Getting to Know the View Camera
Richard T. Ritter
July 5-9
It has been observed that most large format photographers pay far too much attention to their equipment and not nearly enough to what they're photographing. We can always be more comfortable, at ease, and familiar with the technology of photography, which clears the mind to spend more attention and care on what is being photographed. This workshop is designed to look at your own large format habits, and help you find new and more efficient ways of handling equipment and materials. The theme is simplification: simplifying your methods and techniques while ensuring that the results are reliable and repeatable. We do this mostly by turning you loose in some of the prettier places in Peters Valley. The instructor, looking over your shoulder, will coach your ways using positive suggestions about how to get you more efficient and comfortable with your gear. We will spend most of our time in the field; this is not a classroom workshop. Items that will be covered in the workshop will be equipment care, meters and metering, zone system. This workshop is for large format photographers who want to hone their skills, and for those who are just setting out on the large format. We can supply 4x5 or 8x10 cameras and equipment to accommodate those who haven't tried large format photography.

Richard T. Ritter has been photographing with a large format camera for over 25 years. He has developed a distinct perspective in photographing the land and its elements. His black and white images often focus on shapes and textures; small aspects of the natural environment offering unexpected contrasts and patterns which produce a mystical tension. Richard is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the leading experts in the field of large format cameras. He lives in Townshend, Vermont, where he uses his skills as a master craftsman to repair large format cameras, restore cameras of historical importance along with conducting photographic workshops and photographing. He also designs and custom builds large format and ultra large format cameras. www.lg4mat.net

For more information please go to: http://www.petersvalley.org/html/Photography.cfm or contact Andy Schmitt @ Photography@PetersValley.org