Three Frames, Three Moods: Exploring Coastal Light with the Fujifilm X-T30 II and 35mm f/2
On a recent coastal walk, I brought along my Fujifilm X-T30 II paired with the trusty Fujinon 35mm f/2. It’s a lens I’ve grown to love for its sharpness, speed, and ability to quietly blend into any scene.
What I set out to do was not just document the landscape, but to explore how film simulations can shape the emotion and tone of a moment. Here are three frames from that day — each captured with a different recipe, each telling its own story.
1. Cinematic Gold – Light on the Sea The first image is a wide view of the rocky coastline, where a solitary beacon rises from the sea. The late afternoon light kissed the rocks and water with a softness that the Cinematic Gold simulation seemed to embrace effortlessly. This recipe adds warmth and depth without feeling artificial — almost like watching a Wes Anderson film set in the real world. The colors lean warm but stay subtle, making the image feel like a memory more than a photograph.
2. Lomochrome Metropolis – Reflection and Grit The second frame is a reflection self-portrait, taken in a tidepool near the edge of the rocks. I was drawn to the muted tones and surreal stillness in the water, and Lomochrome Metropolis was the perfect match. This film sim flattens saturation, adds a layer of urban cool, and lends an almost cinematic grittiness to textures. In this shot, it pulls out detail in the surrounding stones and floating debris while making the reflection feel ghost-like. A fleeting, quiet moment — half submerged in its own world.
3. Kodak Tri-X 400 – The Black Sheep Finally, a black-and-white frame of two sheep standing in a field with the ocean just behind them. For this, I turned to the Kodak Tri-X 400 recipe — a favorite for its bold contrast and beautiful grain simulation. There’s something timeless about the texture it brings out in wool, grass, and sky. The photo feels like it could have been taken decades ago, and that’s the beauty of Tri-X: it invites you to pause and really look. No distractions, just composition, light, and form.
Gear used:
• Camera: Fujifilm X-T30 II
• Lens: Fujinon 35mm f/2
These images were all taken on the same stretch of coastline, just steps apart — a reminder that mood isn’t dictated by place, but by perspective. Film simulations on Fujifilm cameras offer a unique way to experiment with that perspective without ever leaving the moment.
Chasing Stillness with the Fujifilm X-T30 II and Kodachrome 64
There’s something quietly powerful about capturing ordinary moments—those in-between spaces where light meets shadow, motion meets stillness, and time seems to pause for just long enough to be noticed.
On a recent walk, I brought along my Fujifilm X-T30 II paired with the Fujinon 35mm f/2. It’s a lightweight, sharp, and incredibly versatile combo—perfect for everyday shooting. I’ve been experimenting with the Kodachrome 64 film simulation recipe lately, and this session reminded me why I keep coming back to it. The colors are rich without being overpowering. There’s warmth and subtle contrast, with a timelessness that feels cinematic in the best way.
Each of these images tells its own quiet story:
• A lone bird suspended in a sea of soft clouds.
• An aging wooden house on the edge of a quiet field.
• A stark streetlight standing against a textured blue sky.
None of these scenes were planned. They just unfolded, and the camera helped me see them more clearly.
What I love about the Kodachrome 64 recipe is how it handles natural light. It elevates simple compositions and gives even mundane subjects a sense of mood and depth. Shooting JPEGs straight out of camera with this look means I spend less time editing and more time focusing on composition and presence. If you’re into Fujifilm’s film simulations or just looking for a simple setup that delivers character and clarity, I can’t recommend this combo enough.
Gear Used:
• Camera: Fujifilm X-T30 II
• Lens: Fujinon 35mm f/2
• Film Simulation Recipe: Kodachrome 64
Where or When
There’s something uniquely grounding about photographing familiar spaces. No dramatic landscapes or fast-moving subjects—just the quiet corners of home, a little light, and the patience to notice what’s already there.
These images were all taken with my Fujifilm X-T30 II, using a Lomochrome Metropolis-inspired film simulation recipe. The look is unmistakable: desaturated reds, cool shadows, and a mood that feels somewhere between retro documentary and modern still life. It’s a palette that leans into introspection and soft contrast, which felt perfect for the subdued, cozy energy of this space.
The first image features a worn leather backpack resting against a deep green wall, next to a mid-century style cabinet. The tones here are rich and muted, and the light falls in a way that adds weight to the textures.
The second photo includes a mirror shot layered with books, reflection, and a bit of self-portraiture—anchored by a poster that reads “Shh, I’m reading.” A nod to quiet pursuits, and maybe a little to nostalgia too.
The third image might be my favorite: a dog perched on a patterned sofa, completely still, completely present. That calm presence seems to embody the mood of the entire set.
I didn’t stage these scenes. They were already there—just waiting to be noticed. That’s what this film recipe helps me remember: photography doesn’t always have to be about movement or spectacle. Sometimes, it’s about being still long enough to see what’s right in front of you.
Gear used:
• Camera: Fujifilm X-T30 II
• Film Simulation Recipe: Custom, based on Lomochrome Metropolis
If you’re into film-inspired digital photography, I highly recommend exploring custom Fujifilm recipes. They’re a great way to shape your aesthetic and slow down your process.
Quiet Frames and Coastal Light: Shooting with the Fujifilm X-T30 II
On a recent outing by the coast, I brought along my Fujifilm X-T30 II — a camera that continues to impress me with its balance of power and portability. For this short photo series, I chose the Astia/Soft film simulation, known for its gentle contrast and subtle color rendering. It’s perfect for scenes that lean more into mood and softness than dramatic punch, which felt just right for the day.
This outing reminded me that photography doesn’t always need dramatic light or epic landscapes. Sometimes, it’s the quiet frames — steel meeting stone, a child’s silhouette on deck — that hold the most meaning.
Gear Used:
• Camera: Fujifilm X-T30 II
• Film Simulation: Astia/Soft
• Location: Kvitsøy, Norway
Lakeside quietness
Slowing down and soaking it in—shot these quiet lakeside moments with my Fujifilm X-T30 II using the Kodak Tri-X 400 film simulation. There’s something timeless about black & white.
Noir, Noir baby
Been diving deeper into the 50s Noir film simulation on the Fujifilm X-T30 II lately—something about that moody contrast and deep shadows just hits different.
Still figuring out how far I can push this look, but loving the atmosphere it’s creating.
Fly Like An Eagle
Shot with my Fujifilm X-T30 II using the Kodak Tri-X 400 film simulation recipe.
There’s something about black and white that pulls the soul out of a moment. A weathered backboard, rusted hoop, and a shadow that still wants to play. A lonely goalpost standing in silence, waiting for the next kick.
