Welcome to The Dark Slides: Why We Still Shoot Large Format
An introduction to our collective and why we believe large format photography remains vital in the digital age.
large formatphilosophyanalog photography
Stories & Insights
Photography stories, techniques, and experiences from The Dark Slides collective members.
Photography • Techniques • Stories • Adventures
Latest Posts
Getting Through A Creative Block
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I found myself in a photographic fog. Here's how I found my way back and overcame creative barriers.
creative blockinspirationfilm photography
The Virtues of an Analog Stopwatch
Discover why an analog stopwatch remains essential for timing long exposures with precision and reliability in large format photography.
large formatphotography equipmentanalog tools
Using Calculators in Large Format Photography
Part II: Exposure Compensation. Use the QuickDisc calculator to determine exposure compensation for close-up large format photography.
large formatexposure compensationphotography calculators
Using Calculators in Large Format Photography - Part I
Part I: Depth of Field. Learn to use field calculators for precise focus calculations essential for large format photography.
large formatdepth of fieldfield calculators
Wilderness Medicine
A comprehensive guide to wilderness first aid essentials for landscape photographers. Be prepared for emergencies in remote locations.
wilderness medicinefirst aidsafety
A Path to Consistent Results
Learn why understanding your film's true ISO is critical for achieving consistent, quality negatives in black and white large format photography.
film photographyiso testingblack and white
The Ultimate App: A Photographer's Notebook
Working with view cameras allows photographers to step outside digital obsolescence. The ultimate photography app? A simple notebook.
film photographylarge formatphotography notebook
Platinum Palladium Contact Prints
Learn about the hand-made platinum palladium printing process and why these archival contact prints will last for generations.
platinum palladiumcontact printingalternative process
Long Exposure Photography
Learn techniques, challenges, and best practices for long exposure photography with large format cameras to create serene, dream-like scenes.
long exposurefilm photographylarge format
A Simple and Effective Ground Tether
Setting up a view camera in the dark and leaving it overnight requires a reliable way to anchor your tripod. Learn about a simple and effective ground tether system that survived 40mph winds in Death Valley.
tripodground tetherwind