In Search of Snowy Landscape
December 2022 - January 2023
Photographer / Yuki Imaura
FUJIFILM X-T3 / XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR / F5.6 1/300秒 ISO-320
Aonuma Lake in Goshiki-numa, Urabandai. I used a limp branch on the frozen lake surface as a point of interest and framed the photo wide to create a tranquil atmosphere. I used a shutter speed of 1/300 seconds to express the softly falling snow.
A blanket of sparkling white snow. Lakes and marshes that freeze over and create beautiful patterns. Ice explosions that feel sharp and even frightening. Birds that have traveled a long way. The clear air feels good, and there are an overwhelming number of beautiful subjects to photograph in winter, making it a fun experience.
The Q10iQ-BK continues to maintain a stable feel even in the snow. Hanging on the lens is a same-sized swimming towel that has been modified so that it can be attached to a camera strap.
In winter, the white snow makes it relatively bright, so you can often take pictures handheld, but a tripod is still absolutely necessary for landscape photography. However, the frequency of using a tripod will inevitably decrease, so in my case, I prioritize portability and use a lightweight set of the Manfrotto 190go! M-lock carbon fiber tripod 4-section and Markins Q3iQ-BK lever shoe ball head as my main tripod. I've been using the Q3iQ-BK for about seven years now, and surprisingly, I've never had a problem with it. The point is, even though I'm lazy about maintenance. Even though it is easy to maintain with the ultra-penetrating anti-rust lubricant WD-40, I probably do it once every six months. Actually, I should do it more frequently, but to be honest, I forget to do it because there are no problems. By the way, I place great importance on speed when setting up my camera, so I use lever shoe types that allow you to attach and detach the camera with one touch, both for the Q3iQ-BK and the one size larger Q10iQ-BK. After setting up the camera, I take my time thinking about the composition, the aperture, and the shutter speed.
PV-80 + LV-170 Using the universal L-plate allows for stable vertical shooting.
The camera equipment hasn't changed much since I wrote my last user report, except for the telephoto lens. I changed from the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR to the lighter XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR. The XF100-400mm has a tripod mount, so it was easy to balance it even when it was set on the head, but the XF70-300mm does not have a tripod mount. Therefore, I set the PV-80 + LV-170 generic L-plate on the camera body to the head to decide the composition, and since the XF70-300mm is relatively light, I was able to decide the composition with almost no problem. However, at 600mm (900mm in 35mm equivalent) with the 2x teleconverter XF2X TC WR attached, the forward tilt after tightening the tripod head is a bit of a concern. ※1 Therefore, I am currently considering introducing the VR15J-LS (lever shoe & York-15S) VR-holder, which allows you to adjust the center of gravity balance.
XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR with 2x teleconverter XF2X TC WR attached. After fixing the tripod head, it does tilt forward a little. ※1
FUJIFILM X-T3 / XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR + XF2X TC WR / F16 1/100秒 ISO-320
Lake Akimoto in Urabandai has a unique landscape with trees standing on small islands. By capturing the image with a telephoto lens equivalent to 900mm (35mm equivalent), the pattern on the lake surface was also depicted with beautiful stripes.
FUJIFILM X-T3 / XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR / F11 1/30秒 ISO-160
Urabandai Goshikinuma Yanaginuma. Because Yanaginuma has a flowing water, ice patterns tend to form. I stuck my tripod into the fluffy snow and secured it in place, then carefully decided on the composition and shutter speed. I gradually slowed down the speed from around 1/100 seconds to find the perfect way to blur the snow.
FUJIFILM X-T3 / XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR / F5 1/1000秒 ISO-2000
Urabandai Goshiki-numa Ruri-numa. I focused on the falling snow and blurred the background. I carefully considered the amount of background, focus position and shutter speed.
FUJIFILM X-T3 / XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR / F8 1秒 ISO-320 / ND64
The Raitei Falls in Sukkansawa, Tochigi Prefecture, was covered in a thin layer of ice, creating a delicate wall of ice. I used an ND filter to let the waterfall flow and portrayed both stillness and movement.
FUJIFILM X-T3 / XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR / F11 3.7秒 ISO-160 / ND8 + C-PL
The Roaring Pillar Falls in Sukkansawa, Tochigi Prefecture, was not frozen over much, but the small waterfall next to it was covered in glittering ice. The water flowing quietly over the surface of the rocks was constantly polishing the ice to a shiny finish, making the water very clear and beautiful. I used a C-PL filter to adjust it to increase the reflection of the rocks.
FUJIFILM X-T3 / XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR / F16 1/40秒 ISO-320
I went to Lake Inawashiro just before sunset. There are countless ducks and swans around the sightseeing boat dock, as migratory birds are being fed. This shot was taken at the exact moment when the ducks that had flown away returned all at once, and I was in a hurry and didn't even check the settings when I took the photo. It was a coincidence, but I like the way the feathers are blurred and the fact that only one swan is visible.
*1
If the equipment cannot be fixed at the center of gravity, the angle of view will be slightly reduced depending on the weight balance. For details, please refer to "Check the load capacity in the article."
Yuki Imaura
Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1986. Landscape photographer. After teaching at a musical instrument making school, joined Landscape Photography Publishing Co., Ltd. in 2013 and became a freelancer in 2016. Actively photographs natural landscapes and living creatures. Utilizes experience in magazine production and extensive knowledge of cameras to write for magazines and work as a photography instructor.
Member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society (JPS)
Lecturer at Academy X
Lecturer at Academy X
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