Part speakeasy, part gentleman’s club, Truefitt & Hill is a haven for masculinity set in a pre-war shophouse in the heart of Chinatown. Steeped in a rich history spanning over 200 years, Truefitt & Hill is the quintessential English saloon, and the oldest in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records.

EOS M5/ EF14mm f/2.8L II USM FL: 14mm/ Manual Mode (f/2.8, 1/125sec.)/ ISO 1600/ WB: Custom

Comparable to the deft abilities of these barbers, the EOS M5 pays passionate attention to detail, with a touch-and-drag auto-focus that captures the right moment, as well as a tilt-screen to match the versatility of your environment. In part 2 of #EOSM5creators, we showcase the time-honoured crafts of barbering and shaving, with the craft of photography.

 

EOS M5/ EF14mm f/2.8L II USM FL: 14mm/ Manual Mode (f/2.8, 1/125sec.)/ ISO 1600/ WB: Custom

Tip:The art of the shave starts with a hot towel to soften the hair and prep the skin for a relaxing experience. Aromas with scents of sandalwood and tea tree disperse as the shaving cream is applied, lubricating the skin and elevating the senses.

Fine-tune your shots with the on-screen displays that assist you in making adjustments. Getting it right during the shoot is always better than post-processing. Turn on the Histogram to check your levels or use the exposure dial to see if your image is under or over exposed. Half-press the shutter and an arrow on the meter will preview the brightness.

EOS M5/ EF24mm f/1.4L II USM FL: 24mm/ Manual Mode (f/1.4, 1/125sec.)/ ISO 800/ WB: Custom

The modern gentleman very well deserves some pampering just as much, seeking places where he can be comfortable. All starting with a therapeutic scrub to was away his worries, if only for a moment or two.

Tip:The ability to offer a new perspective is reflective of the skill of the craftsman. Surfaces like water, glass and mirrors, can be interesting photo opportunities. Make use of the EOS M5’s tilt-screen for a top-down shot of the subject and his surroundings, to create a unique shot with multiple layers.

EOS M5/ EF24mm f/1.4L II USM FL: 24mm/ Manual Mode (f/1.4, 1/200sec.)/ ISO 400/ WB: Custom

Never underestimate what a pair of clippers can do when in the right hands. Canvassing the contours of a customer’s face, the barber moves his blade swiftly, clipping precariously close, and swooping away just in time with confidence and finesse.

Tip:Snips and snaps go off at the same rate as we use the burst mode, to capture multiple photos, giving us the opportunity to capture the perfect moment between shots. Remember to keep your subject well lit to ensure that he stands out from the background.

EOS M5/ EF24mm f/1.4L II USM FL: 24mm/ Manual Mode (f/1.4, 1/125sec.)/ ISO 400/ WB: Custom

A personal touch, that’s the quintessential element that each craftsman infuses into his work. Something incomprehensible yet irreplaceable, intangible but highly sought after. As the barber carefully grazes along the grain, he leaves a smooth shave, as soft as the gentle hands that created it.

Tip:A touch screen is not just for reviewing images. Use it to get finer and more accurate focus, and switch focus points easily with the Touch-and-Drag AFin Live View mode.

EOS M5/ EF24mm f/1.4L II USM FL: 24mm/ Manual Mode (f/1.4, 1/125sec.)/ ISO 400/ WB: Custom

As a grooming emporium for men, Truefitt & Hill looks to conquer customers’ stray hairs with some well-preened aplomb. Believing in aesthetics as much as they do style, the interiors are carefully furnished with handcrafted leather armchairs, and lighting attuned to a relaxing mood.

Tip:It is important to maintain the ambience of the shot, and take note of stray lighting, like mirror lights that may create unnatural shine. With the EOS M5’s APS-C sensor crop factor at 1.6x, photos may seem more zoomed in, so use a wider lens than usual to capture the field-of-view you’d like.

Barbers are a big part of the men’s journey to adulthood – of them maturing into gentlemen. An ode to their skill and their craft, places like Truefitt & Hill are a perfect destination for sharp haircuts, smooth hot towel shaves and other treatments, which the modern man can indulge in. In the art of photography, creating memories has definitely played a big part in our lives. With the flagship mirrorless camera in hand, feel free to learn and grow with the finest accessory of life, the all-new EOS M5.

Stay tuned for the next #EOSM5Creators right here and on Instagram (@canonasia).

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