I Tried Doing Studio Photography with the Mazda3 and Failed Miserably

Whetting everyone’s appetite as the launch of the all-new 2019 Mazda3’s launch looms near, Mazda Philippines teamed up with Fujifilm Philippines in a unique collaboration that highlights the carmaker’s Evolved KODO Design.

With Mazda envisioning the Mazda3 to be an object of universal desire, Chief Designer Yasutake Tsuchida spent considerable time honing its “less is more” aesthetic. Taking inspiration from traditional Japanese design, the all-new Mazda3 strips away unnecessary elements to achieve a powerful new look. Termed “Yohaku” or the beauty of empty space, it’s tied to the Buddhist teachings that don’t see emptiness as a lack, rather it’s seen as a field of infinite potentiality bringing forth structure, balance, and definition. From there, Mazda used the empty space to achieve the interplay of light and shadow, giving life to the term, Utsuroi or the changing of life.

“In car photography, we normally want to eliminate reflections,” explains Mikko David, Mazda Philippines Marketing and Public Relations Manager and a professional photographer. “However, in the all-new Mazda3, reflections are actually encouraged to bring the car to life; to elevate it as art.”

Under the direction of Fujifilm ambassadors Jan Gonzales and Ricky Ladia, I set forth trying to capture this interplay of light and shadow, channeling inspiration from something I have seen before. Both professional photographers were using the new Fujifilm GFX100 medium format professional mirrorless camera.

Ladia focused on the fine details of the Mazda3 Sedan’s interiors as he showed how to best photograph minute design cues that blend into the seamlessly crafted cabin. Gonzales showcased his skill with light manipulation as he explained the various ways light affects how cars appear in photographs.

While Fujfilm Philippines provided participants with several of their mirrorless camera, I wanted to find out the limitations of my well-worn Fujifilm X30. Sadly, the photos accompanying this short article are all I could manage which means I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon.

“Mazda Philippines’s collaboration with Fujifilm Philippines where we focused on the design is the first of many pocket events leading up to the market launch of the all-new Mazda3,” says Steven Tan, Mazda Philippines President. “Over the next few months, we will focus on different aspects of what is our first seventh-generation model eventually leading to its launch in the third quarter of this year.”

The recently concluded event was a genuine appreciation of artistic industrial design as both premium Japanese brands showcased their next generation products to their clientele. Both the Mazda3 and the Fujifilm GFX 100 represent a new era in design and engineering along with an elevated level of quality and craftsmanship that customers will appreciate.

“The all-new Mazda3 heralds a higher standard of design, craftsmanship and engineering for the Mazda brand,” shares Tan. “With the Evolved Kodo design, the next generation Mazda3 highlights beauty in simplicity which is a hallmark of true Japanese aesthetic.” he adds, “The Mazda3 is the perfect subject for this Master Class. Photographers will find it easy to find beauty in the way light, shadow and reflections influence its shape and form. The photos taken today truly celebrate the passion and feeling that went into the all-new Mazda3’s development. More so, they highlight the purity in purpose that only a true object of art like the Mazda3 can deliver.”