An ocean of possibilities with Emily Endean

Posted on May 19, 2023

Ocean, travel and nature photographer Emily Endean reveals how the Fujifilm X-T5 is helping her live the dream

Advertisement feature

Emily Endean’s journey in photography began when she was just a child, with an old film camera and a desire to create. While the work of a five-year-old may have been questionable, the process of creating with a camera ignited something in her.

“I remember being completely addicted to making photos and seeing how they came out,” recalls Emily. “I’d send off the film and the images would come back mostly blurry, but it didn’t put me off. I always had a love for it even way back then,” she smiles.

This passion remained strong. Around ten years ago, she got her first DSLR and began throwing herself deeper into the craft. The more she learnt, the greater that desire to create became, and when combined with the mental and physical benefits of being out in nature, she knew she had found her niche in photographing the ocean.

“Whether you’re a photographer or not, there’s something magical about going to the beach at sunrise. Everyone else is still in bed, there are all these colours and it’s like nature is putting on a display for you. Once you’ve got that feeling, it’s addictive.”

Spending so much time outdoors, Emily quickly realised how important size and weight were when it came to her gear, so it wasn’t long before she made the switch to mirrorless.

She first discovered X Series through the Fujifilm X-T3 – and hasn’t looked back since. “It was so intuitive,” she tells us. “The fact that all the dials were on the top made it so simple to find settings I needed. And being able to see on the electronic viewfinder exactly how the image was going to come through was a game changer.”

Emily now uses Fujifilm X-T5 as her main camera. While staying true to its user-friendly analogue dials, it features some of the most advanced mirrorless camera technology out there. The 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5 combination ensures power and quality: exactly what Emily needs.

“I went from X-T3 to X-T5, which had significant changes between the two. The 40.2 megapixels and in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) make a huge difference for me,” says Emily.

She highlights how X-T5’s seven-stop IBIS combines with its three-way tilting LCD touchscreen to make awkward angles easier to negotiate – and results more consistent.

“I love photographing reflections if I’m on the beach at low tide and there’s a lovely sky. The closer I get to the floor, the more reflections I pick up. I’ll often hold the camera almost touching the wet sand.

“I remember the days of having a DSLR, getting neck and back ache trying to get as low as possible,” she adds with a chuckle.

X-T5’s weather-resistance is also an important factor for Emily. Sealed to protect against moisture and sand, it’s ideal for her requirements.

“I’ll head out in any conditions, so the weather-resistance is up there as one of the most important things for me. It could be raining, but I know there’s going to be a break in the light later, or maybe a storm, and I want to get out and chase the waves. I definitely put the kit through its paces, so I can vouch for that 100%.”

Since making the switch to X Series, Emily has carved a full-time career out of photography, living a nomadic lifestyle with her wife and pets in their camper van, going wherever the images take her.

“Quitting my day job and going out in the van gave me the freedom to be more selective. The ocean is so important to me, so I’m working with ocean-based brands and products connected to ocean conservation,” she explains.

“I just love being by the sea,” Emily concludes. “It’s in about 95% of my work, from the rough waters of winter to the calmness of summer, there’s always something different to photograph.”

With the versatility of X-T5 by her side, she’s always ready to grasp the next opportunity the ocean brings.