Intro to 4×5 Cameras & Film

Date  | Saturday, June 21 – Sunday, June 22, 2025

Time  |   10 AM – 5 PM

Location | Colorado Photographic Arts Center

1200 Lincoln Street, Suite 111, Denver, CO 80203

Cost  | $390 (10% off for CPAC members)

Additional Materials Fee  | $30

Instructor  |  Jackie Webster

Skill Level  |  Intermediate

Objective: Students will learn the basics of large format (4×5) view camera photography, including shooting and processing their own film.

Course Description: Students will learn how to use 2 different types of 4×5 cameras in this hands-on weekend workshop. Students will shoot in a studio setting and also on-location, expose 4×5 black & white negative film in-camera, then develop and make contact prints in the darkroom. Learn the anatomy of a large format cameras and the differences between a field camera and a monorail system, including the movements of the camera to compose and choose focus. Learn the basics of film loading, including the parts of the film holder and how to properly identify and load sheet film.

Day 1:  In the morning, students will be introduced to the 4×5 studio camera, then work in pairs to shoot images. After lunch, students will learn the 4×5 field camera, then head outside to shoot.
Day 2: On location shoot at the Denver Botanic Gardens, then back to the darkroom to develop film and make contact prints.

This workshop is limited to 5 students.

Materials Needed:

• Note-taking materials
• Walking shoes
• Lunch for each day