Even today, film medium format remains an essential reference for those seeking incomparable precision and image quality. For a long time, the use of this format served to distinguish professional photography from other practices. At least for a time, and for certain very specific uses that we’ll have to specify and define. The format continues to seduce with its unique rendering and rich creative potential.
This practical two-day workshop, led by Richard Baillargeon, offers an in-depth exploration of the qualities and constraints of medium format, with hands-on experience of the various stages: camera handling, outdoor shooting, film development and contact printing in the darkroom. A unique opportunity to acquire or perfect solid technical skills and integrate this know-how into your approach.
Course
Saturday 9am-12pm
– Why medium format?
– Its qualities and constraints;
– The trainer: his love and practice of medium format.
Saturday 1pm-5pm
– How to shoot medium format ;
– Camera types and choice of shooting area;
– Camera handling, settings and film loading;
– Shooting in situ and outdoors (Jardin St-Roch).
Sunday 9am-12pm
– Demonstration of medium-format film processing;
– Handling and manipulations in the darkroom;
– Each participant develops his/her own film.
Sunday 1pm-5pm
– Demonstration of contact printing and working proofs;
– Handling and manipulations in the darkroom;
– If time permits, print a working proof;
– Collective feedback on the workshop and experience gained.
Dates and venue
This class will take place on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21 in VU’s production space, on the 4th floor.
Please note that you can inform us of your interest via the form even if you are not available on the proposed dates.
Equipment
Medium-format cameras, film, developing and printing solutions and products, and photosensitive paper will be provided for the workshop. If you own a medium-format camera, you can bring it along to learn directly with your future work tool.
Benefits
– We’ll give away two HP5 120 films for you to show during the workshop;
– Solutions and products for developing and printing will be provided;
– The registration fee includes 4 hours’ use of the Hasselblad Flextight X5 high-resolution scanner, a value of $80, to be used before February 2026;
Please note that apart from this training, the darkroom is available free of charge for film processing!
Fees and registration
Number of participants: 6 people
Fee: $250 + taxes
Participants must be VU members in good standing at the time of registration.
Please complete the form no later than September 17 to validate your registration.