So I have been experimenting with using preset recipes on my Fujifilm XT-5. So instead of shooting RAW (the type of file that the image is stored in), I shoot in JPEG (a much smaller file type) and the camera adds any effects such as emulating a type of film or shooting in high contrast monochrome…all in-camera.

All I do is download the images and then add a frame and watermark, and maybe a little contrast adjustment. So, there’s very little post-production on the image.

In my experience, this produces a photo with much less scope for manipulation, a picture without all the over-tinkered post-production work (in Photoshop or whatever) that you see so much of now.

I’m really liking the messy, wild, imperfect, chocolate-all-over-my-face look I can get. A sweet antidote to the increasing AI slop that is creeping into photography.

I have a camera worth three grand that takes pictures like a Box Brownie, and I love it.