The View Camera
With Kent Bowser and Daniel Mainzer
September 27 - October 3, 2026
Step into the world of large-format photography with this hands-on, immersive workshop centered on the 4×5 view camera. Discover the magic of working with large negatives as you learn essential camera movements, master sheet film processing, and craft beautiful prints from your own work in the Ghost Ranch darkroom.
You’ll also gain insight into location scouting, planning, and pre-visualizing your final image—skills that bring intention and artistry to every photograph. Along the way, explore how the view camera’s precise controls can eliminate distortion and open up new creative perspectives.
Bring your view camera, lenses, film holders, sheet film, light meter, and a sturdy tripod. Please see the Welcome Letter for a full list of supplies for this workshop.
About the Leaders
Kent Bowser
Kent Bowser, Since 1977 Kent Bowser has photographed the sacred sites and landscapes of the Southwest. He still prefers B&W film, but more recently uses digital photography and has an affection for the iPhone’s imagery. His teaching at Ghost Ranch began in 1991, with January Term classes following in 1996. Kent holds a BA in […]
Learn more about Kent Bowser
Daniel Mainzer
At twelve years old, I discovered photography through the simple magic of a camera my father gave me. That spark grew into a lifelong pursuit of visual storytelling. After earning a degree in Political Science from Muskingum University in 1968, I headed to Chicago to work at Filmack Studios—my first real step into the world […]
Learn more about Daniel MainzerCategories : Ghost Ranch Program, Photography