Tilting and Shifting the World Around You

Standing proud, geological formation on Maroullena River, Kalo Chorio Klirou, Nicosia.

When I made the switch from Nikon to Fuji, my biggest concern was losing my Tilt/Shift lens, which had been a staple in my lens lineup since the beginning of my career. As I embarked on this transition, I revisited some of my most significant gigs and sifted through the lenses that produced the most successful images, particularly in commercial work. My typical kit included a wide-angle lens zoom or prime around 16-20mm, a wide-angle 24mm T/S lens, a 35mm prime, a 50-60mm prime, a macro 100-120mm, and a telephoto 200mm prime. Fortunately, most of these focal lengths were available for the FUJI GFX line at the time of my switch, except for my beloved T/S lens.

One thing I hadn't fully grasped until this process was the high percentage of final images, especially in my archaeological work, that were captured with the T/S lens—roughly 30% of all delivered images. This absence was keenly felt during the year and a half without it. However, my ethos for gear purchases has always been: if a gig demands it and you can afford it, buy it; if not, hold off. Though missed, I managed to get by without it during this period. Now, with upcoming projects, including some in archaeology, I eagerly ordered the glorious GF 30 F5.6 T/S.

Let me attempt to convey how crucial this lens has been in my life. Firstly, what is a tilt and shift lens? For a detailed understanding, one can explore numerous articles, videos, and tutorials online. In essence by your positioning and by adjusting the lens, you can correct perspective distortions and manipulate the plane of focus, giving you endless creative control. So when framing an image, you get to choose the relationship between all the elements within the scene in front of you.

PELETICO - Within the heart of a company

Let's delve into specific examples, some more obvious than others. Starting with the image below of three cyclists ascending a hill after a tight bend at sunrise. While it may seem achievable with a wide-angle lens, only a tilt and shift lens allowed me to capture the scene without the yellow bushes obscuring the street, achieving the desired balance between sky and street. Attempting the same later with just a wide-angle lens proved futile; it felt like an entirely different location. This ability to create images that don't exist in reality underscores the irreplaceability of a tilt and shift lens.

AGORA Hotel - Cycling Cyprus

---

Another application is making subjects appear grander than they are by clever manipulation of perspective. The image of Elias in a quarry in Karpasia exemplifies this, where 'shift' was used to enhance the grandeur of the wall. I went as low to the ground as possible, correcting and stretching the wall to create this heightened sense of scale. Having said that his body language also helps.

Abandoned quarry at Tsampres, an area of archaeological significance, Rizokarpaso, Famagusta.

---

Museums and heritage sites, integral to my career, greatly benefit from this lens, both architecturally and creatively. Beyond correcting perspective distortions, it allows for experimentation with depth and composition, often resulting in unique and engaging images.

Now, I must admit, I rarely use the tilt function, but I'm super glad I have the option when I need it. Even if it's only in 1-2 instances, those moments almost always yield a 'winning' image that the client will cherish. I believe it adds to the overall impact of a set of work upon delivery. However, it's an effect that must be used with purpose and intent.

Piccaso Exhibit at the Archaeological Museum of Cyprus, Nicosia.

---

Although correcting perspective distortions becomes almost instinctive when faced with architectural subjects, these lenses harbor a secret: in the absence of such elements, they unleash boundless creative potential, allowing one to manipulate reality and produce images that defy expectation. Without clear indicators, viewers are left unaware of what is straight or distorted within the image. The magic lies in crafting scenes that never existed, leaving viewers intrigued by the subtle manipulation of reality.

I'm so happy to reclaim this remarkable ability and I eagerly anticipate many fruitful years with this monumental piece of equipment.
​
Welcome home FUJINON GF30mmF5.6 T/S.