AGENDA
1. Welcome & Introduction (10 minutes)
- Personal background and photographic experience
- Overview of large format photography and its creative potential
- What participants can expect to learn during the session
2. Camera System Walkthrough (20 minutes)
- Introduction to 4x5 cameras using a field camera (Tachihara example)
- Lens and shutter overview (Copal shutters, lens boards, etc.)
- Understanding the role of ground glass, film holders, and focusing tools
- Importance of a stable tripod and dark cloth
3. Live Demonstration: Building and Taking a Shot (25 minutes)
- Setting up the camera and tripod
- Composing and focusing on the ground glass
- Demonstrating camera movements: tilt, shift, rise/fall
- Basic metering and exposure considerations
- Film holder operation and dry-run of taking a shot
4. Hands-On Rotation (25–30 minutes)
- Participants rotate through operating the camera
- Each person practices composing and focusing under the cloth
- Optional hands-on with a film holder (no film used)
5. Workflow Tips and Q&A (10–15 minutes)
- How to get started with 4x5
- Where to purchase film, holders, tripods, meters, and accessories (Glazer’s Camera)
- Local options for development and scanning
- Q&A tailored to participant needs
6. Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
- Summary of key concepts covered
- Invitation to visit Glazer’s for gear, film, accessories, and the Analog Week Sale
- Share website/social info for those interested in following your work
- Optional group photo to commemorate the event
Key Topics & Teaching Points
Why Large Format?
- Slower, more intentional process
- Unparalleled resolution and tonal range
- Movements for in-camera control of focus and perspective
Camera Equipment Overview
- Types of large format cameras (field vs. monorail)
- Lens/shutter systems and mounting (Copal #0/1/3, lens boards)
- Ground glass composition and focusing techniques
- Tripod stability and leveling best practices
Film & Holders
- Anatomy and handling of 4x5 film holders
- Color and black & white film options (available at Glazer’s)
- Best practices for loading, labeling, and organizing film
- Discussion of darkroom or lab development
Focusing, Composition & Movements
- Using the ground glass (reversed/inverted image)
- Introduction to tilt, swing, shift, rise, and fall
- Practical examples of how movements affect image rendering
Metering & Exposure
- Incident vs. spot metering
- Exposure latitude of black and white vs. color film
- Handling reciprocity failure for long exposures
Post-Capture Workflow
- Basic scanning concepts (flatbed vs. lab scans)
- Editing scanned negatives in a hybrid workflow
- Presentation options: prints, digital portfolios, archival storage
Getting Started
- What you need to begin shooting 4x5
- Recommended entry-level gear available through Glazer’s
- Budgeting realistically for film, accessories, and ongoing workflow
- Building a kit gradually over time
MEETING POINT 📍
Meet at Dr. Jose Rizal Statue at Dr. Jose Rizal Park at 6pm.
