Creating Something from Nothing with the Fuji X-T20 50mm

Read Time: 5 Min.

Fuji XT20 Creating something from Nothing

Welcome back to the adventure blog, everyone! Today’s post is going to be a bit different from my usual content. I’ll still touch on gear a bit, but it’s mostly going to be centered around a last minute, impromptu venture that I took, in order to create something out of (what most people would see as) nothing.

Fuji XT20 50mm F2

Fuji X-T20 50mm F2 with Gobe Schott Protective/UV Filter

Last night I was grabbing a late dinner with my wife and 4 kids. Up ’til this point, the day had been a normal one. I worked, went to meetings, and wrapped up work kind of late.

We decided to enjoy our dinner in the van as we watched Trolls for the millionth time. As we were eating, I looked up to notice the beautiful reflections, and trails of rain on the windshield.

Fuji XT20 50mm F2

Fuji X-T20 50mm F2 with Gobe Schott Protective/UV Filter

I had my Fuji X-T20 tucked into my Alta Rise Bag. So I decided to pop the Fujinon 50mm F2 lens on to have some fun as we were wrapping up our meal. A few simple pictures of the rain drops, led to other shots and it kind of progressed from there.

So, we finished up our dinner, tidied the car back up, and ventured off. We ended up in an abandoned parking lot that I knew about, and began taking some photos that I had envisioned.

Fuji XT20 50mm F2

Fuji X-T20 50mm F2 with Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod and Gobe Schott CPL Filter

When we pulled up, the sun was at it’s most beautiful stage in the nightly sunset. So we found the perfect spot, with the most beautiful reflections, and parked to enjoy the final bit of sunlight.

My second oldest daughter even broke out her Fuji Instax Film Camera to capture the occasion along with me.

Fuji XT20 50 F2

Fuji X-T20 50mm F2 with Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod and Gobe Schott CPL Filter

These are the types of moments and captures of light that mean something to me. Are these the best photos i’ve ever taken? Are they the ones that people will double tap on Instagram? Are they the ones that will land the “next big thing” for me?

Who knows. And honestly, all of that is not my motivation to create.

All that matters is these photos mean something to me, because of what went on behind the camera. I had the 5 most important people in the world with me on this day. It was a happy memory. And it was a memory that we created from what would’ve been nothing, if we just hopped back on the interstate to go back home. We captured time in a photo and created memories with one another.

Fuji XT20 50mm F2

Fuji X-T20 50mm F2 with Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod and Gobe Schott CPL Filter

This moment in time was made possible by paying attention to the light, the direction of the sun, and reflections as a photographer/creative. It was brought to fruition through a hair brained, last minute idea for a short photo set that I wanted to create.

Fuji XT20 50mm

Fuji X-T20 50mm F2 with Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod and Gobe Schott CPL Filter

Most people would’ve kept driving, or even stayed inside on this rainy night. Most people would’ve seen an abandoned parking lot as a waste of space, with no potential. But I seized this moment to create something from nothing. I created memories with my family first & foremost. But I also created art from concrete, light, and rain.

Fuji XT20 Review

Fuji X-T20 50mm F2 with Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod and Gobe Schott CPL Filter

If you’re a fellow creative, learn to find the beauty in normal things. I personally don’t live in an interesting place with dozens of creative opportunities around every corner. But the opportunities are still here…I’ve just had to learn to look hard enough for them and execute them in my own creative way.

Fuji XT20 and 50mm F2

Fuji X-T20 50mm F2 with Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod and Gobe Schott CPL Filter

This coming weekend, challenge yourself to go out and create something from nothing. If you’re an artist – Do something new and try a new approach. If you’re not a fellow creative, the concept still applies…Do something new and create memories in ways that you typically wouldn’t.