Looking at the Big Picture: Large Format Photography
Course Description
Summary
This 2-credit course will introduce the use of large format cameras and explore the 4x5 film format to analyze the differences between this format and the smaller ones. Students will be using pinhole cameras, 4x5 field cameras, 4x5 monorail cameras, and some extra tools that the photography area has dedicated for large format photography. There will be numerous conversations and lectures on the history of the format and its relation to the history of photography along with some analysis of contemporary artists working with the medium. Most of the coursework will involve developing, photographing, printing digitally and in a darkroom, and scanning negatives made with medium format film. Cameras, tripods, and light meters, along with a limited amount of film, will be provided by the college. A Mac-compatible external hard-drive capable of storing large digital files will be required. By the end of the course, students will have gained an understanding of the importance of large format photography, why it is still so sought after and important in the timeline of photographic history and how to achieve a high quality negative that they will be proud of.
Learning Outcomes
- Successfully photograph using large format cameras, light meters, tripods, and other various equipment
- Develop their large format film using black & white and color processing
- Become familiar with different types of 4x5 cameras and their unique abilities to make an image using all of the mechanisms that the cameras have to offer
- Learn how to use these older cameras with modern technology to make photographing an enjoyable and rewarding experience
- Learn about the history photography, photographers working with large format cameras historically and contemporarily, and be able to analyze how these images were made
- Scan negatives to create high resolution files that will be used to create high quality digital prints and detailed darkroom prints to be able to draw comparisons on each process
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Foundations of Photography (Digital or Analog), or another 4 credit 2000 level photography course. Qualifying students should email the instructor (eddyaldana@bennington.edu) with a written statement about why taking the course is important for fulfilling their Plan in Visual Art.