Large Format Technique

Visualization
Before setting your camera on the tripod, stop to think about the image you are going to create. This part of the process is called visualization. It sounds simple, but many photographers are automatically tuned into the speed of picking up a digital or 35mm camera and just shooting away, only to find a few good images later. Because you are carefully considering the composition in your mind, you will also find that two lenses - a normal and wide angle - will serve most of your needs.

Framing the Subject
Practice framing the subject before you set-up the camera. For example, use a 4x5 cut-out black presentation mat to use as a "viewing frame," and a small ruler. Hold the frame about 6 inches from your eye and you will see the approximate area that a 150mm lens "sees." Bring it about 3-1/2 inches from your eye and you now have simulated the area viewed by a 90mm lens. In seconds, you can use this simple device to visualize any scene and select the best angle before you take the camera out of its case.

Study the Scene
Once you set-up the camera, you will see that viewing, focusing and composing on a 4x5 ground glass reveals exactly what you record on film. The image is projected directly through the lens onto the focusing screen. It appears upside down, and reversed from right to left. While at first, this may seem awkward, this abstraction is actually an aid to better composition. With experience, your eye will train itself to notice light, shade, form, shape and tonality more carefully. You will be less distracted by the world outside of your composition. You will learn to concentrate your mind's-eye on the large 4x5 area and to observe the direct result of changing focus, depth-of-field, and control of all the camera movements. All of this leads you to greater attention to detail, and a more refined sense of composition.

Field Camera Back

Shoot a Polaroid
Polaroid instant materials are superb teaching and creative tools, used by beginners and pros alike. The resulting prints can be a valuable learning tool allowing you to instantly judge composition, lighting, focus and many filter effects. You can also use them to keep a log book of your experimentation with different camera movements.

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