Based in Sydney, Australia, Andrew Hall is the Application Training Manager and Technical Projects Manager for Fujifilm Australia.
I’ve known Andrew for a number of years, so this isn’t the first time I’ve interviewed him for a photography-related blog. I previously interviewed Andrew for a local Fujifilm community to discuss his love of the craft and how his ongoing health challenges haven’t slowed him down. I’ve also interviewed Andrew for a Shokit article - Why Do Photographers Love Fujifilm? Since then, Andrew has continued to pursue his craft despite chronic health issues. Given my physical limitations, it’s inspiring to talk to someone like Andrew and see how creativity overcomes adversity, even in dire circumstances. Being a Fujifilm fanboy, I have always been delighted to hear about Andrew’s involvement in the testing and development of concept and pre-production Fujifilm X and GFX cameras and lenses. I’ve had my fair share of pre-production Fuji gear to review, and testing a lens or camera while under embargo isn’t without its fair share of excitement and energy.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of all forms of motorsport, and I try to capture the essence of the event as well as the action on track. Be it mechanics working frantically in pit lane to get their driver back into the race or a race car framed by an icon like Mt Panorama at Bathurst. The additional challenge—and one I enjoy—is to create different images from racetracks that I have visited so many times before. I am obviously fully immersed in the digital age, but the length of my career meant that for over 15 years, I shot film. Always Fujifilm Stock and preferably Velvia!”
One of the most fascinating aspects of Andrew’s pro-level motorsport photography is his ability to master and capture JPEG-only images. Shooting with Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2S digital mirrorless cameras, Andrew employs his extensive experience to capture his images correctly in-camera. Rather than relying on post-production workflows and editing tools to process RAW files, Andrew only shoots in JPEG format. As a self-proclaimed technophobe (fear of technology) Andrew admits he prefers the straight-out-of-camera JPEG outcomes for his motorsport images. He works with the available settings and Fujifilm film simulations to deliver pro-grade and tack sharp motorsport images for all of his clients. Andrew has mastered the art of image capture to such a high degree that he doesn’t rely on the safety net provided by traditional RAW image file handling. That in itself is pretty bloody impressive!
“I was already a huge fan of Fujifilm from back in the film days. I always had Fujifilm stock in my camera – from the iconic Velvia to Provia, Acros and more. I was intrigued when Fujifilm released their first X Series camera way back in 2011 – the fabled X100. I love all photography genres, but primarily, I shoot Motorsport. The Fujifilm X Series has evolved into a very versatile and high-performing system. The flagship X-H2s and X-H2 are the peak of that evolution. I use Fujifilm X Series cameras in my professional and personal photography because they have soul and keep me passionate about photography – even after 35+ years in the game. The lightweight ergonomics, retro dials, amazing image quality, and the inbuilt film simulations paying homage to Fujifilm’s heritage all add up. It delivers a unique and gratifying user experience, the like of which I have never felt with other camera systems. The constant development of the system, with input from end users, means that my X Series cameras are always at the leading edge of technology. What’s more, they’re perfectly suited to the fast-paced world of Motorsport. My typical racetrack kit includes the Fujifilm X-H2s and Fujifilm X-H2. With regards to lenses, I pack the Fujifilm XF 200mm f/2.0, 1.4x Teleconverter, XF 50-140mm f/2.8, XF 50mm f/1.0, XF 90mm f/2.0, and XF 18mm f/1.4.” - Andrew Hall, Why Photographers Love Fujifilm, Shotkit.
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Where to find Andrew:
Website: https://www.sceneonearthphotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewh65/
Fuji Film: https://www.fujifilm-x.com/en-au/photographers/andrew-hall/
