UPDATE: In a stunning new video, photographer O’Nions challenges the norm by capturing autumn’s vibrant colors in black and white, showcasing his commitment to artistic integrity. The video, released earlier today, documents a serene morning in a Cleveland forest where O’Nions skillfully employs his Bronica medium format camera to explore tone and structure.
As the leaves blaze with color, O’Nions deliberately avoids color film, focusing instead on the intricate details of trees and branches. He meters off a prominent tree with precision, opting for 15-second exposures at f/16 to achieve open tones and rich textures, despite the temptation to enhance the stark contrast of his images.
The implications of his approach resonate deeply, as O’Nions wrestles with how lens choice can dramatically reshape a composition. He attempts to recreate a favorite frame centered around a stump and two trunks, but branches obstruct his view. Switching to a Bronica 40mm Zenzanon lens, he finds his composition faltering, prompting him to rethink his strategy.
Later, mounting a 150mm telephoto lens, he captures a striking image where stumps come together harmoniously, revealing the importance of focal length and camera height in achieving a balanced shot. Viewers witness real-time adjustments as O’Nions explains how keeping the camera level prevents trees from converging awkwardly in the frame.
The video emphasizes a crucial lesson: not every frame from a roll is significant. O’Nions candidly critiques one ultra-wide shot as the weakest of the day, highlighting how the central tree lacks direction and the stumps appear random, despite technical detail. His honesty adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable for aspiring photographers.
O’Nions also experiments with positioning, keeping his camera low and adjusting to f/16 for depth of field. He notes how different lighting conditions could enhance the composition, encouraging viewers to prioritize long-term artistic goals over immediate results.
As the light shifts, O’Nions turns his focus to smaller stumps and broken branches, utilizing a standard lens at f/22 for 8-to-16-second exposures. This shift from grand trunks to intricate textures signals a thoughtful evolution in his project. He hints at future visits, suggesting that extension tubes and a longer Bronica 250mm lens may be needed for closer shots.
This forest project promises a year-long exploration, with O’Nions planning to create a cohesive set of square black and white images that blend expansive structural shots with tight macro details. The video not only showcases polished results but also reveals contact sheet-style outcomes, providing insight into his selection process for future shoots.
Viewers are invited to watch the full video to witness O’Nions’ artistic journey as he navigates the complexities of black and white photography in a vibrant natural setting. Check it out now for invaluable insights from this Cleveland-based photographer.
As the project unfolds over the next 12 months, it serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty found in restraint and the thoughtful consideration required in artistic endeavors. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with O’Nions’ unique vision and share your thoughts on this innovative approach to photography.
