LARGE FORMAT TIPS FROM ROD KLUKAS

Coming to Arizona to visit and photograph? Here are a few tips and suggestions to make your visit and photography a more memorable experience.

In summer it can be very hot! You need to keep your cameras somewhat sheltered from the worst of the heat. A good camera bag will insulate and keep your camera from the direct sunlight. A golfer's umbrella is large, but light, and shades both you and your gear. It can also be an effective wind break when working at places such as the Grand Canyon which can be quite breezy. Also, your batteries may not have the capacity they typically have in cooler climates. When photographing outside in the heat bringing an extra battery is a good idea. Some people feel filters are no longer necessary as you can duplicate the effect in Photoshop. This is not completely true. Using filters to cut extreme haze and for other effects is a great option. We carry a large assortment of Heliopan, the best optical quality filters, in stock. Check us out when you're in Arizona for a great photographic experience.

Rod Klukas, our Professional Products buyer is building a list of people interested in 11x14 Tri-x or Tmax 100. This is a special order only, contact Rod at retail @ photomark.com or 800-777-6627.

PHOTOGRAPHING WITH LARGE FORMAT

Photomark strives to make large format photography fun and rewarding for all who choose to explore the view camera and its possibilities. We carry all types of cameras including Arca-Swiss, KB Canham, Toyo, and also have access to Linhof and Wista.

Lenses we stock include film and digital Rodenstock and Schneider. We carry a good selection of used lenses and equipment in Rodenstock, Schneider, Fuji, Nikon, Zone VI, Wista, Graflex, Cambo and others. Rod Klukas and other staff members are very knowledgeable and can aid in your selection of a large format camera. Our large format department has what you need whether you're looking for used equipment, an entry level system, or a top of the line setup for a film for digital view camera. We also have the expertise to combine the appropriate cameras and lenses with digital backs such as Leaf, Hasselblad, and Mamiya.

Modern large format cameras like the Arca-Swiss make the transition from analog (film) to digital photography easier due to their precision. Arca has new models such as the Rm3d, with precise geared movements. The new Arca R-line cameras are hand-holdable for quick shooting, defocus techniques, and still work excellently when used with a tripod. Photomark carries Gitzo, Giotto, Manfrotto, Berleback (wood), and Hakuba tripods.

Our Saturday morning classes sometimes focus on large format photography and will help you get started. In addition to teaching some Saturday classes, Rod also does weekend workshops. While in the store visit our photo gallery which often exhibits images by large format photographers. See the First Friday schedule for dates of our gallery openings curated by Judith Andersen.

TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY

For 450 years, Canson® has invited artists, amateurs and professionals to freely express their creativity on high quality papers. In 2008, Canson® benefits from an exceptional notoriety and a high level of recognition. The unique and special relationship with the users that has been established over generations finds its roots in the original values of the brand.

Canson has made a commitment to offer high quality products thatreflect the values of the brand.

Creativity is the leitmotiv of Canson® , who has addressed artists needs by designing a very broad range of media adapted to all forms of artistic expression.

Innovation Canson is at the origin of many inventions (the hot air balloon, tracing paper, pulp dyes paper, fine textured vellum paper…) and retains this spirit of innovation by combining centuries of papermaking experience and innovation and technically advanced coatings to produce the new benchmark for today’s demanding print reproduction marketplace.

Canson is constantly investing in R & D to reach optimum and consistent quality. The very high level of sophistication and innovation of the Digital Fine Art and Photo Range reflects the very high expectations of Canson with regards to quality of its products.

While much of the photographic community is moving toward digital, many photographers still use traditional methods including large format cameras. There are many ways in which today's cutting edge technology can benefit large format shooters. For example, the transition from wet chemistry printing processes to inkjet can be easier than you think. New digital innovations will provide you with more ways than ever to scan and control the output of your images.

Color Munki is a new, all-in-one color calibrator which allows you to calibrate your screen, scanner, and printer to ensure you have consistent, beautiful results. Photomark is proud to carry a wide range of inkjet paper including Inkpress, Epson, Hahnemuhle, Ilford, and Canon. These papers produce beautiful inkjet papers including watercolor, rag, bamboo, and canvas which will make your images stand out. Using a high quality flatbed scanner such as the Epson Perfection V750, you can make high resolution scans of your negatives up to 8x10 inches. Printing your scanned negatives on inkjet printers such as the Epson R1900 and Canon Pro9000 allows you to make stunning prints up to 13 inches wide.