Wayne Johns

Editorial, Fashion | Last Updated: February 9, 2021

Shotkit may earn a commission on affiliate links. Learn more.

X Facebook Pinterest

I’m a fashion, beauty and advertising photographer, director, educator and writer. I have been in the industry for over 25 years.

I am also a Fujifilm Ambassador and an ARRI Lighting Ambassador and give workshops all over the world.

Originally, I used Canon cameras mainstream for around 23 years, and also Mamiya RZ67 Pro, Hasselblad and Leica on the medium format side. That was until a few years ago when I switched to the Fujifilm X series and GFX series cameras for all my work.

After switching to the Fujifilm X-T1 when it was released, Fujifilm noticed my commercial work using their cameras and invited me to become an Ambassador.

I just loved the analogue look and tactile feel of the XT series cameras and the image quality was and has been absolutely superb. I have even shot front cover campaigns with the rangefinder-style X-Pro 2 as well.

I have since updated to the ever-so-impressive Fujifilm X-T3 series cameras, which are not just amazing stills cameras but also have outstanding video functionality and quality as well.

The 425 focus points paired with the eye detect focus for both stills and video is superb. These are even better with the Fujifilm lenses – Fujifilm have been renowned for making excellent glass for many years and their current lens line up is no exception.

I have to admit I haven’t looked back or missed the Canons at all in the years since I switched; the Fujifilm X-T3 is small, compact, rugged, weather-sealed and has amazing image quality and performance… no more carrying big heavy DSLRs around.

CAMERAS

On the medium format side, I shoot with the stunning GFX 50S and the GFX 50R. Both have the same internal 51.4 MP system, it’s just that the 50S is a DSLR style and the 50R is a rangefinder style body, and both of them are superb with an amazing dynamic range and image quality.

These things are my go-to workhorses… I shoot with them for 85% of my work.

Recently, I have also been shooting with the new Fujifilm GFX 100 (102MP system – not shown here) which takes things to another level again, in many many ways….

LENSES

GFX medium format systems, I mainly use the:

• Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8

• Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8

• Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 (My favourite GF lens of all – this thing is just awesome, the subject to background separation and fall off is just beautiful, and it’s so sharp.

X-T3 – I think my favourites and most used here for stills are the 35mm f/1.4, the 56mm f/1.2 and the 50-140mm f/2.8. For video work I would say the 23mm f/2 and the 35mm f/1.4 is used the most.

• Fujinon XF 23mm f/2

• Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4

• Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2

• Fujinon XF 90mm Macro f/2

• Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8

GIMBAL

I use a Zhiyun Weebill Lab gimbal for some video work when smooth motion on the move is needed. The new design of the handle and holding positions of this gimbal work so well – having quick release handles makes things so quick and the fact that you can lock all moving axis points for packing and travelling helps prevent your gimbal from getting damaged or swinging around in transit.

MICROPHONES

I have various microphones, a lot of Rode Mic radio wav mics for recording most things but the Rode Video Mic Pro shotgun mic is a good solid mic to use either on or off camera.

LIGHTING

Lighting wise, which I’ve not shown here, I have in recent years switched to the Pixapro Citi600 Pro units (GodoxAD600Pro) and the very clever Pixapro Pika200Pro (Godox AD200Pro) units – these have been absolutely awesome battery units and so versatile with add ons. They are a 1/3 the price of Profoto units and after all the experience I’ve had shooting Profoto over the years, three have now taken their place and perform flawlessly – in some ways better.

To fire these I use the Pixapro ST-IV Pro trigger which controls all my lights straight from camera. If I need any other triggers for any reason I have some trusty Pocket wizard plus iiis as back up….

I also have lots of different light shapers and reflectors for these lights which I use regularly to sculpt my light.

SEKONIC L-478D – I still use a trusty light meter for most of my work, especially in studio where I’m using flash/strobe. The L-478D is a later digital version of their light meters, with a touch screen. Paired with that is my trusty X-Rite passport colour checker for getting my base WB in both stills and video.

STORAGE

A good supply of Toshiba Exceria UHS-ii SD cards, especially for video and for the GFX50 files… and to support those I use the lovely G-Tech G Drives for backing up my work both on location and in studio.

These drives have both a USB-3 or C connection and a SATA connection, which means I can slide them straight into my G-Tech Raid storage for back up when I get back.

CABLES

Spare USB C cables for tethered shooting, you never know when you might need another one.

LEATHERMAN

My trusty leatherman tool goes everywhere with me, it has proved to be a saviour for something more often than not.

Well I hope you liked a little peek into what’s in my camera bag and part of what I use on a daily basis.

www.waynejohns.com | @waynejohns_photographer