Bryan Minear

Hey everybody! My identify is Bryan Minear, and I’m a panorama photographer based mostly in Michigan.

Yeah… I do know it’s not precisely recognized for its epic panorama surroundings, however I make do with what I’ve and journey once I’m not working my full-time design job or spending time with my household.

In quite a lot of methods, studying to {photograph} landscapes in a spot as mundane because the midwest has pressured me to turn out to be extra inventive with my compositions in addition to the best way that I method shade in my work.

I’ve been a Fujifilm X-Photographer (fancy for Ambassador) since 2015. However I’d be capturing with the Fujifilm system no matter any official affiliation.

Cameras

Fujifilm GFX100S – that is the digicam that I coined the panorama pictures digicam of my desires, and I don’t say that flippantly.

The depth of shade data and dynamic vary of the large one-hundred-and-two-megapixel sensor has fairly actually modified the best way that I shoot and edit pictures.

All of the whereas sharing batteries with my backup X-T4, which makes it the right main physique for the best way that I shoot.

Fujifilm X-T4 – earlier than the GFX entered the image, Fujifilm’s X-T lineup was my go-to main physique starting with the X-T1.

Regardless that it’s acquired a few quarter of the megapixel rely of my main physique, I can at all times rely on this as my speedy little companion shooter.

I most frequently use it once I wish to shoot astrophotography and not using a tracker or I must pair it with my XF70-300mm lens plus a 1.4X teleconverter for some crispy detailed moon photographs.

Fujifilm X-T2 (Full spectrum sensor modified by Kolari Imaginative and prescient) – I’ve been capturing with this X-T2 because it got here out in 2017. It holds a really particular place in my coronary heart because it was the primary digicam that I labored straight with Fujifilm on in launching. 

I had it modified for full-spectrum capturing in order that I may proceed utilizing it extra commonly. My favourite filters to make use of are the Kolari Imaginative and prescient IR Chrome which simulates the look of Aerochrome movie straight within the digicam, however I additionally take pleasure in capturing 850nm and 720nm infrared.

It truly is my go-to digicam for “it’s method too inexperienced in Michigan through the summer time.”

Fujifilm X100V – the chosen one. The unique X100 was my gateway into the Fujifilm system that led me down a very sudden profession path.  

I like these cameras a lot that I now have one tattooed proper on my wrist!

That is my do-all documentary digicam for once I’m out with household or with mates at an epic location. I’ve discovered that even the in-between moments are worthy of capturing, and that is the right digicam to do it with.

Lenses

I’m very specific about my lenses as they must serve a novel objective, or I can’t justify the added paradox of alternative that I get when I’m carrying an excessive amount of gear.

Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 – that is my absolute favourite lens. There’s nothing higher to me than a well-composed and compressed panorama scene from a telephoto lens, and this one has simply the correct quantity of vary.

The OIS + IBIS of the GFX100S at all times knocks my socks off with how effectively they carry out collectively when handheld.

Fujifilm GF30mm f/3.5 – as a result of a panorama photographer at all times wants a large choice, I’ve come to seek out that my most popular vast focal size has skewed from 15-16mm once I first began, all the best way to 24mm equal, which is strictly the place this lens hits the spot.

I do know most individuals see f/3.5 and scoff, however let me inform you that vast open, this factor additionally has some sneaky fall-off and exquisite bokeh.

Fujifilm GF80mm f/1.7 – the lens that I by no means knew I wanted. For a very long time, I had an enormous hole from 24mm (equal) all the best way to 85mm (equal). I simply by no means wanted these in-betweens for the best way that I shoot.

Then I attempted the 80mm, and my life was ceaselessly modified. I nonetheless do a good quantity of business work for shoppers, and this tends to be the right subject of view for that type of work.

Paired with absolutely the madness of f/1.7 on a medium format sensor, you could have your self a recipe for fulfillment.

Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 – for a very long time, the XF50-140mm f/2.8 lens was my workhorse, however final yr when the 70-300mm entered my life with extra vary in a smaller dimension, I didn’t even suppose twice.

Pair this with the XF1.4x teleconverter and my eternal love of photographing the moon, and also you’ll perceive why it’s turn out to be a staple in my bag.

Fujifilm XF16mm f/1.4 – I name this the unicorn rainbow lens of the Fujifilm lens lineup. It’s wonderful for astrophotography but in addition has a close-focus distance that’s about the identical size because the lens hood.

A large-angle lens at f/1.4 can provide you some WILD outcomes. You simply must strive it and see for your self.

Fujifilm XF16-80mm f/4 – that is the lens that mainly lives on my Full Spectrum X-T2. It has such an superior vary which suggests I don’t have to alter lenses and filters on a regular basis, and the OIS is nice for capturing handheld.

Fujifilm XF10-24mm f/4 WR – I have a tendency to not shoot ultra-wide a lot anymore, but when I ever discover myself close to a waterfall, that is THE man!

 iPad Professional M1 12.9  – my go-to subject editor and graphic design machine.

H&Y Okay-series Filter Holder –  with 10-stop, 4-stop, and 3-stop ND gradation. Nice for these moments when f/32 simply isn’t sufficient to gradual issues down. The magnetic attachment makes it far faster to connect, alter and take away filters.

Sandisk Excessive Professional 2TB SSD – gotta dump these pictures someplace, may as effectively be right here.

Wandrd PRVKE 31 – this bag has been my favourite digicam bag since 2018, and I’m now on to my second one, the Gobi Tan (blemished) shade, which appears sufficient like stormtrooper white, makes me really feel additional particular and is a complete vibe.

I do know the right bag doesn’t exist for most individuals, however it does for me.

Feisol CT-3476 sticks with a Colorado Tripod Co. Aspen ballhead – sturdy and light-weight, however I now have sufficient Demise Valley sand inside these legs to fill a kind of marriage ceremony jars.

Gear is enjoyable… however it took me a really very long time to resolve what was proper for the best way that I shoot. There’s a lot conceitedness on-line lately about what gear is finest, however that’s all a bunch of crap.

Simply purchase what you possibly can afford and GO SHOOT. That’s it.

My first digital digicam was a silver Canon Insurgent XT that felt prefer it got here out of a twenty-five-cent machine within the vestibule of Okay-Mart. I’ve come a great distance since then, however everybody begins at sq. one.

Experiment usually and have enjoyable discovering your individual inventive voice.

By no means let some speaking head on YouTube outline your creative imaginative and prescient.

bryanminear.com | @bryanminear