Last weekend, I took my Sony A6500 down to JBR in Dubai, one of the city’s most vibrant beachside destinations, to capture a cinematic photo series. JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) has a unique energy—towers rising over the shoreline, neon lights bouncing off glass, and the bustle of people enjoying the waterfront. It’s a location that naturally lends itself to storytelling through the lens.
The Setup: Sony A6500 + Anamorphic Magic
For this project, I paired my Sony A6500 with the Sirui 1.33x Anamorphic lens and added a mist filter. The anamorphic lens was the real star here—it stretches the frame, introduces beautiful horizontal flares, and adds that unmistakable widescreen feel you normally associate with cinema. The mist filter softened the highlights and created a dream-like atmosphere, giving the shots more depth and character.
The result? Frames that look like stills pulled straight out of a film. Each flare across the Dubai skyline felt intentional, adding a layer of mood that standard glass just can’t replicate.
Editing: Custom Fujifilm-Inspired Presets
Once the shoot was done, I moved into editing. I’ve always loved the nostalgic character of Fujifilm film stocks—tones that are cinematic, colors that feel alive, and contrasts that tell a story. To bring that into the digital workflow, I created a set of custom Lightroom/Photoshop presets inspired by Fujifilm film simulations.
These presets emulate the look of stocks like Classic Chrome and Velvia while still giving room for personal adjustments. They bring out subtle skin tones, deepen blues, and enhance the flare’s mood.
And the best part—I’m sharing them with you. You can download the presets for free directly from this post.
Why JBR?
JBR isn’t just another Dubai backdrop—it’s a mix of urban life and leisure. You’ve got the contrast of sleek skyscrapers against the beach, a warm glow from cafes and restaurants spilling into the streets, and a steady stream of energy that makes the environment cinematic in itself. Shooting here at dusk, with the last rays of sunlight catching the mist in the air, turned each frame into a small narrative.
Free Download: Fujifilm-Inspired Presets
If you want to give your photos the same cinematic touch, I’m making my custom Fujifilm-inspired presets available for free. Whether you’re working with a Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, or any other system, these presets will help bring a cinematic tone to your edits.