Last year was rather eventful with a medium format Fujifilm replacing my old X-T2 and X-Pro2 cameras. Primarily to take my landscape and aerial photography a step further, but also continue street and black and white photography. That seemed like a strange move since the X-system is ideal for travelling light, but once you see the image files that the medium format produces with insane detail quality and its ability to render light and colour, it is very difficult to go back to the smaller sensor system. Yet, both GFX50 bodies S and R are well sized and relatively light, on par with the full frame system, and keep traditional X-system physical dials to operate them. In addition, the EVF quality is fantastic, all lenses are metal and have aperture rings, so it was a very easy transition from XT2/XPro2 to GFX50S/R.
The first project that had an “upgrade” was "Waterworld". The second take of the project was shot during last summer and is a series of photographs taken through the waterfall window of a London office building, where I was kindly permitted to shoot. I loved the photo-impressionistic effect created by shooting through running water that removes the precise focus and subject matter leaving it up to the viewer to envisage and complete the picture. All the shots were made with GFX 50s combined with 32-64mm f4 lens handheld, with shutter speed at average 1/320s and lens at 32-36mm and f11 to get more focal depth. Post-editing was done in Lightroom 6. Did I notice the difference between X and GFX system produced images in similar conditions? Oh, yes :) the images are super sharp, full of light and details and colour rendition is fantastic. I am looking forward to seeing first prints soon too, as this was one of the main reasons for the upgrade. I hope you enjoy the images - click or tap on any image to adjust it to your screen size.

Mykonos (Μύκονος) was the second island i visited during my trip around Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. The island met me with heat, humidity, noise and the smell of a busy sea town and an abundance of colour. The mazed streets of the old town (Chora) gave me a chance to dive into street life. Most of the shots were made with my X-Pro2 combined with 35mm f2, 14mm f2.8, 18-55mm zoom and 50-140mm f2.8 lenses. My old and trusty X-T1 served as a backup. Here is a selection of shots that recall the atmosphere of this wonderful island. Post-editing was done in Iridient Developer and Lightroom 6. Click on any image to adjust it to your screen size.

Petros (Peter) was a great white pelican, who is the official mascot of Mykonos. In 1958 a wounded pelican was found off the coast of Mykonos by a local fisherman. The pelican was nursed to health and remained on the island supported by locals. It soon adopted the name “Petros”, as a joke between the locals, as "petra" in Greek means rock, but metaphorically old and grumpy. Subsequently, three new pelicans reside around the main town of Mykonos. One, was given the name Petros, the second.

Windmills of Mykonos. Built by Venetians in 16th century to mill wheat; there are 16 windmills on Mykonos, seven of which are on the hill in Chora.

The Church of Panagia Paraportiani, (Εκκλησία της Παναγίας της Παραπορτιανής) - Our Lady of the Side Gate - a beautiful church, or rather five churches joined together, at the entrance to the old town, Kastro neighbourhood. The church construction was started in 1425 and was only completed in the 17th Century.

Sunset paints the Church of Panagia Paraportiani pink

Petros stops by to check on his fish snack...

"Let's go home my love" she said (in Greek) and off they went...

Tall ships visiting harbour of Alefkandra, Mykonos

Small island of Delos (Δήλος) located very close to Mykonos and cannot be missed. Delos was a holy sanctuary even before it became the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The island is now one of the most important historical and archeological sites in Greece.