Photography is Therapy
2018 was the year I started my photography journey. After a battle with depression and having to leave the UK to head back home to Lebanon, I decided to get a Fujifilm camera – the X-T30 – as a way to get into something new. Little did I know that this camera would open up a whole new world for me and that this camera would help me overcome some of my biggest obstacles.
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR
My path in photography was never an easy one. Having a full time job and trying to learn and master everything there is to know when it comes to light, framing and composition was no easy task. I spent my first year using my lunch break at work to go out in downtown Beirut and capture some photos that I could be proud of. Only an hour during the day where I could practise, and 20 minutes of that hour were for lunch. A few months later, I found myself hopping into my car after work, trying to catch the sunset around Beirut’s beautiful but chaotic streets. A short while after that, waking up at 3 am on weekends to catch the sunrise in another city in Lebanon.
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR
Having seen myself improve drastically, I decided to upgrade and that is when I substituted my X-T30 for a brand new X-T4. A new sensor, a whole lot of video options, and a flip out screen were some of the few things that blew me away. And I instantly knew then and there, the quality of my work and the experience will all improve. And for the next couple years, I roamed the streets of Beirut, slowly forming into the street photographer I am today. And definitely dipped my toes in the landscape photography scene, since Lebanon is full of gorgeous landscapes.
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR
In 2020, everything changed back home. Things began to deteriorate quickly, and I knew that as much as I love home and Lebanon, I had to leave for a better life, for a chance to go someplace new and start my life anew. An economic collapse, and a terrible tragedy later, I found myself deciding to move to Canada. But right before leaving, I felt it was time for me to get a second body and I made the decision to get an X-H2S.
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR
In 2022, I finally arrived in Toronto. It didn’t take me long for me to head out on the streets and go around doing the one thing that brings me peace. When you arrive in a new city and one as big as Toronto, everything is new to you, everything is unique, everything is different, every photo is worth taking.
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR
I came to Toronto all alone, having no friends and family here, it was a hard adjustment. However, thanks to my Fujifilm cameras, I found myself in a community. And slowly but surely began to make new friends in the photography community. And to that I owe it to my Fujifilm cameras.
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
After showcasing my abilities, and having my work appreciated by other photographers in the community. I was lucky and blessed to be given the chance to test the new Fujifilm X-S20. And this camera immediately stood out to me. Combining the best of both cameras that I had already used and loved so much for the past 4 years. The X-T4’s sensor, and the new ultra fast processor from the X-H2S.
Some of the things this little camera can do really blew me away.
- 4 custom setting dials that you can set up however you want!
- Incredible autofocus and different subject detection modes similar to the X-H2S
- The ability to shoot up to 30 fps continuous in high burst mode
- Recording up to 6.2K at 30FPS and shooting video at 4:2:2 10-bit
- A dedicated vlog mode for those who like to vlog on the go
- It’s small size and weight which make this ultra portable
- The usage of the new Fujifilm batteries (NP-W235) which means more time to shoot
- And the improved ergonomics that give this camera incredible grip.
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
I never found myself missing a shot with this little beast! And I truly believe I did not even utilise all of its features yet. I have taken this camera in 3 rainstorms and one snowstorm, and it performed amazingly. Add to that the portability, weight and all the Fujifilm recipes that we know and love, this camera can definitely be used by those starting out to learn the basics of photography, and those who do this professionally!
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF56mmF1.2 R WR
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
FUJIFILM X-S20 & XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Photography for me was never about likes, follows, or attention. For me it was always my therapy, and the one thing that has always helped pull me out of the worst and hardest situations that I have faced in my life. It helped me make new friends, explore cities and streets, and gave me the confidence to pursue what I love.
