The process to producing fashion photography is also fascinating. He is hands-on with all aspects, including creating the mood board, casting models, organizing the team, working with stylists on attire and scouting for locations. The process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, and it is important for him to make sure that everything is aligned with his vision, without compromise.
Onin travels all over the world for his shoots. Sometimes he does research or asks friends for suggestions after his mood board being finalised; other times, when he finds somewhere truly unique, he creates a fresh concept based on the location. For his work, he needs different spots for different stories and concepts every time; and Onin usually seeks out the natural, exotic, otherworldly and mysterious places as these enamor him most. “I love locations that make me dream.”
Picking out the right locations is just the start. The biggest challenge for fashion shoots whilst out in the field is to get the entire team, equipment and clothes ready to move from one place to another. Not an easy task and this is wherehe relies on his team to stay organized and work seamlessly together.
Nature can always help to create poetic sceneries, however it can also prove troublesome. When Onin was photographing with Tony Ward for L’Optimum Thailand, his team travelled 2 hours outside London to Botany Bay. Despite the breathtaking scenery, the weather was getting rough after they started. Strong winds, blowing sand, billowy tides and cold temperature made the limited time they had even more intense. Eventually they finished shooting in record timing, before being asked to leave by lifeguards. Nonetheless, the output satisfied both the model’s agency and Onin himself.