Shooting My Friends on Medium Format | GFX50S II Shoreline BTS

Photo Journal

Jan 24

This wasn’t a client shoot. No pressure. No expectations. Just me, my closest friends, and a camera by the shoreline. In this video, I take you behind the scenes of a personal portrait session shot on medium format.

We’re joking around, talking life, acting way more dramatic than necessary, and letting moments unfold naturally while I photograph the people who know me best.

The photographs were shot on the Fujifilm GFX50S II using three very different lenses — the Mamiya 35mm f/3.5 for environmental frames, the Mamiya 150mm f/3.5 for tighter portraits, and my favorite, the Mitakon 65mm f/1.4, when I want that shallow depth and cinematic look. The video itself was filmed on the iPhone 17 Pro, handheld and on the DJI Osmo 7P gimbal, with audio recorded using the DJI Mic Mini. Simple, lightweight, and perfect for a relaxed BTS-style day.

Huge thank you to Mike and Cody for the day — for taking me out to these beautiful locations, trusting me, and letting me photograph you both. I know you’re not models and being in front of the camera isn’t easy, and I don’t take that lightly at all. These images only exist because you showed up and gave it a real shot.

This video isn’t about specs. It’s about process, trust, friendship, and remembering why photography matters. Thanks for watching.