Exploring Midtown Manhattan: A Lifestyle Shoot with Daria Shevchenko
Some cameras may not be brand-new, but their charm and capabilities endure. This past June, I teamed up with Daria Shevchenko for a lifestyle and model shoot in Midtown Manhattan. It was also my chance to put the Fuji X100V—a camera that’s been around for a while now, with a successor already on the market—to the test. Despite its age, the X100V proved why it’s still so beloved among photographers.
Testing the Fuji X100V: First Impressions
The Fuji X100V is a compact camera with impressive capabilities, and I couldn’t wait to put it to the test in one of the most iconic backdrops in the world. From the bustling streets to Midtown’s urban charm, the camera handled the varying light conditions with ease.
One standout feature of the X100V was its built-in flash. With TTL (Through-The-Lens) functionality, the flash provided perfectly balanced lighting in almost every shot. What amazed me the most was how little adjustment was needed—manual settings weren’t even necessary most of the time. For a lifestyle photographer, that kind of reliability and ease makes a huge difference when working on the go.
A Summer Afternoon with Daria
Midtown Manhattan is a photographer’s playground. With towering skyscrapers, textured walls, and endless streams of people, it offered the perfect mix of dynamic and serene settings for our shoot.
Daria Shevchenko, with her effortless style and energy, was an ideal subject for this session. We moved from one spot to another, experimenting with angles and playing with the natural light. The Fuji X100V’s portability made it easy to adapt to each scene, allowing us to focus on creativity rather than gear adjustments.
Why the Fuji X100V Stands Out
For lifestyle and model shoots, the Fuji X100V proved to be a reliable companion. Here’s why:
Built-In Flash Excellence: The TTL feature ensured balanced lighting without manual tweaking, even in challenging conditions.
Compact Design: Lightweight and portable, it allowed for seamless movement between locations.
Image Quality: The sharpness and color accuracy of the shots were stunning, even straight out of the camera.
If you’re looking for a camera that delivers professional-level results while remaining user-friendly, the Fuji X100V might just be the perfect fit.
Lessons From the Shoot
This session was a reminder of how much the right gear can enhance your work—but it’s also about collaboration. Daria’s ability to adapt to each environment and bring her unique personality to the images made the shoot a success.
Photography isn’t just about technical settings or the latest equipment—it’s about connection, creativity, and making the most of your surroundings.
What’s Your Go-To Gear?
Have you tried the Fuji X100V or another compact camera? Share your experiences and favorite features in the comments below. And if you’re planning a shoot in a bustling city like New York, what’s your must-have piece of gear? Let’s start the conversation!
Suggested Future Topics:
“Top 5 Compact Cameras for Street and Lifestyle Photography”
“How to Make the Most of Your Built-In Flash”
“Midtown Manhattan: A Photographer’s Guide to Iconic Locations”