Photographer Jon McCormack’s new book, ‘Patterns,’ is a beautiful visual exploration of nature and its intricate designs, ranging from rarely-seen microscopic details to vast, majestic landscapes.

From Outback Farm to Apple Innovator

McCormack discussed “Patterns” and his photographic journey, which began with a hand-me-down film camera in rural Queensland, Australia. He grew up on a sheep and cattle property with limited electricity, relying on a generator to power a small black and white television.

Early Days with a Manual Camera

His first camera was a 1949 or 1950 Minolta 35mm Mark IV, a fully manual model passed down from his grandfather. “It was a ‘go figure it out’ camera,” McCormack explains. Developing film required a two-hour trip, leading him to meticulously document each shot.

“I’d have notebooks, these field notebooks where I’d sketch the main components of the scene, do a light meter reading…and then record my film, shutter speed, how I was thinking about the shot,” he says. This practice allowed him to analyze his results months later and refine his technique.

Learning Through Limitations

These early limitations proved beneficial, fostering diligence and a deep understanding of photography’s technical aspects. Moving to the Bay Area in the 1990s, he embraced slide film, navigating its dynamic range challenges. McCormack believes that while modern technology is valuable, a strong technical foundation is essential for artistic expression.

The Importance of Practice and Pre-Visualization

“Although Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours idea is ‘a bit of a trope,’ there is truth to the significant value of practice and time,” McCormack states. He emphasizes the importance of pre-visualization, noting that modern cameras can sometimes hinder this process. He finds his most creative work comes from prolonged engagement with a scene, carefully dissecting its elements.

Finding Inspiration During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly provided McCormack with time for exploration. He began visiting a local beach nightly, initially without a specific goal. He questioned how many sunset photographs one could take before losing interest.

Slowing Down to Discover New Perspectives

He deliberately slowed down his process, returning to the same location repeatedly. This allowed him to experiment without pressure and focus on subtle changes in light, atmosphere, and tide. “This actually felt, even though I was shooting on a conventional camera, it really did feel like going back to the film days,” he recalls.

A Photographer's Point of View

McCormack believes a photograph is a visualization of one’s perspective. He realized he is a “pattern photographer,” always seeking out designs at various levels. This understanding clarified his artistic vision, even considering his colorblindness, which prevents him from distinguishing certain colors.

Focusing on Unique Compositions

He encourages photographers to move beyond typical “Kodak signposts” and discover what a place uniquely conveys to them. He often uses a 200mm lens, preferring to isolate elements rather than capturing wide landscapes.

“Patterns” showcases a diverse range of subjects and techniques, from African zebras to microscopic diatoms. Despite the variety, all the images celebrate structure and design, captured with a range of equipment, including microscopes, cameras, and even the iPhone he helps develop at Apple. Ultimately, McCormack views gear as a tool, emphasizing that the photographer’s vision is paramount.