The Ultimate App: A Photographer's Notebook

By Ben Horne

View cameras are simple, do not require batteries, and working with this medium allows the photographer to step outside the obsolescence cycle of digital imaging. That's one of the things I love about large format. This isn't to say that I'm opposed to technology — a look at my video kit will show how I embrace modern tools when they serve a purpose. But there's something profound about the simplicity of film photography.

The Analog Solution

Despite all the apps available for photographers today — exposure calculators, light meters, composition guides, weather forecasts, location scouts — I find myself relying most on the simplest tool of all: a physical notebook.

My notebook travels with me on every photo trip. It's where I record everything about my exposures: date, location, lens used, f-stop, shutter speed, film type, development notes, and even lighting conditions and compositional thoughts. It's low-tech, requires no batteries, won't crash, and doesn't need updates.

Why Keep Notes?

When shooting film, especially large format, you don't get instant feedback like you do with digital. You might not see your results for days or even weeks after exposure. Without notes, it becomes nearly impossible to learn from your mistakes or replicate your successes.

I've had countless moments in the darkroom where I've been puzzled by a negative — wondering why the exposure turned out differently than expected. My notebook has the answer. I can look back and see that I metered differently, or adjusted my development time, or used a different lens than I thought I remembered.

What I Record

For each sheet of film, I typically note:

• Date and location - Essential for organizing and finding images later
• Subject/composition - Brief description to help identify the negative
• Lens and focal length - Important for understanding perspective
• f-stop and shutter speed - The core exposure data
• Film type - Critical for development
• Filter used - Affects contrast and tonal relationships
• Lighting conditions - Helps explain exposure choices
• Notes on composition or intent - Captures my thinking at the time

Beyond Technical Data

But the notebook serves a purpose beyond just technical record-keeping. It's also a space for creative thinking. I sketch composition ideas, jot down locations to revisit, note interesting light patterns I've observed, and reflect on what's working or not working in my photography.

Sometimes I'll write about why a particular scene called to me, or what I was trying to convey with an image. These notes become valuable when I'm sequencing prints for a portfolio or writing about my work. They capture the thought process and intention that can fade from memory over time.

The Learning Tool

Over time, my notebooks become a record of my photographic education. I can look back and see how my metering technique has evolved, how my compositional preferences have changed, or how I've refined my development process. It's a tangible history of growth as a photographer.

When teaching workshops, I often encourage students to keep similar notes. Those who do inevitably progress faster. They can identify patterns in their work, understand what's working, and methodically address what isn't.

The Perfect App

In a world of smartphones and apps, the humble notebook might seem quaint. But it offers something that digital tools often don't: simplicity, reliability, and a direct connection to your work. It doesn't distract with notifications, doesn't need charging, and works in any weather condition.

Plus, there's something satisfying about the physical act of writing. It forces you to slow down and think about what you're doing, which is entirely in keeping with the contemplative nature of large format photography.

So while I appreciate the convenience of modern technology, when it comes to the essential tool for my photography, I'll stick with the original "app" — a simple notebook and pen. It's served photographers well for over a century, and it serves me well still.