Many photographers are rediscovering 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 day-long workshop, you will learn with Alexandra McNichols-Torroledo, Colombian-American photographer, 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. McNichols-Torroledo, whose work was featured in the 2024 Aurora exhibition ESX/COCA, has photographed almost exclusively with the 4 x 5 camera for the past 20 years.

We will begin the day in the classroom to learn about view camera controls including shift, tilt, and rise. We will also spend a portion of the workshop time outside actually making images with the view camera before finishing up in Aurora’s darkroom processing the film. 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.

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

Alexandra McNichols-Torroledo is a Colombian born photographer who lives in America as a citizen. Her work bridges artistic and documentary photography by combining alternative photographic processes and digital photography, focusing on themes including exodus, immigration, climate change, and sustainability. McNichols-Torroledo’s work has been shown in solo and group shows in Colombia and America at Guichelaar Gallery/Big Car, FAR Center for Contemporary Arts, Swope Art Museum, El Museo Cultural Santa Fe, Pereira Museo de Arte, Museo La Tertulia Cali, John Waldron Arts Center, Gayle Karch Gallery, Galería La Cometa, Halcyon Gallery, Shircliff Art Gallery, Fotojueves, Centro Cultural del Oriente, Arts Illiana, Galería Sextante, McKendree Gallery of Art & Hettenhausen Center for Arts, Sala ASAB, and Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, among others. McNichols-Torroledo holds an MFA in Photography and MA in Literature from Indiana State University, and a BA in Communications and Journalism from Universidad Externado de Colombia.

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