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Am I upgrading? Finally my first thoughts on the Godox AD600 pro II and The X3 remote. If you missed them there are already 3 BTS videos on the channel where I use one and up to 600 pro II with the X3. Some of the footage you are about to see is taken from a BTS video that will be only available on the blog for premium members.  Down below are other sessions with the X3 and Godox AD600 pro II: In the field with the GODOX AD600proII Behind-the-scenes portrait photoshoot Behind-the-scenes portrait photoshoot Do you need to upgrade, who is this for? Am I upgrading? Let's find out! I used previous remotes made by Godox in the past. From the first X pro to the last, with Canon cameras, and now Fujifilm cameras. I was quite happy with the X Pro II and all its features. Over time, I felt the Ad 600 pro, was lacking a few features. I felt it was at times too powerful and needed to go under 1/256, I missed the Freeze mode from the Broncolor flashes, and anything that could help me identify my flash from a distance whenever I use multiple strobes on a project.  And there you have the AD 600 Pro II and the tiny X3 next to the X-pro II A new TFT Color screen with a new menu, that even a 3-year-old can understand. Color indicators for each group, I no longer assign the wrong settings to any of my flashes. The AD is stuck at 1/256, which is a shame, and something I did not need was the new, now 40 W bi-color modeling lamp. Something I haven’t explored much, so I will see it on other projects in the long run.  The AD600 pro-II now offers a 1/20400sec flash duration… I believe this is a first for Godox. The freeze mode is great, but expect to lose a bit of Power with it.  Behind the scenes and complete gallery of this photoshoot. So I asked for it and finally, we have it! 10 stops are now available to us and we can go as low as 1/512… this is great. I sometimes do not need an ND filter. The reason I wanted the X3 was the one-touch sync with the Pro II, and the touch screen. I didn’t find the X Pro II too bulky, and I got used to its size. I even was afraid at first that the screen of the X3 would be too small, but it’s ok. I didn’t struggle to navigate through the menus it was quite the opposite.  When shooting solo outdoors I usually work with the AD300 pro and a small softbox (AD-S65S). I sometimes wish I had a bit more power and a larger softbox, but I always thought it would be too much of a pain to bring such a big strobe with me and a larger softbox.  But I had to try so I did work this way, but you may have noticed in my latest outdoor portrait sessions. Behind the scenes and complete gallery of this photoshoot. The GODOX QR P90T and the 120 are smaller and seem lighter than their previous version. How did they do that? They are just less deep! Convenient to carry them around but does this have an impact on the quality of the light they provide? I can’t tell for now, I haven’t used them enough. If you wish to see a direct comparaison of these let me know in the comments.  Behind the scenes and complete gallery of this photoshoot. My conclusion after using the  QR P 90T and the AD600 pro II for these sessions? It is a heavier, bulkier package, but the light I get might be worth it.  Behind the scenes and complete gallery of this photoshoot. If like me you own the previous version of the AD600 pro, it’s a tough decision. If the AD600 pro never held you back and you are super happy with it then the upgrade is probably not necessary for you. I said it at the very beginning, I was missing some features that now are in the Pro II, which is enough for me to consider the upgrade.  If you are about to make the jump and never owned an AD600 Pro. Concentrate on those new features and ask yourself if you need them. If you don’t you you can save some money because at the moment there is a price difference between the two. If money is not an issue, choose the Pro II without hesitating. It’s future proof and you won’t be disappointed.  Down below are other sessions with the X3 and Godox AD600 Pro II: In the field with the GODOX AD600proII Behind-the-scenes portrait photoshoot Behind-the-scenes portrait photoshoot And if you wish to watch the complete video of Maeva and see the resulting images, it's HERE !

Feat. Maeva K. And the GODOX AD600 pro II If you missed my first hands-on review, then just head back to the main blog page, you cannot miss it! You will also find 3 other Behind-the-scenes videos, where I work with the X3 and the AD600 pro II. If you already watched the review, then you know this is the complete session that was featured in it and its gallery. First thoughts - GODOX AD600 pro II

Feat. Clara & the GODOX AD600 pro II The first time was a mistake, this time we went there on purpose. Equipped with an additional Godox AD600 pro II and the QR P120T alongside the 90 cm version. I often wish I add a 2nd flash on location and a bigger softbox, but never bring one when I am shooting solo. This is how I would ideally work, so I add to do it at least once to see how this new AD600 pro-II behaves. So why do I need a 2nd flash so much? It's my love of big soft light sources, I rarely use them even, though it's my preferred light. Big light sources offer a quality of light I love and give me with a single source the option to light an entire body. I have to sacrifice this when I work solo and bring with me only a small light modifier. The smaller the light the harder the light on my subject, and a fall-off sometimes cuts the body in half. It is sometimes a desired effect, but there are instances where I wish I had the option. Clara (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/2.5 ISO 50 Placing a Light on either side helps when you wish to separate the model from the background. It is also easier to play with depth and shadows, as you have more control over your scene. Clara (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/160sec f/1.7 ISO 50 A parking lot is not my usual location for my photoshoots, but with the right tools you can make any location work. Of course, I tried to use the environment as much as possible. I sometimes used the walls and pillars to bounce my light. Clara (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 200 The light remains my guide, this is why I always ask my models to come back and face the light from time to time during their routine. Something I haven't talked about. in previous articles, is the use of feather lighting. Sometimes my flash isn't facing my model and instead is aiming on the outside or slightly behind or in front, of my model. This is to have a softer light on my model and a better wrap. Clara (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 1000 The added colored LED light to identify the strobes on the AD600 pro II is really useful. It is something I did miss in the previous versions. Now I can quickly at a glance check where my strobes are and no longer mistake one for the other. I only had two of them so imagine if I had a 6 lighting setup! Clara (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 320 The concrete wall, and the yellow lines, were simple elements that helped us during this photoshoot. The light bounces off the wall so I was able to have her facing the wall more often without losing any details. The lines once again can serve as guides, and add a little something to the overall scene. Clara (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 320 This was one of my last photoshoot sessions of 2024. I mainly work outdoors this year, and the weather now isn't ideal for portrait sessions like these. I must say Clara did a fantastic job that afternoon, as the temperatures were already quite low. Although we had two lights to lug around, this session wasn't longer than my ordinary one-light sessions. I feel the X3 and some of the new features of the AD600 Pro II helped speed up the process. I can tweak my settings much faster and find myself going to the lights less often. More about them in the upcoming review!

Feat. Manon & the GODOX AD600 pro II Check out the previous video, where I got my hands on the AD600 pro II and X3. I decided to switch to version 2 and upgrade my remote a few weeks ago. I will share my thoughts about these new tools soon… especially after using all of Godox’s remotes in the past and the previous version of the AD600 pro. But before all that, I needed to have a bit of experience with them.  I now never do a review without using a tool for at least a few weeks. It doesn’t make sense to make one after using it for only a couple of hours. This is my 2nd video with these tools, but no not my 2nd session with them. I’ve done a few so I now have an idea who this is for, and if it was worth it for me to upgrade.  Manon (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 160 The first 2 images we made, were not supposed to end up in the final section. I only took a few, but didn't like the scene at first. When reviewing them after the session I decided to include a few of them just in case, and 2 of them made the final selection. This is the typical situation where I am glad I have a Flash with me. I would probably be able to work without one, but having one gives me the option to consider any scenario, any scene any composition. When Working with only natural light without any accessories the light will dictate what you can use. Manon (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 125 Manon (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + IRIX 45mm f1.4 G-Mount 1/125sec f/1.4 ISO 125 Like my previous session with Lisa, this is the only shot made with the IRIX 45mm f1.4 G-mount. I will share more about this lens next year. It's a manual lens, so it completely changes the approach for my portraits. Manon (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/100sec f/1.7 ISO 100 This would not be my work if there wasn't at least one shot or two with the use of lines and symmetry. I am always looking for those to accentuate the focus on the model and to guide the viewer inside my photos. Manon (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 125 So let's be honest, if you've been following me for a while, you know that for these types of sessions, I usually use a Godox AD300 pro and a smaller softbox. The advantage is obvious, It's lighter, smaller and and I can easily pack everything into one bag. I was able to do so here, with only two lenses in the bag. but the weight is still there. You got that bit of extra punch, more shots with a single battery, and better recycling time... Is it worth it? I will tell you in my full review! The GODOX AD 600 pro II, the QR P90 T, and the X3 work well together as they should. Still haven’t experienced any issues so far, the combo never held me back. On my next BTS, I will use not one but 2 AD600 pro II outdoors. The QR P120T will be thrown in the mix, and we will use a familiar location just to see how much a 2nd flash could bring more to a session. Manon (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 100

BTS Portrait fitness photoshoot So here we are. It took me some time, but I finally got my hands on the AD600 Pro II and the X3 remote. I also decided to test the QR P90 and 120T. Nothing beats real-world tests, real photoshoot sessions, just me using the gear like I would normally do and seeing if it holds me back or pushes me forward.  I managed to film a couple of these sessions with my good old 360° camera. I will be able to share with you two or maybe three behind-the-scenes videos of me using these tools. After that, I will share my thoughts about these new flashes, how different they are compared to the first version, and whether you should invest in them.  For now, join me for this fitness portrait photoshoot session with Lisa, a brand-new face in my portfolio. Although it was our first time working together, she did a fantastic job and got into the shoot quickly.  The location is the result of a misunderstanding. We were supposed to meet outside the parking lot. The link I sent her was only to help her find a parking space, but she thought it was actually the location for the photoshoot. Since I couldn’t find her and thought she was late, I called her, and she was waiting for me one floor below me.  When I came down to meet her the idea I thought that in the end it wouldn’t be such a bad idea. After a quick look around I decided to completely change the session and shoot in the parking lot… something I would normally never do. I had to raise my ISO a bit for this one, as I wanted my background to be visible. We only worked with one flash, the GODOX AD600 pro II and the X3 remote. My softbox was the QR P 90T. I didn’t use the grid but still used both diffusion layers.  Lisa (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 1000 The Fujifilm GFX100s was equipped with the GF80mm f1.7 almost the entire session… The F1.7 aperture really helped this time. I really wanted to take advantage of the polished concrete. Contrast and shadows were on my mind during the entire shoot, and of course lighting from the sides was my preferred option. Lisa (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 320 I used to be afraid of pure blacks. I still do not go all the way, and keep some details in those deep shadows. It’s a slow process, I know I will be comfortable with it sooner than later. I’ve always admired those heavily contrasted photos from other photographers, so I thought I would explore that a little bit more. Lisa (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 1000 This is the exception. The only photo I made with the IRIX 45MM f1.4 for G mount. I love there cinema line, and I love the 45mm. So I was eager to test it on the GFX system. Here is one of the very first pictures I made with it. Lisa (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + IRIX 45mm f1.4 G-Mount 1/125sec f/1.4 ISO 500 We slowly moved outside and changed the mood. We had a significant drop in temperature recently here in Toulouse so this was one of the very last sessions I made outside. Lisa (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 400 We then moved to another part of the town, and I bet these photos will remind you some of latest sessions made outdoors. Lisa (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 50 I was happy to have such a powerful flash with me. Because of the size and weight, I usually use the AD300 pro for small sessions like this one. I managed to carry everything in one bag (a 2nd bag was used for the lightstand and softbox), and it was doable for a old guy like me. But I am not sure if this is the best solution if I want to move fast. The QR P-90T is a decent useable size for full body shots. If I shoot soloand have to bring all the gear myself, this is the biggest softbox I would bring with me if I want be efficient on location. Lisa (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 50 What can I say without going into specifics? The AD600 pro II from afar is very similar to the first version… at least from the outside. When you switch them on you quickly notice the differences. The new screen, the new menu, the button layouts… I still felt at home, and I was able to use it right away.  The X3 is on the other hand a total makeover. It’s tiny, light and now has a touch screen! I will dive into all that in the review, for now my experience with these new accessories is positive, but I need to use them a bit more.  If you have any questions about them, feel free to share them in the comments section, and I might address them in my future review. What did you think of Lisa? Should we work together again on a personal project? Let me know what you think!

Feat. Louise Djabri I thought I'd make this one available for everyone. I haven't posted ballet photography work in a while, so here you are. A familiar model, a familiar location, and gear you have seen countless times in previous posts. So what was I even trying to do for this one? I had that rule back in the day, to not use a location more than twice. I broke that rule several times now because I felt I was missing out on an interesting exercise. Depending on the weather (if I am shooting outdoors), the time of the day, my mood, and the model (especially if it's not a traditional portrait session) chances are, the outcome will be different from one session to another. But how much? If you missed you should watch the other photoshoot I made in that same location: Street portrait Behind the scenes (extended) if you are not a premium member, you can still watch the short version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MjJykwq9N2k Now you can watch my latest outdoor ballerina portrait photoshoot and compare: So I used that row of benches again for this one. My framing wasn't that different from my session with Louana , I just love how it adds depth from left to right. I did it again with Louise because initially, the ones on the bench with Louana weren't part of the final image selection. Louise Djabri (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 125 Something I avoided, with Louana , that I decided to try with Louise. 2 things I would do differently if I had the option, is bring a bigger light source for a softer look and better transitions with the shadows, finding a way to bring back that right hand (and arm) in the picture. You probably noticed how we struggled to find the right pose and balance in the BTS video! Louise Djabri (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 125 And this is where I did something different! With Louana , the idea was brushed off pretty quickly. We felt the theme and clothes wouldn't work with this backlighting approach. Too dark and too moody, I decided to keep this one for another session, and this was it! My flash was placed on the right side behind the end of the bridge. We just placed with her placement and depending on the pose decided to add or or reduce the shadows on her body. Louise Djabri (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 200 For a few of them, I once again would have preferred a bigger light source, but, the space we had for the flash behind was very limited and I could only place my light stand on a slanted piece of dirt. SO a bigger rig would have been impossible, unless I had at least two assistants holding the entire thing the whole time. Louise Djabri (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/2.0 ISO 200 Another idea that fell through with Louana . I wanted to play with that fence in different ways, but couldn't find something that worked so we moved on to the blue door. But Louise had a few ideas herself, and this was one of them. I am once again the from left to right using the fence to give depth and an obvious vanishing point. Louise Djabri (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 100 And finally, that blue door is back! Of course, I had to use Louise's athletic abilities to make that one different, as the framing, is similar to Louana 's series. Louise Djabri (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 100 I will probably use these different scenes for another session in the future. I will do my best to find another to use these different spaces as I feel I could have done better. But that's the goal, making it different each time. Finding details you missed the first time, and further improving your efficiency on location to find several framing options and new ways to compose your shots.

A killer monitor under 300$? Let's Talk About the DC-X3 Field Video Monitor! The DC-X3 Field Video Monitor came out a few days ago. This little device is jam-packed with features that are perfect for both pros and hobbyists. Let’s dive into what makes it so special! I’ve had a few monitors in my hands in that price range in the past. Getting a good reliable field monitor around 300 is not that easy… so when you know this one is actually under 300 dollars I was skeptical. I was only able to play with it a little bit so keep that in mind that this is not a long-term review. But my first impressions are positive.  So what do you get for 268$? First off, true 2000 Nits Brightness! This means you can use it in super bright conditions without any visibility issues. No more struggling to see your screen in daylight! All the professional monitoring tools are there. F ocus peaking, false color, and zebra patterns. These are essential for getting that perfect shot every time. Of course, it's a touch screen, and the interface is a breeze to navigate through. Adjusting settings or finding what you need is quick and easy. The screen quality is top-notch, giving you brilliant HD visuals with 4K HDMI/SDI in and out., every detail is crystal clear. Weighing only 350g and measuring 155.4×98.4×30mm, this monitor is perfect for on-the-go use. You get multiple power supply options. Plug it in or use an NPF battery, it’s your call. Its advanced heat dissipation technology ensures flawless hours of use in extreme conditions. I used it recently on a very hot day, and it didn’t slow me down, no overheating so far. We'll see in the long run if that's still the case. One thing I love about this monitor is the customizable function buttons at the top for quick access to your favorite tools. But the first thing I noticed with the DC-X3 is the build quality. A well-thought-out design that will probably handle the rough and tumble of fieldwork, and you know what? It comes with all the accessories you need right out of the box. You get an NPF battery, all the necessary cables, and a carrying case. I had to mention it because the last monitor I reviewed on this channel didn’t have all of these things.  If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality field monitor that’s packed with advanced features and still easy to carry around, the DC-X3 is a fantastic option. Its brightness, professional functions, and screen quality make it stand out, especially for the price. Drop a comment below if you have any questions or if you’ve already tried the DC-X3 – I’d love to hear your thoughts! Manual: https://viltrox.com/pages/dc-x3

Featuring Louana Clementoni Our 2nd time working together after that quick studio test shoot we did in the studio a few months ago. We are once again in the streets of Toulouse for a simple traditional portrait session, with one flash. I went flashless for a while, and now I have an AD300 Pro in the bag more often. You've seen some of these streets before, so I will most certainly avoid them for future shoots. And the gear I brought hasn't changed since my last Behind the Scenes video.

Behind the scenes (extended version) I mechanically (not always but often) record a few clips during my photography sessions, especially the impromptu ones, the urban/ street sessions, and smaller projects. I have this tendency, of filming storing, and forgetting the footage, and sometimes I simply erase these videos because I lack space on my drives.  That is a shame because no matter how bad these are I am sure there is some info there for you guys to pick up… Any type of behind-the-scenes footage I could get my hands on from my favorite photographers back in the day was a blessing, as there was so much to learn from. I have found footage from 5 different sessions I made recently and decided this time to edit all of them for the blog. Depending on the amount of footage I will make a short version for the tube.

Behind-the-scenes photoshoot feat. Susie Buisson I film the majority of my solo sessions. The photoshoots where I work solo with one or several models. A lot of times I delete the footage, because I don’t find the session interesting, or just couldn’t find the time to edit the footage, and after a while lose interest in sharing it.  I love these sessions because in real life I am kind of a loner. So I love doing everything myself from start to finish… of course, for anything related to creating the image… the idea, the concept, the location, the accessories and gear…the execution… of course the retouching and finalization of the images.  I am not minimizing the work of my models a lot of my images would not be what they are without the talent of these amazing human beings.  I loved sharing these in the past, I don’t know 13 years maybe. But since COVID, since 2020, it has become less fun doing these. I am concerned that this might show in my work, and obviously, this is the last thing I want. We’ll develop this further in a future conversation.

Have I fully integrated the software into my workflow? Used it once, walked away, and went back kind of liked it more but had some issues with the credit system, and the fact that it was a separate software. Now I do use it regularly on specific projects. It is still evolving, it’s getting better, and I cannot see how a photographer these days can go passed it and not give it a try. Not my first EVOTO video, and probably not my last. I can say now that more than half my work goes through the software, for obvious reasons at least for me.  I played with it recently and tried something I don’t do often: use the software and retouch an image from A to Z without going back into Photoshop. Here are the main steps I will speed up some parts of the video, to make it short, but it will give you a rough idea of how I would use EVOTO in my work. It's powerful for general skin work, the tools get better after each update. Reducing or erasing skin problems like blemishes has never been that easy, it now takes seconds. It always took me some time to even the skin tone and color, and now I can do this with the push of a slider. I began to use the contour & makeup panel more for some of my portraits. Just to give volume and depth to my face. I still avoid the creative makeup part, just some contouring when it feels appropriate. I still believe that for any advanced makeup work, a makeup artist cannot be replaced. Brightening up the eyes with software just got better. You can fine-tune each eye individually and target specific parts. I now use this feature more often. I still stay away from the body and face-reshaping tools as much as possible as It’s just not my thing. Before / After If you missed it, please take a look at my very first video about this software: EVOTO Ai is the future? A year has passed since that first video and it's crazy how many new features were added and how it got better in such a short amount of time. But let's be honest here, there is still a bit of room for improvement. For High-end beauty shots, especially headshots or closeup shots, I would still do the work manually in Photoshop. For the rest, EVOTO will be your best companion if you wish to spend less time in front of your computer and more time shooting in the field. Removing stray hairs doesn’t always work for me, so be careful, and still check your edits before exporting them. The following links show some of my work edited with EVOTO Ai BTS outdoor portrait photoshoot Urban circus photoshoot Last year I would only use it for specific images and would only use it for retouching skin. I decided a few weeks ago to do some of my color work in the software too. I wanted something simple, I don’t want to go crazy on the colors So If that’s what you are after then EVOTO Ai might be the right tool for you. You won’t feel lost, everything will feel familiar if you have already used Lightroom or Capture ONE... For those of you who were looking for alternative software, again, this might be it! Another tool I use a bit more is the Clothes and accessories touch-up. You can fine-tune your mask, and target specific parts of the image, and it does a pretty good job at de-wrinkling clothes and reducing creases. I am not a studio guy but I sometimes do work in studios. I sure enjoyed being able to smooth and clean my plain backdrop with the software. Workshop Miss Numérique Months fly by, the software gets better with time, new features arrive, and it won’t be long before 100% of my work will go through the software. A few years ago I wouldn’t have guessed this would be how I retouch and edit my work… but here we are. If you haven’t already, you should give this a try and judge for yourself. They just introduced a tethering option recently something I will probably try out soon. Try it for yourself: EVOTO Ai

Feat. Nicole Martres & the Viltrox 56mm f1.4 Are you looking for an ultra-cheap portrait lens for your Fujifilm camera? Then you should look at Viltrox’s 56mm. Small compact, light, and super cheap. I never looked at Viltrox lenses seriously before and now own several of them for my XH2s. Are they perfect no, but their value for money is unbeatable at the moment. Here is my first Photoshoot with the Lens, I initially wanted to make the entire session with 56mm, but ended up using the 75mm also by Viltrox and the FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR for one final shot.