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A New 14mm and the Griffith Observatory

I sent my damaged XF 14mm into the Fuji repair center in New Jersey just over three weeks ago. Last week, I received what appears to be a brand new replacement lens. Since the damage was my own fault, I wasn't expecting to get much of a break from Fuji. So you can imagine my surprise when I was offered a 30% discount off a replacement lens. Since I was never in this position with my Canon gear, I can't make any comments on their replacement policy. But this small gesture from Fuji will definitely make me a loyal Fuji user for a long time to come.

Here are a few night time long exposure images shot with my replacement XF 14mm at the Griffith Observatory last weekend.

An Empty Freeway in Downtown LA

I headed to Union Station yesterday without any real idea of what I wanted to photograph. As I wandered around Downtown Los Angeles, I came upon a freeway overpass that I'd driven under countless times. Having never seen the 101 Freeway from this angle, I instantly became mesmerized by the change in perspective. My first instinct (as it usually is these days) was to create some long exposure images of the freeway. With the help of a 10 stop ND filter and several sturdy railings, I was able to create the following images that depict something rarely seen here in Los Angeles; an empty 101 Freeway.

On a side note, I shot all of the images using my new Fujifilm X100S and a Fujinon Wide Conversion Lens I rented from LensRentals. My take on the conversion lens is that it is very solidly built and results in no loss in image quality. The wider angle of view is subtle but noticeable. I'd consider buying one if I didn't own an X-Pro1 and the XF14mm lens. I would definitely rent it again for any trips where I want to leave the X-Pro1 at home. 

Venice Fishing Pier

After being home sick for several weeks, I was finally feeling well enough this weekend to head out for some photography. So on Sunday afternoon, we headed down to Venice Beach to check out the Venice Fishing Pier. After a few weeks off, it felt great to get out with a camera and to enjoy yet another beautiful Southern California sunset. Here are three of my favorites from the visit, all shot with the X-Pro1 and XF 14mm and edited using the new VSCO Film 04 presets.

Disney Concert Hall and the Fujinon XF 14mm

The Disney Concert Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in Los Angeles. I've visited the concert hall on various occasions, but I've never spent much time photographing the architectural marvel. Partly because I have never really had the time to do so and partly because it has always seemed quite challenging to create unique images of one of the most photographed locations in Los Angeles. 

Yesterday, during an outing to photograph Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles, I decided to stop by the Disney Concert Hall to make a few images. Soon after arriving with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and XF 14mm, I found myself completely immersed in finding interesting ways to capture this fascinating building. Before moving to the Fujifilm X-Series system and getting the XF 14mm, I had always preferred shooting at more normal focal lengths between 35 and 50mm. Since fitting my X-Pro1 with the XF 14mm however, my preferences have changed and I'm truly enjoying the task of learning to compose with this awesome wide angle lens.

 

The Getty

The Getty is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles and the first place I visited with my first DSLR back in 2008. Since that time, I've returned many times, with many cameras, and made many, many photographs. No matter how many times I return however, I never grow tired of the wonderful architecture or the inspiring exhibits. 

We spent some time people watching in the garden during our trip this weekend and I noticed how much fun everyone was having capturing the flowers throughout the garden with every type of camera imaginable. I thought back about my first trip with my shiny, new DSLR and the fun I had experimenting with depth of field and shutter speeds. It was a good reminder of the simple joy I use to get from looking through the viewfinder, clicking the shutter, and seeing the image on the back of my camera. It sounds so simple, but then again, that's kind of the point. Photography can be as challenging and difficult as we make it, but sometimes it's important to let all that go and just snap away for the sake of making pictures.