Landscape photography on film offers unique challenges and rewards, especially when you push beyond clear skies and perfect conditions. The desire for dramatic weather and careful composition is crucial if you're looking to elevate your work beyond the predictable.
Coming to you from Steve O'Nions, this insightful video highlights the value of embracing imperfect weather conditions to capture compelling black-and-white images. O'Nions takes you along as he climbs a mountain with his Nikon F80, loaded with Ilford XP2 Super black and white film, and explains how shifting weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking compositions. He explains why clear skies, although initially appealing, can limit photographic opportunities due to their lack of contrast and detail. Instead, he hopes for cloud build-up and rainfall to add depth and texture, illustrating how changing conditions can dramatically enhance landscape photographs. The video effectively demonstrates the subtle skill of using adverse weather creatively, offering practical insights into harnessing moody skies to your advantage.
O'Nions also discusses the role of experience and style in photography, reflecting candidly on his tendency to return to familiar compositions. He acknowledges the trap of repetition, emphasizing how a well-practiced style, although technically proficient, might limit your creative growth. Switching gear, such as alternating between digital and film, serves as a practical method for breaking out of such patterns. O'Nions encourages you to examine your own habits and consider experimenting to maintain freshness in your work.
Beyond weather conditions and composition, the video explores thought-provoking considerations regarding advancements in AI image enhancement. O'Nions speculates that in the near future, software will significantly elevate the quality of images from older cameras or film to match modern, high-resolution digital standards. His point challenges traditional assumptions about photographic authenticity and straight-from-camera purity, emphasizing instead the importance of personal vision and effective image processing choices.
Throughout the video, O'Nions provides valuable reflections on both practical and philosophical aspects of photography. He openly critiques an image where he overprocessed shadows and created distracting halos, showcasing the importance of subtlety in editing. He underscores the idea that enthusiasm and spontaneity, often characteristic of newer photographers, can sometimes yield more compelling photographs than the cautious and technically perfect approach of experienced photographers. The video thus serves as a thoughtful reminder to periodically revisit and renew your creative mindset. Check out the video above for the full rundown from O'Nions.
