Fujifilm isn’t afraid of taking creative risks. The latest example is the X half compact camera that I recently reviewed. The thinking behind the X half is that you move all the creative choices forward to the capture stage. No post-processing required.

In part, Fujifilm accomplishes this by offering a cornucopia of film simulations and wild filters that can create light leaks, enhanced grain, and lots more. RAW files are not an option with the X half - Jpegs only. And if you want to go more retro, you can capture in Film Mode that disables the LCD so you can’t see your images until you “process” them on a smartphone running the Fuji app.

The X half is a cool little camera designed for a niche in the photography universe. I’m curious to see how warmly it will be embraced.

Many of these same features are on the Instax Mini Evo, one of my creative cameras of choice. I like the mini Evo for its over-the-top effects and simulations, plus it can print as well as capture. It’s an all-in-one fun machine.

To add even more fuel to this approach to photography, I have a Creative Camera Techniques Online Workshop beginning on June 5. This workshop is all about capture, exploring techniques that range from putting scratches in filters to create star effects, to stacking multiple exposures, to adding rainbows with old compact discs.

It’s refreshing to take a break from RAW processing, brushing masks, and all that stuff. I feel like I’ve enrolled in summer camp for photography, exploring the world at a pace I don’t have time for during the school year.

Does this mean I’m going to sell my laptop, don a beret, and forever eschew RAW files? It does not!

But with summer on the way, and the creative camera workshop starting next week, I’m going to enjoy taking a break from my normal workflow and playing with these alternative techniques.

It’s fun having fun taking pictures.