Regardless of your position on the current situation in the United States, you should agree that our freedom to protest is essential to the American experience. We can say what we want, and take to the streets to ensure our voice is heard. Today’s protest was aimed squarely at the destruction caused by the current administration. Me, I was there to make pictures. I’m not much of a protest guy myself. I’ve attended many, but mostly as a photographer and not as a general participant. Today was no different. And I was testing out the Fuji X100VI.
If there has ever been an administration worth protesting, the Trump regime is at the top of the list. I’m a bit baffled by their pre-election promises and the resulting post-election chaos. All I heard was “America first,” so I find it a bit confusing to see a South African with no security clearance being given total access to anything and anyone. And I find it suspicious that this South African’s businesses have received nearly twenty billion dollars in government contracts. Let me take a second to look up “conflict of interest.”
“A situation in which a person is in a position to derive personal benefit from actions or decisions made in their official capacity.”
Or maybe it’s “America first,” after military intervention in Gaza. In addition, we now learn that military action is on the table against our allies, while we make incredible concessions to our arch-enemies. I just spent $117.00 on two bags of groceries. (Eggs were $12 per dozen. I skipped them.) We learn that the pre-election promises of reduced food prices, a national health care plan, strong tactics against inflation, and a new, fair tax plan were empty promises to garner votes. It worked. Half the nation drank the Coolaid. Friends and immediate family drank the Coolaid. (I’m still friends with them.) For those of you who will take offense to my writing this post, or for those of you who will immediately pout and say I’m “In bed with the Democrats,” you still don’t get it. I don’t identify with either party. I vote for policy and who will do the least amount of damage. You can take your party and shove it.
I want to bring your attention to the creativity at this protest. It’s a wildly cool range of signs, far more inventive than I imagined. The average age at this protest was the highest in my lifetime. Santa Fe is an aging community. One of the first quotes I overheard was “Where are all the 20-somethings?” I said, “They are at home on their screens living their lives through TikTok.” I was trying to keep things light, but it’s true. This crowd was filled with people who fought in Vietnam, Korea, and World War II. There were even a sizable group of Afghan/Iraqi War vets. These people would eat modern kids for lunch. These people knew what it was like to face down considerable opposition.
There was no violence. There was ONE guy who really wanted to get arrested, but the State Police bent over backward to ensure that didn’t happen. I know because I hovered over them waiting for the scuffle to ensue. My blackened photographer heart was depressed after realizing there would be no spot news on this day. (Maybe it got spicy later, but my wife had a massive to-do list and shamed me into leaving with her.) There was lots of chanting and horn honking, and I only witnessed one counter-protest vehicle. Some people I spoke with were surprised there was no counter-protest. I said that I thought the Trump base was starting to realize the extent to which they were conned and are starting to get a bit nervous about their current situation. Perhaps I’m wrong, but the destruction being created by the regime is cross-platform. It’s impacting Republicans and Democrats alike.
Let me get to the part you jackals have been waiting for. The camera. This was my very first attempt at using the X100VI. As many of you know, the X100V has been part of my workflow for several years. I use Nikon too, but committed to the Fuji for today’s little jaunt. As many of you also know, my neck and back are in serious condition. I was making progress until a severe tweak two weeks ago. I’ve been in pain since. Even with my backpack mostly empty, the pain is considerable. On the way home from the protest, I decided my upcoming Berlin/Hamburg/London trip would be all Fuji and DJI. The Nikon will stay in New Mexico. And I will work from a fanny pack the entire trip. (Take care of your bodies people. Don’t do what I did.)
The X100VI isn’t a layers camera. I routinely isolate layers inside the frame with the Nikon, but with Fuji this is nearly impossible. The Fuji changes the way I photograph because almost everything is in focus. This can take time and practice to understand. I doubt my ability with the X100 because I can’t fall back on the ease of a full-frame camera. That full-frame, short, fast lens falloff is SO simple and so intoxicating it can fool you into thinking your work is better than it is. I also like challenges. “If I was any good I could use any camera you put in my hand.”
The camera is incredible. The resolution of the files is better than I expected. Fuji’s color science is second to none, and we all know the ergonomics of the camera are an afterthought because the damn thing is so small. The viewfinder is tiny, the autofocus is faster than the prior model but isn’t going to set the world aflame, and the battery probably sucks, but carry a few spares and you are golden. This was my first time in the field in a long while, which meant I was happy to be there making pictures regardless of the outcome.
Another thing to consider if protests or spot news are going to feature prominently in your future. The X100 series cameras are so small and “inconsequential” you will not be given the benefit of the doubt with law enforcement. With this camera around your neck, it is more difficult to say “I’m a photographer.” The press guys with two large mirrorless bodies and two large zooms, LOOK like photographers. Cops will often see that and act accordingly. (This can be good or bad.) Finally, the built-in flash works like a charm. Until today, I had never used this feature, but after using an off-camera strobe during our Japan workshop, I fell back in love with the fill flash look. ( I will use this in Berlin/Hamburg/London.)
Moral of the story? If you feel strongly about something, take to the streets. Peaceful protest is within your rights, for now. Freedom isn’t earned with a truck stop t-shirt. Freedom must be fought for. Will today’s protest shift the balance of power or garner the desired outcome? Not likely. But when someone kicks the hornet’s nest that is the American public those in power should take heed. History tells me that division brings temporary power and the destruction of empires. Hope, science, inclusion, and collaboration bring lasting power and legacy.
PS: My job is to photograph and write. My job is to record. Long-term is what I’m interested in. The lunacy happening within the highest levels of our government is just the latest chapter in a downward trajectory our nation is experiencing. If we survive, we will rebound and become something else. My job is to take notes. That’s all.
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Yes, protests were in every state capital yesterday. I did not attend because while I see the benefit of the community generated and I will fight with my last breath the right to do it, I sometimes wonder about their efficacy. But I don’t know. I’m not a political scholar. I’m just a woman, trying to live her life. But I am fairly savvy in seeing connections. Connecting the dots to understand who is funding all this bullshit and short answer is that we are. I say that not to blame. We’re just trying to go about our business and we need toothpaste and shit. There is a part of me that is super pissed off that I have to (choose to) research brands and companies so I can vote with my dollars. It takes time away from what I’d rather be doing, which is creative things. Obviously. However, one protest I am absolutely going to participate in is the economic blackout on February 28th. No money will be spent that day. Exceptions for emergencies and small businesses where I can pay in cash. Bonus points for anyone who can skip work that day. For one day, we can wedge a stick in the spokes of the big money machine. More blackouts will follow. We start with one day. Then with 3. And so on. Can everybody do this? No. That’s not the point and we’re not going to let perfect be the enemy of good. But if enough of us do it, it will make an impact. It will send a clear message that no, we will not continue to be good little cogs for the assholes who are fucking it up for the rest of us.
Otherwise, some damn fine photography here. I particularly like the photo of the fella with the bold jewelry. I bet he’s a wonderful person to sit across the dinner table from. I bet the conversations would be epic. Bet you can guess my favorite sign… The Gulf of Fuck This! Maybe not the most original but it makes the point. Because hell yeah, fuck this! There are so many brilliant people who are having their genius hijacked by having to devote time to organize and stand together against t-asshole and musk and all the other right wingers who would love to see women back in the kitchen and black people using another fountain.
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Jesus Ellen,
Where have you been my whole life? What a take. Well done and well said. Just write and keep being creative.
The idea for this started 25 years ago in Vancouver, but has never really picked up much steam. I hope it does now. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buy_Nothing_Day
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Buy nothing. Love it. And no gas. Watch how quickly things change.
Took me a bit to recall the lines from Robert Frost’s ‘Build Soil’ that I suspect are apropos here:
I bid you to a one-man revolution—
The only revolution that is coming.
(I looked it up to get it right).
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My mom’s fav poet.
What Ellen279 said…
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No shit. Superb take.
Just hoping they can find the fired people who were in charge of keeping the Hanford nuclear plant safe. The approval ratings that the wrinkled mango is getting, despite giving away all your personal and banking information, measles and bird flu outbreak coverups, is astonishing. Czar and Rasputin come to mind. (What is being handed to Russia on a platter makes me believe there is a peepee tape.) Doesn’t sound like freedom to me. Hoping some of the protests have an impact on people in a position to stop them. Good luck to us all.
Can you please expand on “The X100VI isn’t a layers camera. I routinely isolate layers inside the frame with the Nikon, but with Fuji this is nearly impossible.” Why is the X100VI not a layers camera? Why is that nearly impossible?
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Small chip. Less falloff. Much more difficult to define something in a specific layer because there is more depth of field.
I agree 99% with the political commentary and the people protesting… but the big ??? is where have these people been hiding over the last four years??? We could effortlessly roll back the clock administration after administration for their respective disastrous policies and actions. The original X100 is still my favorite camera of all time… what a blast to over the years despite its slow auto-focusing.
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These people were there, but they were assuming logic would win out over disinformation. They were so very wrong. And the Dem leadership was doing what all parties do. Taking money from special interest groups.,
As a 26-year retired law enforcement veteran, thanks for the gracious comments about the cops. Yes, there are some bad cops out there, but the majority of men and women I served with were hard-working, decent people. As for politics, it feels like there are abject cooks in both parties these days, so I prefer to read novels, write, drink coffee, and hang with my cats. Love your photo of the dude in the red jacket. As for the X100VI, I love mine as much as my X-Pro3 (hoping the X-Pro4 comes next).
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I have had some epically bad experiences with SFPD. But this place has a history of corruption that rivals any city in America. But the State Cops were just trying to keep things chill. There are crooks in both parties, but one party is preaching hate, racism, division, antisemitism and is actively working to destroy as much as they possible can. You can’t compare the two parties at the moment.
In a matter of weeks your country has shown the world how utterly untrustworthy a nation you’ve become. As Germany’s foreign minister put it, the USA is no longer an ally to be relied upon but a risk to be mitigated against.
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We’ve always done some seriously shady stuff. Now, we don’t even try to hide it.
Daniel: As usual you write what is going on inside my head better than I could express. I’ve already forwarded this article to a bunch of my friends and family.
As for the X100VI, I agree with you on that as well with an added wrinkle: I started learning photography with a Canon FTb in 1971. The X100VI brings me back into the state I would be in when holding the FTb. I take the little bugger everywhere and will be purchasing the 16mm (24mm) adapter for it sometime soon.
I’m not yet ready to only bring the X100VI when I travel. My X-H2 with the 16-55 zoom makes up for the mobility issues that might otherwise keep me from photographing everything I want to. Looking forward to your take on the X100VI after your Berlin/Hamburg/London trip.
ellen: Well said and with the energy it takes to make a difference. For myself, I don’t march anymore. But I am really into blackouts and letting companies know that I don’t refuse to deal with them and I let them know that I’m very vocal as to telling people why.
Author
I love my XH2 as well. And my wife lives the zoom. My neck however…
“My blackened photographer heart was depressed after realizing there would be no spot news on this day.” ok that cracked me up. Also Ellen’s words were great…
Author
It’s so true. There were a few other photogs there who were all waiting for the shit show to begin.
From personal experience tempered by age and a bad back and knees: When I travel I usually wind up taking a Nikon body and couple of zooms leaving my X100whatever behind. During the trip, I start to resent the weight of the photo gear, leave it in the hotel room and use my iPhone. Once upon a time I did take the X100whatever with me and truly enjoyed the experience – no problem carrying it everywhere, no figuring out what lens / focal length to use, just concentrate on what I was seeing and experiencing – result: lots of images I really like with files that are much much better that I thought they would be. Take the X100vi on you European adventure – you will love the images and your back will love you.
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That’s the thing. You never want to default to the phone because of the size. That’s the beginning of the end. Leave the Nikons and take the X100. You will be far better off in the long run. Too many photogs have killed their career on this path.
I dread what American politics is going to greet me in the news every morning. It’s hard to believe Trump/Musk have only been on the throne for a month. And while I’m on the literal other side of the world, no one escapes the consequences of what happens in the US.
Those signs were great! Laughed out loud on the metro (where I was reading this) at “Luna Tick” 🤣
The X100VI is a lovely little camera. Very small though; haven’t figured how to hold it comfortably after all this time. I’d still pick my X-Pro2 first, but have to say the X100 series is great if you want a compact do-anything go-anywhere camera!
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Thumb grip. Otherwise it’s like trying to hold a jellied eel! And the anarchy that Musk is attempting to bring will impact everyone. He’s a sociopath.
I also really like your photo of the state police. The main figure, looking over the shoulder, standing on the white line. Despite your caption, I feel it somehow gels with my image of where wider America is from my vantage sitting far away. A picture of the gulf in America.
Author
Thank you. I don’t think it’s a great picture, but I like it. Maybe better light, a little closer to the guy in the foreground. But the gulf you perceive is very real.
Daniel-san: awesome photos – congrats on the VI. I sold my X100 (the OG) a number of years ago to fund an X-T3. Dumb idea – I miss that camera. Some of my favorite photos ever were taken with a 12mp camera that could barely auto focus. Some day I may buy one again, but I can’t afford a V or a VI. The F was the sweet spot for me…
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Just keep looking. And when the TikTok crowd loses interest, the market will be flooded.
Don’t like to post more than once on your site but sometimes there’s a good reason to.
I had issues with holding the X100VI as well; it would slip out of my hand or slip in my hand and I would press the wrong buttons on the back. Almost considered returning it. But then I discovered an L-shape grip from Small Rig that made all the difference: just enough added shape that it sits on my fingertips and barely adds any weight to the camera. I’d read about fit issues with some L-shape grips but the one from Small Rig fits perfectly.
I didn’t like the strap that came with the camera but picked up the Peak Design Leash and it was a game changer too. Very easy to adjust, I can tighten and loosen the strap with one hand. Cross strapped the leash hardly registers on my bad shoulder.
Last thing was to add the little red button to the shutter release. Cup shaped top and good threads, I forget the brand because I tried a few before getting the one I have now. It’s been on the camera almost from when I bought it.
Not one to push products but these really helped me enjoy the X100VI a lot more than if I didn’t have them.
Author
I use the thumb grip, soft release and an older leather strap that someone gave me. Makes a big difference. As you mention, that camera is SO small the thumb grip helps a lot.
Hi Daniel, the fact that you don’t avoid politics is appreciated. It seems that every other photog person (on YouTube and various podcasts, etc. etc.) are living in a parallel ‘non-political’ universe, lest they offend and lose some followers. The most political some seem to get is to critique the president’s photo, with a disclaimer that they are discussing photographic technique (lighting, etc.) not politics. Too many people claiming to be “artists”, when they are essentially technicians. Art is meant to ask questions and to challenge, is it not? Anyway, have a great weekend. I hope your back and neck are on the mend! (Second attempt to post this – glad I draft things in MS Word, so I had most of it and re-wrote the rest by memory. Please delete if for some reason both comments appear later. Thanks.)
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I find most YT types total pussies. And they make their films “child friendly, so they can maximize their views. F that. When you see and hear these people offline they are completely different people. What a sham way to live a life. My feeling is all topics are approved and welcome.
Marshall- “Buy nothing day” is picking up here again, in BC. Feb. 28. We have all been carefully reading labels on everything, so we can “Buy Canadian”, to support our local farmers and companies. Also, the Canadian gov’t is looking elsewhere for trade alliances, as our former ally is becoming untrustworthy, and is hinting at handing over the Arctic to Putin. We all have close ties and family in the US, and this has been heartbreaking to see the cult-like behaviour of formerly rational people. American politicians cheered on the so-called Freedom Convoy, which was started by an Alberta separatist movement that planned to “remove the govt and replace it with their own people” (I got this from their own website before it was sanitized the next day). Now we have the former Peter Poliver spouting crap straight from the senile rantings of the burger king.
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Putin owns Donny. And he now owns the entire senate and cabinet. The craziest part to me is how the military is now subservient to Putin.
The x100vi is a great little camera. But what happened to the nice image of the gentleman in the red jacket? Looks like he is copy/pasted into the image. I have seen it before. A digital problem. Somehow I see it more common with aps-c sensor cameras than with full frame or medium format.
And politics… don’t get me started. In Europe we didn’t even see what hit us. Of course we know that Russia and China wants us for breakfast. But it feels even worse when, what you considered a friend, betrays you. That one will be hard to forget…..
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Not sure what you mean about the guy in the red jacket. The Nikon would have made him pop even more. I should have used the built in ND filter but I forgot about it. As for the enemy thing, it will pass. Once the masses of people who voted for our guy start to comprehend the level of con, they will come looking for payback. I would not want to be an enabler a few months or years from now. I have an opinion of how this will play out, but I’m hoping I’m wrong.
Yes, maybe it is just me that see ghosts. Always liked a good analog expression from a good film, though I never shoot film anymore. And hopefully you are right regarding the enemy thing. It is a crazy time we live in. Hard to ignore….
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I love analog too but never use it. My life moved on. Too many people asking for too many things.