Photographer Spotlight: Nader Abushhab Shoots Tethered with the Fuji X-T2

Bio: Originally from Chicago, and based out of Phoenix, AZ, Nader Abushhab is a photographer focused on commercial, commercial portraiture, and fashion. His style blends simplicity and artistry, inspired by classic photographers over the past century. Nader has a love for people, and whether it’s a corporate headshot or a fashion editorial, he enjoys making connections with his teams and subjects. Connect with Nader online at http://nbma.photography and on Instagram @nbmaphotography I would describe my style of photography as… I would describe my work simply as commercial portraiture. I love leaning into different styles when I can, but I always gravitate back towards portraits. People are pretty fascinating, and I love capturing an individual’s uniqueness while providing a higher-end and classic aesthetic. Can you describe the steps the steps you took to shoot tethered with the XT2? (software) By the time I got my hands on the X-T2, I was lucky enough that there were some resources available online to help me figure out some of the steps to take. After Googling Fuji X-T2 and tethering, I found a link to the XAcquire software and downloaded it. From there I realized that there wouldn’t be an easy way to use it until I figured out combining that software with the Lightroom setup I was used to. So, I made a watch folder in Lightroom, made sure it was empty, and then I set the XAcquire software to populate files into that folder. It took a couple of tries, but it finally worked, and I was in business. Note: It seems to work the same way with Capture One. How would you rate the ease of use in setting it all up? Haha, not simple if you’re not computer savvy. It’s not too complicated, but it’s not exactly straightforward. Once it was set though, I didn’t have to think about it. How would you say the X-T2 performed while shooting tethered, would you tether with it again? Once setup, it seriously performed better than tethering with my Nikon. I shoot a D800e, and I constantly have tethering issues due to the USB 3.0 port on my camera. My dream gig would be… My dream gig would be to travel the world and create images of interesting individuals with genuine stories to tell. I’d love to eventually work with high-profile subjects such as world leaders. My favorite piece of gear is… My favorite piece of gear is my Nikon D800e. We’ve been around the world together. I’m not much for gimmick gear, and, though I know it’s ultimately just a tool that is a means to an end, I worked hard for it. I’ll feel the same way about the next milestone, too. My favorite piece of Tether Tools gear is… Can I say Jerk Stopper? Cause…probably the Jerk Stopper. I already mentioned my troublesome USB 3.0 port, and the Jerk Stopper has helped time and time again to reduce the number of disconnects. Not only that, but I’ve gone through a couple because, in the heat of the moment (AKA: client shoot), cords have been tripped on and Jerk Stoppers have been destroyed. I salute them, and my camera and insurance provider are very grateful. What’s on your photography gear shopping list? Currently I’m reassessing my lens collection and looking into what Tamron and Sigma are putting out. I’ve had the pleasure of testing the Sigma 85 and 135 Art lenses, as well as the Tamron 70-200 G2. All are fantastic. Aside from that, I’m still drooling over the Fuji GFX 50S. The best advice I can offer a fellow photographer would be… The best advice I can give my fellow photographers is to work your butt off, work it off some more, find works of art you are inspired by (photography or other mediums), develop your style, and get back to working your butt off.

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