Large Format is Changing How I Photograph - 2022 Fall Photo Series Ep 2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ม.ค. 2023
- I have been wanting to learn how to do large format photography for a long time. I have always felt that the 4x5 format is the perfect way to photograph the subjects I find in the woods, allowing me to capture every tiny detail. This past fall was a great time to put my theory to the test, so I headed out into the woods with only my Intrepid 4x5 Mk5 and 4 sheets of Kodak Ektar 100 in my bag.
While I do find that some of my results are less than stellar, my experiences were priceless. Not only am I able to look around at familiar sights and feel like they are brand new again, I am now finding myself exploring new angles, trying to add some grandeur to my subjects that I couldn't quite do with other cameras. I am slowing down, studying every photographic possibility, and making choices I didn't even need to think about before. When you're limited to only 4 sheets, you're not going to shoot them the same way you would with a roll of 36 exposures.
So, while I did feel frustrated at times, and maybe still a little apprehensive, I am learning more about myself, and more about my craft. I am really excited to see where shooting large format is going to take me in the future, and I hope it makes me into a better photographer. Because if we're not learning, then what are we doing?
As always, feel free to head on over to my Instagram page @jesshobbsphoto to get a closer look at some of the images from today's video! Thanks for watching!
#landscapephotography #filmphotography #largeformat #intrepid #kodak
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I am half way through your post, and a year late. I wish you had let us hear your shutter's sounds, as they so let us in on the very process you appear to be enjoying. So it is a pleasure to watch you. I believe you need to think about filters! And now, back to our feature...
Your results show that you're in the right frame of mind for LF! And don't worry about finding that 'grand scene' I thought the same way, too, when I first started working with 4x5, but then I realised that I needed to find things that interested me and then put that heart and thought into the shot and everything started to come together!
Thanks for the encouragement, Alex! I am realizing that I need to take a step back, and find compositions that mean something to me, and that it will all work out in the end. I let the format get into my head here, and while I don't think it's my best work, it's been a lot of fun figuring things out, and I'm really excited to see where this all takes me!
Thanks for watching! ❤️
3 of your vids in a row. Some nice work. Photos & video. Happy shooting.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! ❤️
You're getting some great shots. You have the right mind set for large format photography. It is all about paying attention to the details of your surroundings and subject matter; composition; light patterns; and image control. I am looking forward to seeing some of your winter shots. 👍
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I know that I am probably placing a larger importance on large format than I should be... it's just another format after all. But I'm really enjoying figuring what works, what doesn't, and what I can change the next time I go out, it's all part of the process for me.
I do hope to get out in the winter with this camera! We finally got a decent amount of snow, and once the polar vortex passes this week, I should be good to go! Winter was late this year, but I think it will all work out!
Thanks for watching! ❤️
Great compositions and choice of subject matter. And the clarity and detail look amazing on 4 x 5. I used to shoot 6 x 7cm 120 film myself years ago (with a Koni Omega Rapid.) It allowed me to capture some beautiful images of nature but unfortunately, it wasn't a very reliable camera at times. I missed out on some photos due to the camera refusing to cooperate. I once took a long journey by train to shoot a landscape in the late afternoon light but came back empty handed because the cable release wouldn't fire. I would like to get into large format one day and the Intrepid looks like a good choice for those who don't want to spend a huge amount of cash on something like a Wista.
I love your videos and your approach to photography. I always look forward to your latest video.
I only just started to do 4x5 myself! I'm so excited to see more of this and get more inspiration!
Your videos take me on a journey and I really enjoy that. Your images are excellent, thanks
I have the Intrepid 4 x5 on order.
Can’t wait for it arrival. Thanks for sharing your video !
There is FAR more to "slowing down" when using a view camera to make images, it is more about knowing what the finished image, image goals, image intent is before setting up the camera.. Once and when the image in mind has come together, that is when the camera/lens and all related can be set up then utilized to put on to film that image that once lived in your mind. Inspiration, observation, familiarity and more work together as the foundation to build your expressive image. Foundation for all images is much about emotional content and what emotions might be stirred by the viewer initially and with the passage of time. It is also much about content and much less about quantity.
Two basic features that separates a view camera from the "lens fixed to a box" camera be it digital or film. First is choice of lenses, lenses that can be used on a view camera is essentially limited by the camera's ability to properly support the lens. Lens choice is driven by image goals and intent, camera is merely a box that is flexi in the middle with the lens on one end and ground glass frame with the ability to be interchanged to a film holder on the other end.
Second unique feature of the view camera is the ability to apply and use camera movements to control the point and areas of focus limited by the lens image circle_specific optical design and what the camera movement capability to support the lens. Take the time to read this post from LFF, it was copied from a Linhof view camera book that was published decades ago. Zero has changed since it's publication, yet the information and how to remains complete, correct and true to this day.
www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?164126-Importance-of-camera-movements-gt-Alan-amp-others-long-amp-Linhof
There will be many, many many, more sheets of film burned as the journey of how to view camera continues on.
Nice work and a great video! Loved your images!
Just found your channel. You have a new subscriber! I've been looking at some of your older videos and really enjoyed them.
Love the vlog and especially your reaction to the shot. Made me laugh 🤣🤣🤣😊😊
Great video. Since you can’t get into the woods for a few weeks, how about a video from your farm. I bet there are images to be had there too.
Nice work Jess. Whether it's the small number of sheets that one carries, or the hefty price tag per frame (or both), it's natural to feel more invested in each image. Have fun shooting black and white in this winter!
With respect to different types of scenes for different cameras, I hear you. I have a Bronica GS-1, similar to your RB67, and I really only take, what I call, intimate landscapes--scenes where the subjects are 3-10m away. Further away are what I call vistas and if I had a 4x5, that's what I'd use. Edward Weston took photos of peppers with his 8x10, Ansel took wide vistas, any scene can be taken with any camera but this is how I decide what camera to use, or not to use, for a given scene.
Aha a fellow GS-1 user! Cheers from Montreal.
With that kind of film, you want to meter from the highlights down. So you have to shoot two stops down from the brightest reading, and compose an image where the darkest spot is only two stops down from that. Slide film is very difficult. 5 stops is all you get for dynamic range.
Thanks for the tips, I'll keep that in mind if I ever shoot slide film on 4x5.
Beautiful, looking forward to episode 😁
Thank you so much!
Nice work. I took my no name 8x10 out yesterday. When focusing I got this bright idea. I used the camera on my phone, zoomed in and focused on the big camera’s rear glass. Worked like a charm. 😊
Ha ha, awesome! It's fun figuring out new tricks to help us work better!
Thanks for watching! ❤️
Hi Jess, I really like your content, especially your passion, curiosity, and honesty about your photography.
I also recently purchased a 4x5 kit. I’ve mainly been shooting HP5 but just started venturing into color negative. I’m relieved to hear you’re feeling similar feelings, to mine, regarding your compositions. I have really been struggling to find what I feel is worth shooting. Although, one thought I’ve had is that shooting LF is probably similar to what Plein Air painters go through when finding their compositions, so I’ve turned to Plein Air paintings for inspiration.
One other note I want to make, regarding your video production. The video shots are gorgeous. I work in video and I know it can be a collaborative effort. I encourage you to give your videographer a credit when you post your videos. 😊
I look forward to seeing more of your work!
I’m just getting back into 4x5 and I need to get my shot frames developed, and I need to shoot MORE! 👍😸
Live by a forest, that have same chaotic scenes. Love that wood, but I took more photos when I settled here. One thing about it, you got to love the wood, that is the best inspiration to see all the great images. Today i take way fewer photos on my trips in the wood. I am more saturated with it. Dont see as much any more.
Enjoyed this a lot Jess … good luck for your next trip. Dave-in-Elland
Moving to medium format undoubtedly changed my outlook and the care I take with my photography. I learned to be patient rather than being a happy snapper with my 35mm. If I ever try large format I know it will slow me down further, but that's not a bad thing.
Hi Jess and thanks for sharing your interesting thoughts.
At 00:50 you are looking through a viewfinder. Is it a 1 degree spotmeter?
Vincent.
Nice!
The closest I come when it comes to slowing down is when I shoot with my 6x6 tlr cameras and only get 12 frames in a roll.
I sometimes do a exercise where I only bring one roll of 35mm 36 exposure film and when I shot that roll I am done!
On other days I will happily shoot 6 rolls of 120 film in one day just because I can and feel inspired!
As for 4x5, I am not a tripod person and I lack the patients to think so much about a sheet of expensive film before taking the photo!
Have a nice week!
I love watching videos on medium to large format film photography, especially colour.
The conditions are not as calm here in Ireland for the long exposures required and to be honest I'm now a bit long in the Tooth to go back into film
It's a lot of hassle. However fair play to your endavours and some nice shots there 📷👍
I Jess I really hope you read this comment. I recently found your channel when I became interested in medium and large format photography. Long story short I was feeling uninspired with digital. I spoke to my teacher, the two words he said have sent me on a mad journey of discovery ‘try film’. I’ve been using my mums old 35mm and loving taking pictures again. Your content really connects with me and you have inspired me purchase my first medium format camera. I was wondering between your Mamiya and your Intrepid which one you would suggest. I haven’t settled on a style yet, I am still very early on my journey so versatility would be more important then the camera being amazing at one thing. Thanks so much. Also if anyone else reads this comment and has any advice please reply- I am open to all opinions, like I said I’m new and every bit of advice helps.
Hi! Sorry I didn't respond earlier, I just came across your comment. Honestly, I can't give you a straight answer between the Mamiya or the Intrepid. Even though I use both cameras most often in the woods, the work I do with each is very different, and I can't imagine not having both cameras. I do use the Mamiya more often because of its versatility, but there's something so special about seeing my work on such a large negative that keeps drawing me back to large format. I don't know if this helped at all, but I wish you the best of luck in your photographic journey!
Thanks for watching! ❤️
Great another Jess Hobbs video to watch. I found, just like you, that LF slows one down. Also, one isn't carrying light rolls of 12 film but loaded film holders. They get heavy as one accumulates a number of them. So, one carries less film with LF. So, that forces one to look carefully for images that one really feels strongly about or which appear very interesting. I think you video shows this very well.
That's a great piece of Nikon glass on your Intrepid. Great composition & images BTW.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! And yes, the Nikon lens is fantastic! I wasn't quite sure where to start with buying LF lenses, but when I saw how clean and beautiful this one was, I had to buy it, and I'm really glad I did!
Thanks for watching! ❤️
great video Jess, but one tip, at 5:41 when you use Tilt/shift & rise/fall, UNLIKE the tilt shift lenses on ALL other cameras, when you hit the 'hard stops' this is NOT safe, there is a chance the lens coverage can cause vignetting, so Watch the corners!, use a loop to be sure, where the limits are, and stay within them; also, from what others say, Mat Marrash, and other books, etc. Concentrate on ONE movement at a time, use T/S or lateral shift rise, fall at a time, saves a mistake; the t/s controls focus dof shape and size, the others position of this image inside the film frame, and if you apply both styles on the same standard, it is hard not to apply a little of one, without realising it, esp. with this intrepid style of LF as two axis of motion sometimes share the same lock knobs!!! ( and for some, a little movement goes a long way). happy shooting, and enjoy the autumn weather.
Hello Jess!! Great to see another installment video from you so soon after the last one!!
Goodness...you're really starting to tear at my purse strings.....for me to get one of those Intrepid 4x5's. I've been eyeballing them for years....and this latest one seems to answer a lot of questions people had about them in the past.
Am I correct in that the new ones come with a fresnel already on the view screen? I noticed in the video you aren't using a dark cloth to cover while you are framing and focusing shots...so, wondering, is the screen on the new ones THAT bright that you can see well on it without the dark cloth?
LOL...yeah, hunker down till hunting is over in those woods....can't wait to see your next adventure!!
CC
I'm glad that some questions are being answered about 4x5 in my videos! I am actually planning out a video talking about how I got myself set up for 4x5, the lenses, the film holders, etc. Right now though, my video camera is in the shop getting a much-needed CLA, so I won't be able to film that one for a while yet, but it will be coming!
As for the fresnel screen, it is very bright, but no, it's not that bright, ha ha! I had ordered a dark cloth online, but it hadn't arrived yet when I was filming these videos, so I was using an old tablecloth to focus and compose under! I was too embarrassed to show it on screen, which is why you don't actually see me focus or compose at all. I do have my brand new dark cloth now, so it will eventually be featured in my videos!
Thanks for watching! ❤️
Great video - what's the viewfinder that you use at 0:49 seconds?
Hi, I like your backpack, please could you tell me make and model, thanks. Nice shots, Ektar on 5x4 looks awesome.
My backpack is a Mindshift Gear 18L in Woodland Green. They also make 26L and 30L bags, but obviously the 18L is perfect for me since I'm so small! I absolutely love that bag though, I'm even planning on buying a second one so that I don't have to keep swapping out my Mamiya RB67 and Intrepid gear!
And I completely agree, I am in love with Ektar on 5x4! I do wish it was a little cheaper, but I'll just have to shoot with more purpose instead!
Thanks for watching! ❤️
@@JessHobbs many thanks for the information. I look forward to your next 5x4 adventure.
@greatwhite1958 thanks to you for your support, I really appreciate it!
Was it your intention to overexpose the ektars by 2/3 of a stop?
❤❤👍👍✌✌🌹🌹
more LF videos please
Yes! I haven't shot much 4x5 lately, so it would be a great excuse to get back out there!
Thanks for watching!
@@JessHobbs thanks to you, great channel
It's not the grandeur effect it's the almost $7 per sheet effect. 🙂
Ha ha, so true!