X100 In Action
Carlos Scott Wilson
Profil
Born in 1979, Carlos Scott Wilson is truly an international photographer. He has been a professional photographer since 1998, and was educated in Photography at the New York School of Visual Arts and the Costa Rican Escuela de Fotografia MEMORANDUM. Currently a member in good standing with the International Freelance Photographers Organazation (IFPO), where he was awarded the Master Photographer Diploma Degree of Distinction Honorarius. He has travelled and lived all over the world to explore and further his art form.
How did you get into photography? What interested you in photography?
I started doing photography with an imaginary camera when I was about 8 years old, but I didn’t have a real camera until I was around 14, and a Practika was given to me by my uncle, who was into photography as a hobby. But it was another uncle of mine who worked on cruise ships that came for a visit with a camera that really interested me in photography seriously. I decided then, that I would get my own camera and start shooting.
Around that time I met my mentor Ruperto Johnson, he is a scene and portrait photographer in New York City from Panama. He gave me my first films, books and lessons on shooting before I went to school for photography. He is the one that showed me that there is a story in and behind every photo. He helped me for 2 years until I was ready to work on my own.
From then on I knew I wanted photography as a profession rather than just a hobby. I started to learn not to follow, instead to do what a photographer should do : tell your own story through the eyes of a lens. I really learned about the value of people and their story behind the photo, instead of just “taking a picture”.
When I was 15 I saw Gordon Parks work on TV, and I felt the need to express my feelings through photography. To this day he is my favourite photographer. You are a true photographer when one day, a moment in life responds to you, and you see the possibility of beauty and a story behind a single shot.
What type of photography would you classify your work to be?
I am a true fan of film. My style is very back-to-basics, retro and old school. That is one of the reasons I love using the X100, it takes me back to the days of film. I enjoy doing portraits, street photography and some landscapes, if they call my attention.
What type of equipment have you used in the past? What are you currently using?
I have used a good assortment of professional cameras and equipment for my work. Currently, I am using the X100 of course, along with the Fujifilm S5 and S3 Pro, and a Fujifilm GX680 II. I have also enjoyed using the Fujifilm Professional GF 6x7 in the past.
What things inspire you to shoot?
When you see beauty in a story and want to capture it and share it with the world. That way you can have a moment that represents the only chance to record a long lasting memory.
What advantages does the Fujifilm X100 offer you for the type of photography you do?
It is attractive and doesn’t intimidate people when I approach them. This is a great advantage for the type of work I do, to have someone looking comfortable and natural instead of being posed or artificial. Many people are interested when they see me with the X100 and will even approach me to admire the camera.
To me the X100 has been a camera that has really surprised me with all it’s capabilities.The range of the lens is great for day to day shooting. The X100 comes out ahead of many DSLR’s in terms of image quality and ISO performance. This camera performs great in low light situations without any problem, I was very impressed with its capabilities in this area.
Working with this camera is the closest thing to working with a good quality film, while still being digital, which is probably one of the greatest points for me personally. I also really enjoy shooting through the hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. Because of it’s small size and lightweight, I always carry it with me, so I’m sure to never miss a great shot!
How is it that you can capture so much emotion in your photos?
I speak to people before I take their pictures. I listen to their stories, and learn what it is about them that is special and catches people’s interest. I think this is the feeling and emotion that show through in the pictures I take.
Experience using the X100
In doing street photography with the X100, I have met and captured so many interesting people and characters. I have taken pictures of various homeless people with the X100, and they felt comfortable enough to talk to me, and explain their stories.
It has been very enlightening to meet the people I have while working with the X100. I believe people felt more comfortable conversing with me due to the unimposing nature of the camera as well. I’ve met a man who had been homeless since he was 14, and is currently in his 40’s. He told me some of the things he has been through in his life, and also that the picture I took of him was only the 2nd ever picture to have been taken of him since he lived on the streets.
I’ve met a man who among other things rides his bicycle backwards, and regularly paints his face. I’ve met someone who plays bongo drums on the street for his living. Meeting all these people is what makes photography a truly human occupation!
