A ton of portrait tips (with the Fujifilm X-T5)

[@WayneMurphyjmkphotography]

Finally an X photographer I feel I connect with! Love the work and videos. Keep them coming!

[@bertstephani]

Thanks Wayne, new videos are in production

[@subliminaldoubt2092]

Hey man, I’m a working photographer and I’ve seen lots of videos about photography. This is by-far one of the absolute best videos I’ve seen in a while. Your experience and creativity really show in how you explain your approach to photography. I really appreciate this content. Ive subscribed.

[@bertstephani]

Thank you, that means a lot to me!

[@blueanthias]

Thanks Bert, I enjoy your no frills down to earth approach.

[@bertstephani]

Thank you!

[@blueanthias]

@@bertstephani You are very encouraging. As a new person to Fufifilm I’m a bit gun shy. I did buy that Godox M1. Thanks again, Karl

[@kbqvist]

What a great video, even including a philosophy of photograpy, in just 12 min! Do not worry about the length of you videos as long as they have content to match. Thanks!

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Karsten, good to know that I'm on the right track here.

[@LifeInTaiwan-Ita]

Thank you, this was very nice listen at. I will try to follow your suggestions, and see what I can get myself 👍🏻

[@bertstephani]

Thank you and good luck!

[@tonyadamis4171]

Fabulous video! I came away with a few simple, very useful principles, plus a lot to think about regarding control, flexibility, and simplicity.

[@bertstephani]

Thanks Tony. I'm glad it made you think about some ideas.

[@Racsophoto]

This is, for sure, the most encouraging speech and knowledge share I’ve seen on this market. Professional, confident about the knowledge but always humble. One of the best videos I’ve seen. Congratulations 👏🏻

[@bertstephani]

I appreciate that!

[@rh5400]

The best photography video I have seen in awhile ,thanks sir

[@bertstephani]

Thank you very much

[@lionheart4424]

I love natural light portraits, this video is awesome. Thank you!

[@bertstephani]

thanks

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Bert- thank you very much! Great comments about kit, technique, and portrait shooting, although maybe not so much on what Fuji or the XT5 allows you to do, except the minimal kit. I don’t have the 33mm, but I do have the 23mm, and I’m going to do more with that at first to try more “environmental” portraits. I’m going to attempt more sense of place in a project that I’m starting. I’ll share more as it moves along. Thanks and have nice holidays! Geoff

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Geoff. I've said pretty much everything I had to say about the X-T5 in the review and I think it's more important to talk about photography itself :-) The 23mm will be just great for the more environmental portraits. Looking forward to see your results. Enjoy your holidays too!

[@GeoffGrant2010]

@@bertstephani and it was a great review too! Are you having any problem with eye autofocus? Thanks!

[@bertstephani]

@@GeoffGrant2010 Eye AF is amazing on the new generation. I use it all the time now.

[@susanacrosby1138]

Thank you!

[@bertstephani]

You're welcome!

[@studiojege287]

Great video Bert! Tons of tips & trick from the master 🙏

[@bertstephani]

I've just been doing this stuff for a loooooong time ;-)

[@andyb3090]

Another great video Bert - thanks for taking the time out of your busy life to post! Some really useful tips there

[@bertstephani]

Thanks Andy, glad you got something out of it.

[@stefankuhn6887]

thanks for sharing your experience with us, Bert. 15 minutes is a perfect length even if the video is full information. The expression “free float shooting” was new for me but it’s a nice technique I will keep in mind for sure. Like the “under cover technique” - I already heard and saw that eg a tunnel is a perfect for portraiture. And the low light photos in combination with the led light were really inspire. Looking forward to your next video!

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Stefan, I'm already working on some ideas for the next video.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Great video The photo @ 6:21 is amazing. Great mood. Simple gear (Godox light / daylight) can kick start creativity very nicely. This video breath of fresh air Thanks Bert

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Tony

[@Rholmes2010]

I did a free flow maternity session in New Orleans French Quarters a while back and it was probably one of my best photoshoot sessions.

[@bertstephani]

Wow Anthony, that must have been fun!

[@MrPixelgrower]

15 min. is just the right length. I have been a Landscape photographer for 25-30 years (since the film days). I think I have a new genre to tackle. Thank you for the ideas... Lots of great info in your video!😀

[@bertstephani]

Thanks a lot for the feedback Gil. Good luck with portraiture, it's an endless source of joy and frustration ;-)

[@SamTaylors]

Great video and great ideas. Most of all beautiful portraits. Thank you for sharing Bert - your content is always thoughtful and thought provoking.

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Sam, that means a lot to me

[@l.nauwelaerts195]

Beste Bert, fijne behind the scenes video met goede tips. Bedankt, en Brusselse groet!

[@bertstephani]

Dankjewel!

[@EnsoIlluminations]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your encouragement. Your presentation is very natural and your content helpful. I hope you will continue to make videos (on a more regular schedule).

[@bertstephani]

Thank you for your kind words. The ambition is there to post more regularly but good content takes time to make. I'd rather make one video a month that I'm proud of than a boring video every week (there's already enough of those). But I'm definitely committed to make more educational videos.

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

Free flow shooting is my favorite:) thank you for this video💪 very helpful! Perfect!

[@bertstephani]

thank you

[@fvsch]

Loved this video. Great mix of technical and creative advice, with great video and photo illustration. Kudos!

[@bertstephani]

thank you, making that mix is always my goal so I'm happy I achieved that.

[@robbquinnimaging4321]

Bert, this was an excellent video and perfect in length. Just got yourself another subscriber!

[@bertstephani]

Thanks Robb, hope to bring you more good content.

[@karlklauda7739]

Hi this is an excellent video. The length is just right. I can't agree more. I did some free flow shoots with my wife as model. This approach is working excellent. The X-T5 is just the right camera for this type of shooting. I'm waiting for better weather and that the X-Mas chaos is over. That some nice spots are free of the X-Mas markets and the people are out of the way.

[@bertstephani]

Thank you for the feedback Karl, would love to see your free flow results.

[@neoritz]

This was a great video, quite informative and instructional. Thanks!

[@bertstephani]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Deminimis2]

Thank you Bert for a really good video. I have been subscribing for a while but this video made me hit the bell. I can really use this technique.

[@bertstephani]

Thank you, glad it's useful to you

[@Vetsthrottletherapy]

I really enjoyed this and your expertise and views. I am returning to photography after years and left mark IV canon for this X-T5 to give it a go. Thanks 🙏 again

[@bertstephani]

Thank you and welcome back to photography ;-)

[@Vetsthrottletherapy]

Thanks 😊 it’s good to be behind the lens again

[@dereksmith41]

I had a “free flow” shoot in Beverley, Yorkshire UK, using my X-T3, and the XF16-80mm lens, at f/4, I took some great photos, it was last summer in bright sunlight, and I used the shade of trees and buildings to work the lighting. Excellent video really enjoyed your talk, and seeing the sample images.

[@bertstephani]

Thx Derek, that 16-80 is a very versatile lens if you have enought light.

[@backwoodstrails]

Very nice photography and great tutorial. Loved the Domke bag, had the same exact bag over 40 years ago when working as a news photographer...it was the gold standard at that time!

[@bertstephani]

thanks, to me Domke is still the gold standard ;-)

[@anthonymara4533]

Great information, good video time, not at all too long. Nice point by point description of ideas, and conveying of techniques. Honestly, I felt the video itself was executed in a comfortable way, anyone form a beginner to an advanced or pro shooter could learn something from this.

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Anthony, that's exactly what I wanted to achieve

[@benard702]

Excellent presentation! You packed just the right amount of information in a single video and clearly illustrated your points. The content is 1st tier quality with emphasis on the creativity and less on gear. I have been mostly doing free flow without the articulation that you’ve presented here. I’m looking forward to your channel’s growth and wish the best!

[@bertstephani]

Thx Ben, I hope to bring you some more good content soon.

[@brauliomillalaf1709]

Insane that this is free. Thank you

[@bertstephani]

Feel free to buy me a couple of beers if we ever meet ;-)

[@zhecloud1]

KZbin recommended me this video and im glad i click on it. I learn a lot with you in only 10 min. The technique u show us is impressive. Definitely i'm gonna try out!

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Pablo and good luck with your own experiments!

[@JakeKumar]

Such a helpful and inspiring video❤Thank You❗️❤️

[@bertstephani]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BrandonDavis985]

I loved this video! Your method of story telling is very enjoyable and the tips were things I've not heard before. I can't wait to see what comes next.

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Brandon, new video coming soon

[@bnwchris]

Thank you for this video and sharing your knowledge. Its really interesting and inspiring for me 🙂

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Christian, If I can inspire just one person with a video I consider it a succes.

[@iaincphotography6051]

Loved that my type of gig. I liked the bit about the camera club president too as the great Harry Callahan said "Being a member of a camera club taught me the type of photographer I never wanted to be".

[@bertstephani]

very true, although I've seen camera clubs that are actually really great

[@iaincphotography6051]

@@bertstephani Sadly the membership of many clubs are ageing with very few young members.

[@denniss277]

Afdakskes FTW, great vid man! Thinking about getting the 56mm WR fir portraits soon

[@TryingtoLearntheuke]

Really enjoyed the video. So much so that I subscribed to the channel. Looking forward to more content.

[@bertstephani]

Thanks Pam!

[@JeffreyHauser]

Thank you for a very nicely done video Bert. I agree with the 16mm, 33mm & 56mm lenses as being wonderful choices for portraiture. They are all phenomenal pieces of kit. I enjoyed your tips & your “thinking process” that you employed in your shooting scenarios. Best wishes for you & your channel.😊👍🙏

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Jeffrey. I'm replacing the 16mm with the 18mm at the moment, but I agree.

[@lukjanssens6918]

Well done. Good format, great content and tips. Keep going.

[@bertstephani]

Thx Luk, I'll try to keep it up.

[@taranoodtayo]

You're great, man. Subscribed. Inspired to get an X-T5/ or maybe an X-h2 because of your passion with Fuji. Very excited to 'shoot now' and learn later

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Miguel

[@ijovy3]

Thanks for this video Bert! The 33 is also my "desert island" lens. i think its Fuji's best lens yet.

[@bertstephani]

I still love the 35 1.4 too

[@chrismann7629]

Just came across your video and I really like your simple approach. Not a bunch of technical jargon that over complicates things. Good job! I've subscribed also.

[@bertstephani]

Thanks Chris, it isn't rocket science so why pretend it is ;-)

[@wanderlust139]

Loved your video!

[@bertstephani]

Thank you!!

[@farosonico]

Very well explained and useful, thanks!

[@bertstephani]

Glad it was helpful!

[@expatant]

Excellent presentation and some great points of view. One can always learn and improve ones photography even after shooting for years and you have put some thoughts in my head for upcoming shoots, thank you.

[@bertstephani]

Glad I was able to provide some inspiration

[@brsaravia]

Hi Bert, great video. Excellent tips. I would like it to be more longer. I did learn again with you. Where can i find information about your workshops. Best regards

[@bertstephani]

Thank you Ricardo. Go to www.bertstephani.com/newsletter to stay up to date.

[@brsaravia]

@@bertstephani Hi Bert, will you teach us about your xt5 settings for portrait photography? Thank you !! Best Regards

[@chrisburnard5157]

New to your channel and subscribed. Thank you so much, brilliant inspiration and learning.

[@bertstephani]

Welcome!

[@cespenar666]

This is the only way I shoot. Great video!

[@bertstephani]

thank you!

[@shy-guy5544]

Very nice, informative video. With back lighting, do you use spot metering and fill-in flash? Thanks

[@bertstephani]

In portrait shoots I don't really meter. I shoot manual and judge the exposure on the screen. No fill flash

[@iSchneggs]

Wise and useful advice!! Thank you! It seems there's a techie battle for incremental pixel-level advancements, however, high quality photographs require more insight, experience, and experimentation than spec improvements could ever yield.

[@bertstephani]

We all love new gear but I'm completely with you on this. The biggest improvements are made in the 10 inches behind the camera.

[@EllyJellyfish]

Thank your for this!

[@olivervilla6367]

absolutelt inspiring. thank you 🎉

[@bertstephani]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mewtwo34]

This was a good video, it game a lot of new perspective with lighting. How are you enjoying the XT5?

[@bertstephani]

Thank you! As for the X-T5, it's a great camera but to my surprise I tend to gravitate just a bit more to the X-H2.

[@haroon420]

I’ve recently got into photography and whilst there are many very good KZbinrs who have helped me learn, your photography method is also what I aspire too. I want photography to be unplanned. And I’m even happy if I get no good pictures on a day out. Thanks.

[@bertstephani]

Glad to hear. Enjoy the journey!

[@georges64]

Fun and inspiring, Thank-you!

[@bertstephani]

Thank you!

[@fidiak]

Nice, thank you

[@sigurdrille9693]

Thank you, very inspiring!

[@bertstephani]

Thanks

[@rdices]

Great video…thanks for sharing

[@bertstephani]

thank you

[@silvasurfa9800]

Great advice Bert!... I love the way you work and though I still drive a ton of lighting around in my four wheel drive I have found the best images I have done are always when I just shoot with one camera and fast lens ... either my XT4 & 56,1.2 or my X100v ... you talk great wisdom! Lets see more video's! :)

[@bertstephani]

Thanks! Beter to have a bunch of gear in the car and not needing it than the other way around. I also often have more gear and backups nearby, certainly on paid shoots. More videos coming up but it takes a lot of time to make a video and I usually end up doing it in-between other things.

[@draculadicruz]

Can you please do a review on the XF16-80mm f4 lens? which is coming as a kit lens with XT-5. Is that lens good? Planning to switch to Fuji.

[@bertstephani]

It's definitely a nice lens. I have both the 16-55 and 16-80. The 16-55 has a bit more punch in the image and is F2.8 but it's also big and heavy. The 16-80 needs a touch more contrast in post but it's more versatile, smaller and lighter, and it has image stabilisation. You can't go wrong with the 16-80 in kit with the X-T5. Maybe add your favorite prime later and you're all set.

[@draculadicruz]

@@bertstephani Thank you.

[@FrankLewis-nl]

Loved it!

[@bertstephani]

Glad you did

[@notyourkeyscrypto]

You have a real gift for expressing your ideas in a way that will help open the eyes of thousands of people who will watch this video. I have been photographing for two decades and have not seen any video that comes close to how well you have explained this process , how to keep things simple and adapt to any situation that is presented to you on the shooting day and not try to sell me anything. Very well done. Subscribed, and will share with others. Thanks

[@bertstephani]

Thank you, that means a lot to me.

[@hpaula1946]

Just discovered your channel. I've been primarily a Fuji person since my Nikon D-750 days, own an X-T3 and an X-T4, but have been tempted lately to get a Canon R6-2 for its low light capability, which has been a little less than satisfying with my X-T4, as well as focus accuracy, which again is not a strong point with my X-T4. I shoot a lot of low light indoors with the grandkids, and prefer not to use flash, so focus accuracy and low light capabilities are important. From all of the KZbin videos that I have watched, it seems that the X-H2 and X-T5 have not improved at all on their low light, high ISO capabilities, and the autofocus is still significantly inferior to Canon and Sony. I'm pretty bummed out, as I was really looking forward to upgrading my X-T4. Thanks in advance for any insight into my dilemma.

[@bertstephani]

I can't comment onthe R6, I haven't used it. AF has been improved considerably on the H2 and T5 - and even more on the H2s. Personally for me, they all work fine in low light indoor situation but your mileage may vary. Even with the previous generation, I never really had a problem in those situations.

[@Realdjheisenberg]

Great video Bert. Only thing I’d do differently is to overlay the camera info on each shot (lens, focal length, aperture, iso and shutter speed). Other than that, great job! Where are you from? I was born in Waremme (BE). Now live in Chicago (USA) :)

[@bertstephani]

Good point DJ. BTW I'm located near Leuven/Louvain

[@tonyfoulkes9289]

Brilliant, learnt alot.

[@bertstephani]

thx Tony

[@7antonio9]

Hi Belgium here! Great vid.

[@bertstephani]

Go Belgium ;-)

[@ewikla1]

Inspiring❤

[@bertstephani]

thank you

[@freddywop1738]

Lol I didn’t realize the photography I do is usually free flow but I do let the sun limit me so I’m happy I stumbled upon your video and learned a lot and inspired to carry on! I’m gonna upgrade from my canon rebel t6 to the Fuji xt5 and I’m debating on just getting the camera body and get a 23 mm wr or get the kit lens or the 33 mm u suggested and btw I mostly do portrait photography

[@bertstephani]

It's just a name ;-) I would personally get the camera with the kit lens. It's actually a really good lens and at a good price if you buy the kit. Play around with it for a while and then see at what focal length you shoot mostly and buy a good prime at that focal length. The 23 is too wide for portraits. It works fine with kids and young pretty people but I prefer the 33 for portraiture.

[@freddywop1738]

@@bertstephani thanks so much for ur insight! I ordered the xt5 silver and 35 mm 1.4 r and it’s coming today I’m so excited!

[@Saswat-TV]

Imagine what Joe the camera club president would have advised and then do the opposite! That’s the pearl of wisdom! Thank you for such a beautiful episode!

[@bertstephani]

You are very welcome

[@rosu1981]

I love yu re video, Bert.. a lot of informations. Thx

[@bertstephani]

My pleasure!

[@Avto28]

Some very nice tips indeed and the video length seems to be just fine considering the delivery, maybe some b-roll can be edited in a bit more coherently (that is to say maintaining more continuity and clearer cuts) at times but other than that lovely!

[@bertstephani]

Thank you, I realy appreciate the suggestions as well

[@bushbeatnik4480]

not too much info. Why? you set our expectations at the beginning, 3 sections, what and why. Interesting that you say there are two sides to a coin. I would argue, by explaining your process in free form portraits with limited gear, you have found what most do not see- that there are actually three sides to a coin. Love your content and just found it. New sub and working my way through the catalogue. heads or tails is easy and chance. the edge is intentional. cheers.

[@bertstephani]

Thank you, that third side has got me thinking, thanks

[@toykellie3]

❤

[@bertstephani]

thanks

[@kieronperalta6198]

Great informative video Bert. You're a great teacher! I'll now be keeping the awning technique in mind, great tip. I'm fairly confident in my ability to compose photos but the model posing and interaction is somewhat daunting especially as my only experience is with toddlers who don't comply with their daddy's instructions 😅 Saw the snippets of you interacting with the models and you're a natural. Feel free to teach us the ways if you're up for it sometime!

[@bertstephani]

Thanks Kieron, if you can deal with toddlers, you can deal with everyone. Honestly, it's just a skill. The good news is that anyone can learn it. The bad news is that it takes lots of time and practice. I'll put it on the list of ideas for new videos.

[@nickdual]

Your model is beautiful

[@bertstephani]

Everyone I shoot is beautiful, it's just my job to make them aware of it.

[@Deminimis2]

Perfect answer.

[@mickd1368]

what t said, great vid good job

[@bertstephani]

Much appreciated

[@TheKamrenB]

About 95% of all my portraits shoots are free flow and has a max of 2 lenses. I can't imagine doing it any other way.

[@bertstephani]

so liberating to work this way

[@KudoYoung]

Do any photographers ever take portraits of men or boys? I've never seen one. /s

[@bertstephani]

Then you must have really paid a lot of attention to this video.

[@badhabit714]

😂Foirst😂

[@limakilo1331]

Great content, thank you for the post.

[@bertstephani]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brentmiller3250]

Great video ... headed to your website to seem more of your work. I just found you using the search criteria "Fujifilm X-T5."

[@bertstephani]

Thanks Brent, reminds me that an update to my website is long overdue ;-)