My Favorite Large Format Photography iPhone App
Who says I don't embrace and like digital technology! My absolute favorite large format photography application for my mobile phone is Mark II Artist's Viewfinder. I have no affiliation with the application other than being a user.
One of the biggest challenges for me in regards to using large format equipment is the physical aspect of getting the gear where I want to go and the second is missed opportunities. This applies more to 8x10 and 11x14, and not as much to 4x5. In fact, my 4x5 view camera is lighter than most modern DSLR cameras.
| You are welcome to connect with me on my personal Facebook account where I provide behind the scenes updates for my friends and family that I don't share anywhere else. |
Free Darkroom Diary Newsletter by Tim Layton
I am not getting any younger, and when I can have every one of my lenses in the palm of my hand to evaluate various perspectives, I am an immediate fan. If the day comes when I am no longer to get my large format gear in the field, then I will just stop creating exposures and continue printing. If I am unable to print in the darkroom, then I will set in my wheelchair next to a window and look at all my beautiful E-6 chromes that I created over the years.
With this application, I am able to literally view a scene through all of my lenses before I ever decide to set up my camera and mount a lens.
This is incredibly helpful for me and it has opened up new compositions that I likely would have never tried before.
Historically, I have used a paper composition card. Effectively, it is just an 8x10 or 11x14 piece of old mat board with a 4x5 rectangle cut out of the center. By closing one eye and varying the distance of the opening from my face, I was able to roughly simulate different focal lengths. While it is very basic, it has worked for me for decades.
Here is an overview of the application from the company website: "Artist's Viewfinder assists the filmmaker or still photographer in exploring different places and angles to find the optimal placement for the camera, and to second-guess compositions. By simulating real camera and lens combinations it allows you to visualize what you are going to shoot without actually setting up the camera. And it's also a great tool to train yourself to see."
I have explored the use of viewfinders in the past by using some from my rangefinders, but I never had access to a comprehensive solution that simulated every one of my lenses. I now have a solution that fits in the palm of my hand and has a list of other benefits that I would have never expected.
Using the application as a scouting tool has been a game-changer for me. The photos are in the proper aspect ratio, and as long as GPS coordinates are available, the GPS data is included with each image. I am very happy with this little piece of technology and I hope that other large format photographers that didn't know about the application, can explore it for themselves after reading my article.
ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING LIBRARY
Read Testimonials from photographers and collectors from around the world.
Buy Your Photography, Video, & Technology Gear at No Additional Cost To You From B&H Photo
COLOR FILMS, DEVELOPERS, DARKROOM GEAR
Fujichrome Provia 100F - Fujichrome Velvia 100 - Fujichrome Velvia 50 - Kodak Portra 160 - Kodak Portra 400 - Kodak Ektar 100 - Fujicolor Pro 400H - Fujicolor Crystal Archive Silver Gelatin RA4 Paper - RA-4 Color Print Processing Developer & Processing Chemicals - Color Darkroom Enlargers
ILFORD B&W FILMS & DEVELOPERS
Ilford HP5 Plus- Ilford FP4 Plus - Ilford Delta 100 - Ilford Delta 400 - Ilford Delta 3200 - Ilford Pan F Plus - Ilford XP2 Super - Ilford SFX - Ilford ID-11 - Ilford DD-X - Ilford Microphen
KODAK B&W FILM DEVELOPERS
Kodak Tri-X - Kodak T-Max 100 - Kodak T-Max 400 - Kodak Portra 160 - Kodak Portra 400 - Kodak Ektar 100 - Kodak P-3200 - Kodak Ektachrome - Kodak D-76 - Kodak XTOL - Kodak HC-110
DARKROOM SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
Jobo CPP-3 processer - Ilford RC Pearl Paper - Ilford RC Glossy Paper - Ilford Multigrade Fiber Paper - Ilford Stop Bath - Ilford Rapid Fixer - Neutral Fixer - Kodak Photo-Flo - Hypo Clearing Agent - Darkroom Trays - Chemical Storage Jugs - Nitrile Gloves - Film Archival Storage Sleeves - Archival Storage Binder - Archival Print Storage Boxes
Note: I participate in affiliate programs where I earn a small commission on some select products that I provide links for on my website at www.timlaytonfineart.com. When you use these links, I earn a small commission and there is no additional charge to you.
Comments
"If the day comes when I am no longer to get my large format gear in the field, then I will just stop creating exposures and continue printing. If I am unable to print in the darkroom, then I will set in my wheelchair next to a window and look at all my beautiful E-6 chromes that I created over the years... "
When the day comes when I am no longer to get into the field, then I will stop creating exposures and continue printing. When I am unable to print in the darkroom, I will set in my wheelchair next to a window and look at the beautiful prints that I created over the years...
Bob
