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Quick look at the tools I used to retouch this image You probably have guessed it, this is taken from the session I did with Manon in Gruissan. Down below are some before and after images and you might be surprised by how much work I did on these. It is not a secret I now use AI on most of my images. The time when I spent hours retouching portraits and full body shots manually is over... or almost... I still haven't found the perfect workflow but this is the one that is working for me right now.

Feat the Castelet Prison in Toulouse This is a first, you will not see my face from now on, I warned you a while back and am finally taking the step. These Behind-the-scenes won’t be that different, usually, it’s the other way around, people tend to show themselves more, and marketing-wise it’s always better to put a face on a company, it eases the connection with the audience blah, blah. I don’t care, I want you to focus on my work, I want to disappear behind my work, and this is the first step. Will you ever see me talking to the camera again, probably, when I feel it’s necessary. I posted on the blog a few articles and an exclusive BTS video featuring Angelina who is also the dancer model of this video. But the video on the blog is not a longer version of this it’s a completely different session, if you are interested in that you know where to go.  These were made during my old days using the AD300pro, and that tiny 65cm softbox; I am still using the GFX100s, and the 20-35mm lens was back on my camera.  We didn't make a lot of pictures this time because these need time even when you work with a small setup. The bare minimum I shoudl say as I usually use a bigger softbox for these a 2nd light and most importantly a much more powerful strobe. But the AD300 pro did a fairly good job even if it wasn't the right tool for it. Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF20 -35mmF4 R WR 1/400sec f/4 ISO 100 at 20mm You know the process, I've talked about this in the past. You can see in the video I am using a tripod to secure my framing and save time. It also alows me to take a clean plate and clean my final image if needed. My Flash was in the way a few times so this method speeds up the process of erasing it... even though we all know now that Ai does a really good job at that. I ended up using different plates and stacked several images together to make these 3 first images work. I am less fan of this third one as a 2nd light could have helped seperating her from the backdrop. Another easier solution would have been choosing a different outfit... Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF20 -35mmF4 R WR 1/250sec f/4 ISO 50 at 20mm I missed this look, the feeling of being close to the action. The GF20-35mm definitely didn't deserve staying in my bag. Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF20 -35mmF4 R WR 1/640sec f/4 ISO 50 at 35mm And I felt this even more while retouching these photos, as I feel the last 2 are the weakest of this session... I am using the word "weak" for the impact they have on the viewer. You are less drawn to them, or at least that's how I feel. I remember this was what I was chasing back in the day... that "Wow" effect. It doesn't always work but the choice of your lens is crucial to succeed. Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80mm  F1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 100 Obviously, this was the only one that didn't require a flash, the sun was enough to make it work. for the last one we tested a few things, and ended up created my least favorite of the session., , Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80mm  F1.7 R WR 1/125sec f/3.2 ISO 100 I was unable to visit the location before the session, and I regret it. We worked there at the wrong time of the day, making it really difficult to create the images I had in mind. The light that morning created shadows that were unpleasant. It almost made the place unusable for the compsitions and scenes I wanted to use. This reminded the importance of location scouting and preparation. This session is tied to 2024, there is at least 1 other Behind the scenes video from last year in the works and then I will be able to finally fully embrace 2025.

Farewell? She recently decided to quit competitions so this is probably the last time we’ll ever witness this physic. She still looks amazing off competition and proves that work pays off after all these years. So will these be our last sessions? Maybe, the sad part of this is that I discovered she retired after our last session, which means no goodbye session where we could have prepared something big to celebrate. Nonetheless, it was a great session, and the other one we made recently, will be a glimpse of what we can do together in the future. But back to this session a few months ago in the south of France.

Feat. Angelina Rakova It is hard for me to justify the GFX100s sometimes. Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic camera, with an amazing sensor, and a unique look. But A lot of my work ends up online now more than ever, which had me thinking: isn't this a waste? This entire session was made with Viltrox lenses and the Fujifilm XH2s. A lighter setup that I can carry in a small bag, and I can make portraits that would suit the majority of my clients, who want a few simple portraits.

Making it simple... Bringing a flash and ending up not using it... It was almost the case here. A portrait session that was a mix of different things. Creating content for Eva, for my blog, and testing an IRIX lens, and a new flash at the same time. This was one of the first sessions made with the Godox AD600 pro II and I almost didn't use it. When you don't need an additional artificial light source, don't force it. The theme and initial goal of the session was your guide, and when we arrived at the first location, I regretted bringing my flash. The sun was hitting but I liked the direction and the overall exposure of my scene so Working without the flash gave us more freedom for poses. Eva Maureille (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 50 During that time I was testing IRIX's 45mm lens. To make it simple they just changed the mount and nothing else. The image circle is the same, so I was slightly worried as the lens was originally made for full-frame sensors. However, after using it on several portraits, I realized it performed well with the GFX system. Eva Maureille (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + Irix 45mm f/1.4 GFX 1/100sec f/1.7 ISO 50 I still quickly switched back to my autofocus lenses. I haven't worked with manual lenses in a long time and it took me some time to find my marks. Eva loves improvising, so we were better off working with autofocus lenses. Eva Maureille (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 125 During the 2nd half of the shoot, we finally got the opportunity to use the GODOX AD600II. The light direction wasn't in our favor, so we had no choice. It was my 2nd time shooting in this specific spot, and I forgot how it was a pain to dodge the cars and cyclists. Eva Maureille (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/500sec f/1.7 ISO 50 I was glad I brought the flash with me. It always opens up more options, and I get to compose my images the way I want at almost any time of the day. Eva Maureille (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/500sec f/1.7 ISO 50 The flash was placed on my right, I wanted those shadows to slightly appear on the other side. I pulled out the ITIX 45Mm lens for the last shot because I knew she wouldn't move. The 45mm wouldn't be my go-to choice for a portrait this close, but I kind of like the results. Eva Maureille (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80 mm f/1,7 R WR 1/500sec f/1.7 ISO 50 (Left) Eva Maureille (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm GFX100s + Irix 45mm f/1.4 GFX 1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 160 (Right) Bringing a flash with me for an outdoor session will always be my first option unless the project calls for it. How about you? Do you work with flash, natural light, or both? Let us know!

A simple portrait session Feat. Diane Dayné Wishing y’all the best for 2025, Take care of your loved ones, spend time with them while you can, and take care of yourself, life is short. As I get older, I feel less and less at home on YouTube. The algorithm, the way I should make, advertise, and edit my videos to maintain my channel, isn’t for me. I no longer resonate with the platform and I already felt that way after COVID. Following the trends like everybody does might give me more views and subs, but I won’t be able to look at myself in the mirror.  This video is one of the three I failed to post last year, so here is the first one. An entire session was made with the Viltrox 35mm f1.7 XF . A cheap and well-built lens, proving you don't have to break the bank to make images these days.  This session was a quick one, I believe we made it in an hour and a half including the walking from the different spots. No rush, we even took our time to chat and catch up on our lives as our last session together was from a few years ago. Diane Dayné (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + AF 35mm F1.7 XF 1/1250sec f/1.7 ISO 80 This session was 100% a session made to test the Viltrox lens. I now own 4 of them. The 13, 35, 56, and 75mm lenses. And I have to say that it is currently my favorite third-party brand for Fujifilm Lenses. These lenses act and perform like a native Fujifilm lens and never disappoint. We started with some backlit images, and I haven't seen any major artifacts in my images. It handles the Flares well, I even had to enhance it post. So if you are looking for a clean look, the 35mm is for you. Diane Dayné (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + AF 35mm F1.7 XF 1/3200sec f/1.7 ISO 80 I then used the sun as my main source. These are the hardest to make. The sun is facing your model, making it hard for her to keep her eyes open. You have to find that right angle, that will give you the right shadows, and that won't get in the way of your model's expression (and hopefully you won't burn her retina...). Diane Dayné (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + AF 35mm F1.7 XF 1/4000sec f/1.7 ISO 80 I always try to play with my environment. Anything that can be used to add layers, that can shape my light or shadows. Not all of these ideas were great, keep in mind we were testing a lens, and I was exploring some ideas I wouldn't exploit during a regular job. Diane Dayné (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + AF 35mm F1.7 XF 1/3200sec f/1.7 ISO 80 I quickly went back to backlit pictures or with a more diffused light. You don't want to damage your model's sight, and you also want a bit more freedom. This is why with harsh light or during sessions happening in the middle of the day, I will look for spots in the shade, and shoot backlit images to have an even exposure on my model, making it easier for everyone. Diane Dayné (Toulouse - France) Fujifilm XH2s + AF 35mm F1.7 XF 1/640sec f/1.7 ISO 80 Not a part of the Pro series, but the AF 35MM F1.7 XF was still a joy to use and a fantastic performer. I cannot complain much when looking at the price. I just know that if you are currently trying to have an entire set of prime lenses that deliver, you should seriously take a look at Viltrox's offering. Learn more about this lens by clicking the link down below. You can find my past reviews on the blog, just type Viltrox in the search bar. Learn more about the 35mm: https://shorturl.at/r8gEU My video on the 56mm: https://youtu.be/NhNc9RtsKR0 My video on the 75mm: https://youtu.be/yfVXtF47lyk You’ll have to get used to less of this, I know some of you will be happy about it. I will still catch you in the next one here or on the blog. Probably next week, Stay safe, take care, and until next time, have a good one!

Behind-the-scenes dance photoshoot This was somewhat inevitable, I won't break this tradition this year. I am a little bit behind with my blog posts, so here is the first of 4 coming this month. Every year I post a 60-90-second video summarizing the past year. This year will be no exception, it will be released later this month. This photoshoot of Virginie and Amaury was the last one made in this hidden location in Toulouse. It's not hidden, but most of the people I know here never set foot there. No Flashes, no accessories just me my camera, and 2 talented Ballet dancers. I love to alternate sessions with and without strobes. The preparation and the rhythm of the session are different, I wish I could have sessions with the best of both worlds. The endless possibilities and options you have with flashes and the efficiency and convenience of shooting with very little gear.

Unpublished Behind the Scenes video feat. Clara P. We can officially say she's a regular. Always a pleasure to meet with Clara, we've created images numerous times now, and I know I can get results fast with her on any type of project. This was a quickie, as I wanted to revisit a location we used together the first time we met!

Extended BTS video feat. Michele Juan We had some epic sessions together in the past! That one with GODOX tube RGB led lights: https://www.hkvisuals.com/post/bts-fitness-rgb-shoot ...and that one in the carpentry shop: https://www.hkvisuals.com/post/creative-fitness-photoshoot-bts 2 years later we meet again for a completely different session. I didn't plan on doing so many photoshoots outdoors last summer. You are warned a few more are coming with more trees, more bushes, more rocks, and rivers. Nature was calling me in a way, I now got sick of it and got back to shooting in the city.

Extended BTS video feat. Emma H. This is a spot very few photographers use around here, and it's a shame as it is close to the city, easily accessible, and a quick cheat for a nature, wilderness theme portrait session. I wanted a bit of water and a few trees, so it was the perfect spot for me!

Maï Weiss in Toulouse I did my best this summer to rediscover my city. I've been living in Toulouse since 2018, and for the first 3 years here, I didn't bother going out or reaching out to anybody. I always thought I would leave the city after a couple of months, but that turned into years... and now I am not sure we will be leaving soon. The consequence of this is after 6 years, I barely the streets and whereabouts of my city. So I tried hard for a couple of months to set up a few photoshoot sessions downtown, discovered a few places in the process, and surprisingly, felt inspired once again.

Feat. Alizée Juras Have we met before? Hell yes, a fire first session, in my opinion, so I was hoping our paths would cross once again. Just in case you missed it, here it is, you will quickly notice how different this one was compared to the one you are about to see: Temporary home studio part II I've been there before, so the challenge was to do it differently. Only one flash, the GFX100s and the GF80 f1.7. I had the 50mm and a wide angle in the bag, but they didn't move during the entire session. The sun was playing hide and seek with us, so I did my best to use it as a 2nd source. I also used a Freewell VND filter, as I wanted to stay almost wide open all the time.