Many photographers are discovering the beauty and control of the large format view camera, which allows you to create negatives 4 x 5 inches or larger, often yielding images of incredible detail and finesse.

In this weekend workshop, you will learn with Carlos Perez, artist and Aurora PhotoCenter Lab Manager, how to use a 4 x 5 view camera, how to shoot and develop large format 4 x 5 black-and-white negative film, and how to assess your negatives to print them in any photographic process.

We will begin Day One in the gallery classroom to learn about view camera controls including shift, tilt, and rise by getting to know the 4 x 5 camera as well as a demo on an 8 x 10 camera. In the afternoon of Day One, we will load 4 x 5 film holders and then shoot pictures both indoors and outdoors (weather permitting), both as a group and individually, for the rest of the afternoon. On Day Two, we will be in Aurora’s darkroom processing and finishing our film. If time permits, participants will load film and shoot additional exposures for the remainder of the afternoon. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have created at least 2 images on 4 x 5 black-and-white film.

The workshop will cover:

* View camera basics
* Loading film into the 4 x 5 film holders
* Shooting an image with the large format camera
* Loading film into the developing tanks
* Special concerns while developing 4 x 5 film
* Reading developed negatives to select the best images for printing
* Proper care, storage, and handling of negatives

All equipment and materials will be on hand and are included in the workshop fee, including use of a 4 x 5 view camera, film, all chemistry and equipment for developing the film, and film storage sheets. Participants may bring their own 4 x 5 camera to use during the workshop, if they like. Participants are responsible for all individual travel, food, and lodging.

This workshop is suitable for all beginners. Basic darkroom experience is helpful but is not required. Artists under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Carlos Perez has a BA in Studio Art with a minor in Computer Information Technology from Ball State University. Perez was an intern at Aurora PhotoCenter in 2024 and is currently Lab Manager at Aurora and Lab Technician at Roberts Camera. An exhibition of Perez’s series, Nowhere in Particular, has held in Aurora’s Efroymson Gallery in November 2025. His work has been written about in publications including F-Stop magazine.

This workshop was made possible by a generous grant from the Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation.