BREAKING: A photographer is making waves in the art community by daring to capture the brilliance of autumn in striking black and white. O’Nions, renowned for his unique approach, just released a compelling video showcasing his latest project, which defies the conventional urge to switch to color film in the midst of vibrant fall foliage.
In this urgent update, O’Nions returns to a familiar clearing in Cleveland, where he meticulously constructs a series of square images using his Bronica medium format camera. The video captures his painstaking process as he opts for black and white film during peak color season, emphasizing tones and textures that might otherwise be overlooked. This decision challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of color photography and the inherent beauty found in monochrome.
As the video unfolds, O’Nions demonstrates the importance of lens choice and framing. He experiments with a Bronica 40mm Zenzanon lens, only to find that it distorts his intended composition. He then switches to a Bronica 150mm lens, creating a balance that harmonizes the elements within the frame. The real-time adjustments demonstrate how focal length and camera height can drastically influence the outcome of a photograph.
O’Nions emphasizes that not every frame is equally valuable. He candidly critiques one of his ultra-wide shots, recognizing its flaws while underscoring the learning process inherent in photography. His discussions about exposure settings, particularly choosing f/16 for better depth of field, prompt viewers to consider how conditions can alter a scene’s perception.
The project is positioned as a long-term endeavor, with square black and white images being captured over the next 12 months. This methodical approach allows O’Nions to weave together grand structural shots and intimate macro details, creating a cohesive narrative rather than a random collection of images.
The video also highlights practical aspects of photography, comparing the Bronica’s built-in long shutter speeds to those of a Hasselblad system, illustrating the convenience of timed exposures during less-than-ideal weather conditions. As the session develops, O’Nions shifts his focus to smaller details like stumps and broken branches, using an f/22 setting for longer exposures that reveal textures often missed in broader shots.
By the conclusion of the video, O’Nions not only shares polished results but also reveals unedited contact sheet style images, allowing viewers to see the entire creative process. This transparency showcases the iterative nature of photography, encouraging aspiring photographers to embrace not just the successful shots but also the learning moments.
Check out O’Nions’ thought-provoking video above as he invites audiences to explore the depths of black and white photography in a world bursting with color. This project is more than just a series of photographs; it’s a testament to the power of perspective and the art of patience in capturing nature’s beauty.
