Al's thoughts

After writing this article I sent it to Al for his thoughts. The items below are based on his feedback. Quotes may be slightly paraphrased but I'll try to be true to the intent of his statements.

"I have no film experience of any kind and only 3 years of digital experience, so our discussions and my education ranged from film, to composition, and even other topics more specific to large format."

Regarding the initial location along the chattahoochee river which Al has visited many times: "Along with the mud, under the bridge was just too dark for a learning experience. However when lighter the receding arches would make a great location."

Al's overall impression - "the process of [large format] photography looks like it is very exciting, in the way it slows the process and reduces the number of exposures. Review of camera and each shot took at least 20 minutes...But my major concern is the not with large format, but with film in general (the developing and printing)...I would also emphasize the amount of time I think it would take for the process to feel natural."

Al also suggested I document the entire process for making an exposure from start to finish. See right.

* Composition on the dim ground glass was also a challenge for Al and I in that the image is difficult to see in the corners and shadow areas. Use of a loupe aids in focusing the bright areas. Stopping down the lens really degrades the brightness of the image on the glass. There are brighter screens and fresnel lenses which project brighter images but I have yet to invest in them.

• Scout and find location
• Use cut out cards to aid in previsualizing composition
• Prepare film and pack all accessories before departing for the location. Develop checklists for items needed.
• Set up Camera and Tripod
• Level the camera or point camera toward intended subject
• Open the shutter on widest aperature for preview
• Turn focus knobs to obtain focus at wide aperature
• Evaluate composition on the dimly lit ground glass *
• Move camera as necessary to obtain appropriate composition. requires releveling and refocusing
• Stop down lens and evaluate focus and Depth Of Field. Charts can be used as well to help determine DOF.
• If using Polaroid P55 film mix the Sodium Sulfite solution
• Take a meter reading (spot or incident). Determine if you wish to use the meter reading or depart from it based on highlights or shadows that are important in the shot
• CLOSE THE SHUTTER!!!!!
• Set the final aperature and shutter speed.
• Cock the shutter
• Insert Film holder or Polaroid back. If using Polaroid back then insert the film packet after the back is in the camera.
• Remove the dark slide or polaroid pack envelope
• Fire the shutter using a cable release
• Close the darkslide or envelope
• Remove film holder from the camera or pull the film pack out of the Polaroid back. For Polaroid wait the appropriate time for developing before separating the image from its packet. Clear negatives and/or coat positives.
• Evaluate the image and make adjustments then shoot again. It is also a good idea to make a second exposure if shooting non-instant film so you can have a backup if one gets damaged. 
• When finished pack it all up and go home, making sure to clean up the area you worked in.
• Send non instant films to lab or process yourself (another article for another day).