SUMMARY
Photographer Steve O'Nions argues that technically perfect landscape photos fail to connect viewers to the physical experience of a location. He believes a more interpreted approach, departing from strict reality, is more successful. O'Nions favors stark monochrome, heavy grain, and fiber-based darkroom prints, often using a crude Holga camera. His darkroom process involves split-grade printing and careful attention to detail, including managing the wet-print contrast and spotting dust marks.
TAKEAWAYS
Technically perfect photos may document a place but don't convey the physical experience.
O'Nions uses stark monochrome, heavy grain, and darkroom printing to evoke feeling.
He employs a Holga camera for its crude, intentional aesthetic.
Fiber-based prints are preferred, with careful attention to contrast and drying.