As the seasons shift, I find myself in the familiar rhythm of preparing for both client work and personal projects—balancing my twice-yearly mini sessions with the more intensive portrait, and commercial work I’ve been creating using my 8x10 large format camera. This mix of efficient, fast-paced sessions and the slower, more deliberate process of large format photography keeps my creative energy flowing while ensuring I push the boundaries of my craft.
Mini Sessions: Simplicity with Impact
Twice a year in the fall, I offer a series of mini-sessions, designed to be straightforward, efficient, and impactful. These shoots are aimed at professionals who need high-quality portraits or headshots—perfect for those who update their images every year without the need for an extended session.
Honestly, I’ve never been a big fan of the name "mini sessions", even though it's an industry standard term. It sounds like something smaller than what these sessions really deliver—almost like a snack-sized candy bar! But despite the name, the work we create is anything but "mini." I may have to rethink the name for next year. For now, the quick pace keeps me on my toes, and it’s always a thrill to work with such a variety of clients. It’s a bit like a creative sprint, where every frame counts—literally—and clients return year after year, appreciating the simplicity and professionalism of the experience. This year’s sessions sold out, as they often do, and it’s always exciting to see how much demand there is for these shorter, impactful shoots.
The Size Difference Between an 8x10 and a 4x5 Camera
In this image, we’re comparing my Cambo 8x10 large format camera with my Sinar 4x5 camera, showcasing the substantial size difference between the two. Both formats are considered large in the world of photography, but the 8x10 film size is especially impressive. To put it in perspective, the 4x5 film is already about 15 times larger than a full-frame digital sensor, while the 8x10 film is a massive 60 times larger than a full-frame sensor. Even compared to 4x5, the 8x10 offers nearly four times the surface area.
This size difference is reflected in the cameras’ ground glass focusing screens, which match the size of the film used. The larger real estate on the 8x10 allows for incredible detail, tonal depth, and image resolution. While the 4x5 format already produces stunningly detailed images, the 8x10 elevates this further, offering a level of richness that’s ideal for high-end portraiture, commercial work and fine art photography.
The 8x10 Film Camera: A New Challenge in Familiar Territory
While I’ve always worked with film—medium format and 4x5 have been staples in my workflow—the 8x10 large format camera has recently sparked a new sense of challenge and inspiration. The scale and detail that this format offers are unparalleled, and it pushes me to engage with my work on an even more meticulous level.
Shooting on 8x10 slows everything down—not just because of the size of the camera, but because every frame is a serious commitment. From the moment I load the film to the time it’s developed and either scanned or printed, each shot involves a level of care and investment that simply isn’t the same with smaller formats. It’s this process that forces me to be more deliberate, making sure every element is just right before pressing the shutter.
The large format’s ability to capture fine details allows me to dive deeper into portrait work, giving each image an almost sculptural quality. This shift has been inspiring in the best way, and the results speak for themselves—there’s a richness and depth to the images that’s hard to replicate with smaller formats. Plus, it gets me back into the darkroom, where the process truly becomes a labor of love.
The Darkroom and Traditional Hand Prints
Working with the 8x10 format also means more time spent in the darkroom, where I’ve been exploring traditional hand-printing techniques that give each photograph a unique, tangible quality. Silver gelatin prints provide rich blacks and fine detail that make them a classic choice, while salt prints offer a beautiful, textured aesthetic that feels timeless.
Lately, I’ve also been experimenting with platinum/palladium prints, a process known for its broad tonal range and long-lasting durability. These prints have a soft, almost painterly quality that transforms an image into something truly special. Clients have been gravitating toward these handcrafted prints, as they offer something far more personal and enduring than digital reproductions. Each one carries a sense of history and artistry that can only come from working hands-on in the darkroom.
Looking Ahead
What’s next? That’s the thrill—there's always another frame waiting to be captured, a new layer to uncover, something unexpected that hasn’t yet entered the picture. It’s not about perfection; it’s about staying in motion, following the path of experience, and trusting the instinct that shapes each next step.
While I may not always know exactly what form the next project will take, I’m never moving without intention. The work evolves as I do, and that’s the best part. The real question is: where will it go from here? I’m just as excited to find out as anyone else.
Here’s to a productive and inspiring season ahead!
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