Introduction to large format
Discover slow photography before diving in completely
A first encounter with the view camera: understanding why it exists, how it works and what makes a system that forces you to photograph in a completely different way.
Why such a big camera?
It’s a fair question. A view camera is bulky, slow, expensive to run and requires a tripod. It’s not discreet. It’s not fast. It doesn’t forgive mistakes.
And that’s precisely what makes it interesting.
When you work with large format, every exposure has a cost. Not so much financial as mental: you prepare, you meter, you check the plane of focus on the ground glass, you insert the film holder, you slide the dark slide out, and then — and only then — you expose. That deceleration demands a different quality of attention. And when the negative comes out right, you feel it.
This workshop is the first step. Not the final one, but the necessary one to find out if large format is for you.
Contents
- Anatomy of a view camera: body, lens, film holders and standards
- The ground glass: how to compose and focus
- Basic movements: tilt and shift — what they’re for
- Loading sheets in the dark
- Light metering and compensation for large format
- Exposing your first sheets in the studio or outdoors
- Tray development and reading the result
What’s included
- Use of the view camera, lenses and film holders
- 2–4 4×5" sheets per participant
- Developing chemicals
- Use of the darkroom
What to bring
- Nothing. All materials belong to the lab.
Not included
- Additional sheets (+€4/sheet)
- If you want to continue, the Large Format 4×5" workshop is the natural next step
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a large format camera or film holders?
No. The workshop materials are included and you can come without equipment. If you want to continue, the natural next step is the Large Format 4×5 workshop.
What will I learn in four hours?
How a large format camera works, how to prepare and load film holders, framing and basic exposure, and how the sheet is developed. Additional sheets cost extra (+€4/sheet).
Where can I learn large format in Barcelona?
At Llumàtics, at Nau Bostik (Carrer Ferran Turné 1-11, La Sagrera, 08027), in groups of up to 4 students. The workshop lasts 4 hours and starts at €220 for one student.
Workshop details
- Objective
- Understand the large-format system, be able to set up the camera, meter the light and expose your first sheets.
- Methodology
- Hands-on with the camera from the start. Theory explained as you work with the equipment.
- Outcome
- 2–4 sheets exposed and developed. Understanding of the system and a clear sense of whether large format is your next step.
- Prerequisites
- Able to shoot in manual mode. No prior large-format experience needed.
- Who it's for
- 35mm or medium format analogue photographers who are curious about large format but don't know where to start.
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