a weekend in july [fuji xt-5]

We had a couple of outings with friends over Fourth of July weekend, and I, of course, brought along my XT-5. I haven’t had the camera for very long, but I can already say it’s such a natural fit— easily the most comfortable I’ve ever felt with a camera from the get-go. I’m not sure if it’s the physical buttons and dials or simply the feel of it in my hands, but it makes for such a seamless shooting experience. Just before that weekend, I’d received the Fuji XF 35mm f/2 lens, and I was excited to bring it along with me. I was worried that I’d feel constricted with the ~50mm focal length as I’m more comfortable with a 35-40mm lens, but it felt so natural from the moment I began shooting with it. All that to say, I’ve carried it around a lot and have taken many photos I really love. I’m excited to share some of those here.

Andrew and I hadn’t been to a fireworks show since moving here, but we both decided we wanted to do that this year. We met up with some friends and scouted the perfect spot for the big display. We were told the fireworks started at 8, but they didn’t actually begin until closer to 10pm. With the unexpected delay, we hung out and enjoyed golden hour from the hillside from which we were perched. As blue hour rolled around, some homes in nearby neighborhoods started launching their own fireworks, so we were treated to 4 or 5 extra shows before the official one started.

As we were packing up to head home, we decided to meet up again the next day for some snow cones, iced coffee, and a stroll around the park. It was a hot day— hot enough for my camera to give me an excessive heat warning. But we made it through with tired dogs and a satisfied sweet tooth. The dogs even got to enjoy their own puppy snow cones!

During the firework display the previous night, I’d set my shutter speed down to 1/30. Because of the physical dial, I forgot I had to manually change it back to auto for the walk the following day. I didn’t realize my mistake until halfway through our walk. While many of the early shots are overexposed, I actually really love these photos of the ducks. The slower shutter speed gives the photos an ethereal look that I wouldn’t have otherwise thought to try. That small mistake now has me thinking up different things I want to experiment with in-camera. I’m very hard on myself with the photos that I take, but I actually have these displayed on my wall and set as the wallpaper for my desktop, iPad, and phone. To me, these perfectly encapsulate the summer so far.

Our favorite bench in the park lol

My friends were having fun with my camera while I was fussing with the dogs, and I like this photo of myself trying to enjoy my snowcone while giving them their pup cups.

They're so well-behaved when treats are involved.

Green Grape and Dada came along, too.

Although these were taken over just two days, Andrew and I rarely go on outings like this. As tired and sweaty as we were, we had such a good time that weekend. I hope we’re able to have many more weekends like this before the season is over. I’m still adjusting to living somewhere with all four seasons, so I have to remind myself to enjoy each one while it’s here.

All photos taken with a Fuji XT-5 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 R WR lens.