Film Simulation x Giovanni Genzini

09.25.2024

Photographing a scene, a situation we are experiencing, brings us back to the innate desire to make the momentum eternal. Often the images that belong to our memory take on, in our minds, the shades and colors that are also proper to the emotions we were experiencing at that moment.  

 Tones, colors in photographs help us describe moods, emotions. They act as a frame for a story, an atmosphere, a way of life. 

Giovanni Genzini, a Fashion and Lifestyle photographer from Italy, reveals the background of his work as a professional, sharing the intimate bond that binds him to the photographic image, even in everyday life. 

“From the beginning, photography has been my most simple, natural, and sincere means of communication. Even when my passion became a profession, I always tried to maintain this spontaneity in my work. Three years ago, I discovered Fujifilm world while looking for a camera that combined lightness, quality and pleasure of use. So, I tried Fujifilm X100V, which became my daily companion for travel and lifestyle photography. It was love at first sight.  

Driven by enthusiasm, a few months ago I decided to test a Fujifilm mirrorless camera in my professional work as well. The GFX100 II turned out to be an apt choice and has since become my go-to camera for fashion campaigns. Over the past few months, I have taken it with me on numerous shoots, from the cityscapes of Rome our through the mountains of Valle d’ Aosta to aboard a beautiful vintage sailboat near Portofino. 

In this latest shoot, done for a well-known made-in-Italy clothing brand, the intent was to create a campaign that combined the handcrafted nature of the product with a natural and spontaneous storytelling. No posing or complex lighting scheme. A three-day storytelling immersed in the Portofino marine protected area, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters. The GFX100 II has turned out to be to be the perfect choice. The image quality is unrivaled: the wide dynamic range allowed me to handle every light condition, from dawn to dusk, capturing every nuance. The resolution is impressive, crucial for large prints, allowing you to make several formats from a single shot and recompose the final image with cutouts impossible with other cameras. In addition, the fast and accurate focusing allowed me to capture every detail and gesture, returning striking images even in the most hectic situations. 

In combination with GFX100 II, both on set and during my travels and in daily life, I used Fujifilm’s new entry, FUJIFILM X-T50. Compact and versatile, it introduced me to the world of Film Simulations, helping me capture the essence of each moment with simplicity and naturalness. The images recall the aesthetics of analog photography, which I am very fond of, without sacrificing the versatility of modern cameras.  

My favorite Film Simulation? Nostalgic Neg! 

With its slight teal and orange effect, it is perfect for those looking for vibrant but not overly saturated colors, ideal for lifestyle photography without the need for additional post-production editing.  

For a timeless result, my choice often falls on the ACROS simulation, a balanced and extremely versatile black and white capable of bringing out and emphasizing every nuance, from the lightest to the darkest tones. 

Finally, the PROVIA simulation, a rendering that is extremely reminiscent of that of original film, natural, delicate, and capable of preserving the inner details of a scene. With a perfect transition from whites to blacks, It probably best embodies the philosophy that Fujifilm wanted to embrace when founded Film Simulations. 

The X-T50 surprised me with its ability to adapt to every circumstance and type of photographer, from the most demanding to those looking for a travel companion to capture everyday moments with friends and loved ones. I look forward to taking it with me on my next trip to explore the Greek islands!