I worked part-time for a successful "fine art photographer" and I tried to learn from him. His motto was, "everything is a secret". So, I had to learn everything the hard way and I made a lot of horrible mistakes. I swore to myself that if I ever learned anything about the world of large format photography, I would do everything humanly possible to help others walking down the same path. Let me tell you my friends, nothing in the world of large format should be a secret.or for that matter, any other format!

The hi-tech world is upon us. We have a wide range of choices in the photographic community today. Exciting films and digital cameras are rolling off of the conveyor belts every day. We have more opportunities than we have ever had, to choose a foundation for our artistic expression. Considering the diverse possibilities that lie before us today, why would anyone want to become a large format photographer? It's a long and hard process. Why do those who have been loyal to the big negative and the fine print choose to continue their quest? After all, aren't we considered to be dinosaurs by many critics? Why not join the digital revolution! I believe most of us choose large format because we enjoy the process.

I have literally spent thousands of hours on the telephone with customers and acquaints. I try to help them make the best decisions concerning their equipment etc. for their specific needs. I tend to have faith in what I have witnessed for the many years that I have been preaching the gospel of large format and teaching workshops. I truly believe that those who choose to work in the tradition of large format are searching for a means of self-expression.an artistic forum. These folks want to leave their jobs behind and methodically work with their ideas and dreams. Perhaps they want to slow down a bit and create something to be proud of. the old fashioned way.

If we consider the view camera to be a basic tool, we can then begin to study the technique and skills required to bring the time consuming and laborious process together. Practice.practice.practice! A great pianist has practiced enough to feel comfortable interpreting the scores of master composers. He sees the music in his mind and plays it from his heart. His instrument is only a tool to achieve the end result. We can use the view camera's ground glass as a painter employs a canvas. We organize an image using basic elements of design such as line, texture, form, depth, contrast etc. Then we can begin to contemplate the expressive objectives such as mood, symbol, movement, tension and so on. We work slowly, methodically and thoroughly to produce our vision. We walk in the footsteps of those who came before us and we search for a new idea. Perhaps buried somewhere in our mind is the possibility that our new idea will be the image that a gallery will exhibit, that a magazine will publish or a book publisher will print. Maybe not! Perhaps we do it just because we love it.we just have to do it.

Those who lay down their hard earned money to attend one of my workshops deserve full attention from my staff and me. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere is established as we gather together and become familiar with one-another's personalities. I have found that it is imperative to make an honest effort to understand what each and every person wants to learn (or not learn) during a workshop. A wide range of different skill levels may be represented at any given workshop, from the absolute beginner to the highly advanced and each having something specific that they may need assistance with.

Within the parameters of my regular workshops, we teach the skills required to utilize the view camera and related equipment. Short classroom lectures are followed by lengthy field sessions and hands-on instruction. I have found that most folks want to be in the field photographing which in turn enables them to use their hands as well as their brain to learn the process. Our evening sessions are used to review technical questions, share our portfolios and discuss aspects of the creative process.

My creative workshop series is, for the most part, just what it implies. We assume that all who attend have a good understanding of the basics. We spend the hours of camera-friendly light in the field photographing and sharing ideas relating to creativity. Mid-day and evening classroom sessions are used to review portfolios and share one another's thoughts concerning fine art photography and the creative process.

No matter which venue people come to, we exchange ideas, thoughts, wise-tales and lies. We learn from each other and love the comradery of those who share the same interests and experiences. We admit that we may not all become famous large format photographers but we all deserve the opportunity to try. We all need the encouragement to continue to learn and grow as photographers.

Tomorrow I believe I will fix my old decrepit computer with a sledgehammer and get back out there in the wilderness with my fellow dinosaurs. We will look for a parcel of land to graze on.look for a place to produce and nurture our children and we will cherish every minute of the process.

© Charles P Farmer