A Beginner’s guide to 4x5

Discovering 4x5 Large Format Photography: A Guide for 35mm Shooters Ready to Level Up

If you've spent your photography journey with a 35mm camera, you know the excitement of capturing moments on film—quick, spontaneous, and full of character. But if you're ready to elevate your craft, there’s a whole new world of possibilities waiting for you in 4x5 large format photography. It’s a shift that can be intimidating at first, but the rewards are worth it. Here's what you need to know to get started and why 4x5 might be your next great adventure.

What is 4x5 Large Format Photography?

4x5 large format refers to film that measures 4 inches by 5 inches. Unlike 35mm film, which is small and quick, 4x5 film comes in individual sheets, each offering unmatched resolution, detail, and control over your image. To shoot with 4x5, you’ll need a large format camera, which is typically more cumbersome than your typical 35mm gear. But don’t let that deter you—it’s a format that offers a completely different experience, perfect for photographers ready to slow down and focus on every detail.

Why Should You Try 4x5?

1. Image Quality Like No Other: The sheer size of the 4x5 negative allows for an unparalleled level of detail. When printed, 4x5 images reveal depth, texture, and richness that smaller formats struggle to match. This makes it ideal for fine art, landscape, and architectural photography where detail is essential.

2. Ultimate Control: Large format cameras offer precision through features like tilt and shift, allowing you to manipulate the plane of focus. This means you can achieve effects like the “miniature” look with selective focus or enhance depth in a landscape shot. It’s creative freedom that’s hard to find in 35mm photography.

3. Slower, More Thoughtful Photography: If you’re used to the quick, on-the-go nature of 35mm shooting, 4x5 will be a revelation. It requires you to slow down, think through each shot, and make deliberate choices. This shift can elevate your approach to photography, fostering a more thoughtful and intentional style.

What to Expect When Shooting 4x5

Gear: Your first step will be finding a 4x5 camera. There are plenty of options, from simple field cameras to more robust studio setups. For beginners, a field camera is a good choice—it’s lightweight and easier to handle. You’ll also need a set of lenses, which can be a bit of an investment, but starting with a standard 150mm lens is a great choice for general use.

Film: 4x5 film comes in sheets that you load into holders before shooting. These sheets can be pricey, so be prepared to take your time with each shot. But this is part of the magic—because each frame is precious, you’ll find yourself thinking more about composition, exposure, and framing.

Loading and Handling Film: One of the biggest differences from 35mm is loading film. You’ll need to practice handling the film holders in the dark or using a changing bag to load them without exposing the film to light. It’s a new skill, but one that becomes second nature over time.

Setup and Composition: Setting up a 4x5 camera involves more steps than a 35mm camera. You’ll need to extend the camera’s bellows, set the focus using a ground glass, and make fine adjustments to achieve your desired composition. Don’t worry—this part is where the magic happens. Once you’ve mastered it, the process becomes deeply rewarding.

Tips for 35mm Shooters Transitioning to 4x5

1. Embrace the Learning Curve: Shooting 4x5 is a different game, and it’s okay to go slow, in fact you will have to. Take your time setting up each shot and don’t rush the process.

2. Practice Patience: Unlike the convenience of 35mm, 4x5 is about taking fewer, more intentional shots. Learn to appreciate the slow process—it’s part of what makes 4x5 so special.

3. Master the Basics First: Before jumping into complex compositions or advanced techniques like tilt and shift, get comfortable with the basics of loading, focusing, and shooting. Once that’s second nature, you can start exploring creative controls. When I first started I tried out with still life and portraits of friends.

4. You might want a Light Meter: While some 35mm shooters rely on their camera’s built-in meter or sunny 16, large format photography often requires a handheld light meter for precision exposure. While you can be successful without one, this tool with reward you with more control over your compositions.

The Rewards of 4x5 Photography

4x5 large format photography isn’t just about capturing high-quality images; it’s about a shift in mindset. It teaches you to see differently, to slow down, and to engage more deeply with your environment. Whether it’s a sweeping landscape or a meticulously framed still life, the results are stunning and unparalleled.

In Conclusion

If you want to truly slow down and embrace an individual composition over multiple frames then 4x5 is for you. Take your time, embrace the slow life and capture higher resolution images than you haver ever seen before. Whatever you do, enjoy the journey and tag us on instagram so we can show off your work. Have fun out there!