Reviews
SUMMARY
Steve O'Nions documented his experience shooting in the unfamiliar Berwyn Hills with a minimal kit, including a Nikon F75 and Ilford HP5 Plus film. Without the dramatic mountain backdrops he typically uses, O'Nions had to adapt his compositional approach, focusing on foreground elements and elevated viewpoints. He candidly shares the challenges and discoveries, including avoiding cliché compositions in a forest setting and experimenting with handheld exposures on film. The resulting images, though different from his usual style, demonstrate flexibility and innovation when faced with unexpected limitations.
TAKEAWAYS
Shooting unfamiliar terrain requires adapting compositional techniques when expected backdrops are absent.
Minimalist gear, like O'Nions' Nikon F75 with Ilford HP5 Plus, can highlight compositional challenges.
Elevated viewpoints and foreground elements become crucial when dominant landscape features are lacking.
Experimentation, even with cliché subjects like plantation trees, can lead to unique and favored shots.