The View Camera with Kent Bowser & Daniel Mainzer – G26090403
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.
Instructors
-
Kent BowserKent 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 art history and BS and MA degrees in photography from Ohio State University. Aside from Ghost Ranch, a few of his favorite locales are the Bisti De Na Zin Badlands, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Chaco Canyon, and SE Utah.
-
Daniel MainzerAt 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 of professional imaging.
In 1970, Denver called. I began teaching film at the Arts Center, where photographer Theron Taylor—himself a student of the legendary Minor White—mentored me and deepened my understanding of still photography. Three years later, I moved to Cleveland to teach photography for the Board of Education’s Supplementary Center for the Arts and the Children’s Aid Society, sharing my passion with the next generation of artists.
My professional path continued to evolve: in 1976 I joined Firestone Tire as a photographer, then transitioned to Stouffer’s Foods in 1981 to manage their Media Department. The following year, I accepted a position at General Tire, as photographer.
By 1987, I was ready for independence and opened my own studio in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. For nearly four decades, I specialized in view camera work—meticulously crafting each image until 2011, when digital technology began to reshape the craft. After 38 remarkable years, I sold the studio, but photography remains my lifelong companion. Even now, I continue to work professionally, part-time, still chasing light and stories through the lens.