Fujifilm pros share their predictions for photography in 2022

25 May 2022
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This content is courtesy of Fujifilm.

As the pandemic disperses, Australians are again on the look-out for a creative outlet to explore beyond the limits of their homes and walls. In 2022, what are some practices and artistic values that will shape photography? Hear from Fujifilm X Photographers from the arts, documentary and ocean backgrounds on what they think will hold true in this space. 

“More intrepid, adventurous photography.” - Tamara Dean

As we begin to move beyond the pandemic, I would expect an uptake on more intrepid, adventurous photography, as people are heading off on trips and adventures out in the landscape. We’ve been closed for such a long time, so the urge to roam and capture the world outside of our four walls will very much shape the image-making landscape in 2022.

Taken on Fujifilm GFX100 & GF110mmF2 lens. Early in 2020, a few photographic jobs Russell Ord had scheduled were put on hold due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. Surfing for exercise was still allowed and with a bit of spare time on his hands, Russell naturally found himself down at the Point surfing and snapping photos of the locals both in and out of the water. Cool images quickly emerged and were turned into a coffee table book titled Main Break, illustrating some of the local crew whose lives revolve around surfing at the Margaret River Mainbreak.
Taken on Fujifilm GFX100 & GF110mmF2 lens. Early in 2020, a few photographic jobs Russell Ord had scheduled were put on hold due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. Surfing for exercise was still allowed and with a bit of spare time on his hands, Russell naturally found himself down at the Point surfing and snapping photos of the locals both in and out of the water. Cool images quickly emerged and were turned into a coffee table book titled Main Break, illustrating some of the local crew whose lives revolve around surfing at the Margaret River Mainbreak.

“Commercial and outdoor projects on the rise.” - Russell Ord

Given the way of the world at the moment and especially with the rules and regulations in Australia, I would presume commercial photography will thrive. People will start to move away from preset Instagram filters and opt for amazing images directly in-camera and if necessary, some adequate, quality touch-up afterwards.

The same will go for ocean, surf and any outdoor photography, as people have been yearning for that breath of fresh air and release of creativity while aspiring to retain an authentic element in their work.

Fujifilm GFX100S, Tim Georgeson, as part of his project ‘Truth in Fire’, a visually stunning and deeply moving journey into the world of Indigenous fire keepers.
Fujifilm GFX100S, Tim Georgeson, as part of his project ‘Truth in Fire’, a visually stunning and deeply moving journey into the world of Indigenous fire keepers.

“Authenticity is key in story-telling.” - Tim Georgeson

Authenticity is the way we’re going. Given what’s been happening in the last few years, I think people are getting tired of imagery that is overly polished and thought-out. COVID has highlighted more raw, intimate and personal moments that can tug at the heartstrings easily, and we will see a greater hunger to engage with what’s going on out there and understand reality as the way it is rather than through a filter.

Imagery that has a raw realism element to it is more akin to how life is lived outside the pixels and certainly more relatable to the beholder.

Fujifilm GFX100S + GF30mmF3.5, Tamara Dean
Fujifilm GFX100S + GF30mmF3.5, Tamara Dean

“Photography in extreme environments.” - Tamara Dean

The evolution of cameras has opened up a plethora of creative opportunities and one of them is photography in extreme environments. I’ve taken my go-to camera, the Fujifilm GFX100S, into places with masses of dust, exposure to water splashes and drastic changes in external temperatures, and the camera was able to withstand these elements. Where once I wouldn’t dare bring a camera into these environmental extremes, I can do that comfortably now.

Now that the world is opening up again, there is an urge to travel, find new places and reconnect. People are looking at the world through fresh eyes, and there is a tangible shift to be creative and adventurous, placing our environment front and centre. I could see photography in extreme environments may be something that could boom in 2022. 

Australian wildlife has been hit hard by bushfires and human development, so it is a relief to find a few animals who are fortunate enough to be under the care of a dedicated husband and wife team, veterinarian surgeon Howard Ralph and his wife veterinarian nurse Glenda Ralph. Here, Howard holds an orphaned baby wombat after doing a medical examination to check his health. Fujifilm X-Pro3 + XF23mmF1.4 MK ll, Megan Lewis.
Australian wildlife has been hit hard by bushfires and human development, so it is a relief to find a few animals who are fortunate enough to be under the care of a dedicated husband and wife team, veterinarian surgeon Howard Ralph and his wife veterinarian nurse Glenda Ralph. Here, Howard holds an orphaned baby wombat after doing a medical examination to check his health. Fujifilm X-Pro3 + XF23mmF1.4 MK ll, Megan Lewis.

“More self-awareness and objectivity.” - Megan Lewis

Coming from a background of documentary photography, I’ve always placed a focus on self-awareness in order to be more objective in my story-telling. It's not always easy, but it might be essential for all of us if we are to find more clarity and integrity in our stories and life. 

I realised a long time ago that when I understood that I knew nothing then and only then did I begin to know something. It motivated me to keep working on myself, to keep being aware of my own fears and belief systems. This way it would help me to be more objective in my interpretation of a story or a state of being. If we can master this in ourselves first, then our work will have a chance of being more reflective or honest.

As our collective self-reflection over the past two years starts to breed new forms of creative expression, 2022 will be a turning point for photography, marking a token of positivity for those of us who hope for a better year ahead.

About the authors

Tim Georgeson is an Australian filmmaker, photography and visual artist, documenting everything from cultural enclaves to environmental and humanitarian crisis zones, to street life across the world. See more at timgeorgeson.com.

Tamara Dean is a critically acclaimed photo media artist working in photography, installation and moving images, whose work explores the relationship between humans and the environment. See more via Michael Reid Gallery.

Megan Lewis is a Walkley award-winning photographer, author and public speaker whose work has been exhibited in Australia and internationally. See more at meganlewis.com.au.

Russell Ord is an internationally acclaimed photographer. He’s shot magazine covers of world-class surfers and helped deify celebrity chefs. He has roamed with Uunguu Rangers in the Australian outback, island-hopped across tropical fantasylands and followed his photographic instincts through urban meccas. Meanwhile, his ocean images are celebrated for simultaneously implying the cruelty and majesty of the sea. See more at Russellordphoto.com.

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