adjustment affects the final image is a slow process, but incredibly rewarding when a shot turns out even remotely how I envisioned it.

And then there are the Fujifilm film simulations. This is a feature I’m absolutely in love with! The ability to get such beautiful, distinct looks straight out of the camera is fantastic. I’ve been cycling through the built-in options like Provia and Velvia and each one has such a unique character. What’s even more exciting is the community around custom film recipes. The idea that you can tweak parameters to create your own signature look, and even share those “recipes” online, is just brilliant. I’ve already bookmarked a few to try out.

So, this is where I am: an enthusiastic beginner (again), armed with a beautiful piece of kit, a macro lens, and a house full of potential subjects. It’s a journey of rediscovery, of relearning forgotten principles, and embracing the joy of experimentation. I’m excited to see where this path leads and, hopefully, share some of those explorations here. Wish me luck – and if you have any beginner-friendly XT-5 tips or favorite film recipes, I’m all ears!

Look forward to seeing some of these pictures appear on this page eventually!