We were recently booked for proposal/engagement photography in Central Park in New York City. Portrait work is what we like to do and Spring time in NYC is a great place to work. It was a chilly March in the city so we had to come prepared to do the shoot with warm clothing and not to keep the couple out for too long.
It was a proposal so we had to be discreet with our cameras so we wouldn't get noticed. Working with Fujifilm cameras really helps. My wife had the Fuji XS10 and the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 and I chose the Fuji Xpro2 and 35 f2.
50mm Portraits
In the past I've typically done portrait work with an 85mm equivalent no matter what system I chose to work with. I find the compression to be ideal. However, I would need to supplement with a 35mm to get the full body shots.
This time around I thought I would try to work with the 50mm equivalent to see if would prove to be a versatile option.
My goal is always to keep things simple and carry as minimal amount of gear as possible. I brought my Fujifilm Xpro2 with the XF 35mm f2 to get the 50mm ish equivalent.
It worked out perfectly. Outdoors there is plenty of room to move back to get a wider perspective but enough compression at 50mm to get subject seperation.
Fujfilm Xpro2
I love the rangefinder style of the Xpro2. It's a professional body that fills that niche really well. Its weather sealed, has 24 mega pixels, and all the great Fuji centric features we have come to love. What makes it special is the optical viewfinder. In the digital age this is not common as we have moved on to EVFs so this is a ode to the classic vintage days.
Fujifilm XF 35mm f2
The Fujifilm 35mm f2 is a great lens. Weather sealed, compact, sharp, quick and silent autofocus. The Fuji F2 trio plus the 16mm f2.8 is a set of lenses I highly recommend.
For me its the perfect lens for just about anything from personal work to professional endeavors.
Even if you're not a Fujifilm camera user there is something to be said for using a 50mm for portraits. If you're not use to it give it a try with family and friends and experiment with the feel.
My name is Jason Logan. I'm a photographer and content creator from Jersey City, NJ.