Course
Large Format Photography
Organised by The Margate School
Take your photography to new dimensions with Large Format Photography.
Discover a new avenue for your photography practice this June and explore the history, techniques and theories of large format photography with the founders of Hulkes Lane Darkroom and Studios.
This course is ideal for people with prior experience of analogue photography and who wish to start exploring the world of large format. Working in pairs, you will learn about each stage of the process - from setting up your shot to processing your film and creating a contact sheet of your negatives. You’ll explore Margate through the lens and have to opportunity to use a range of different cameras including Intrepid (5x4) and Sinar (Norma and P models).
Your first morning will involve a presentation introducing large format cameras followed by a demonstration and group still life exercise. We’ll then capture black and white shots for you to use in your own large format photography exploration. You’ll learn how to load sheet film in darkslides, discuss exposure and process your film.
Your second day will be spent shooting on location in Margate followed by time in the dark room processing film using Paterson tanks with mod 45 film holders. Films will be dried, we’ll make contact prints and then we’ll discuss the work produced as a group.
Subjects covered during the course include:
• Selecting the right camera, tripod and lens
• Film options
• How to load dark slides
• Camera movements including tilt, shift and swing to shoot creative images
• Calculating your exposure using a hand held light meter
• Shooting with direct positive paper
• Print chemistry, allowing quicker results to show the camera working
• Processing your film, using the MOD54 in Paterson tanks
• Making a contact sheet from your negatives
About the tutors
James K Barnett has over 18 years’ experience in the photographic industry. Starting out as a Photographic Assistant for photographers in London, going on to shoot for Burberry and Dior and doing darkroom printing for major exhibitions and photographic portfolios. He spent the last 5 years teaching technical darkroom and studio skills to students at Central Saint Martins.
Rikard Österlund is a Swedish photographer based in Medway who balances his commercial practice for high-profile clients such as Tate along with long-term personal fine art projects and a fascination of early photographic history and processes. He has over 8 years experience as a university lecturer and has delivered workshops at The V&A Museum & London School of Fashion.
- photography
- largeformat
- margate
- weekend
- kent
- intrepid