Large Format Photography

One of the many photographic techniques photographers use is 'large format'. Large format photography used a camera with a special lens attachment to adjust the picture to be displayed very big. This isn't a technique utilizing zoom, which is a common misunderstanding of large format photography. Rather, a flexible bellows attaches a specialized lens which allows for the object to be shot largely.

Large format photography film is actually sheets of special paper that is the same size of a standard photo. Most cameras use small rolls of film, but this specialized paper for large format photography is usually 4x5, minimum, and can be as large as 20x24. This type if found to be far more convenient for the photographer because of it's large, manageable size. Each sheet of film is an individual shot, and is processed that way. Because each film shot is essentially the picture, the photographer avoids the risk of ruining the whole role of film - or not obtaining a shot.

Large format camera have no automatic controls, thus requiring the photographer to perform all the functions manually. Therefore, an education and thorough understanding of the large format photography style is imperative in obtaining a good shot.

The corresponding equipment that is necessary for a large format photograph is heavy and can be cumbersome. A tripod is always needed in large format photography, and the whole photography process - something a trained photographer might find easy - is more detailed, and takes longer when shooting large format. Macro photography is not possible in large format photography. The lens that is needed to achieve a macro shot would have to be far too large to accommodate such an undertaking.

Despite the challenges presented in this style of photography, the resulting images can be nothing short of breathtaking, and for the photography enthusiast, this technique can be extremely rewarding.