Larry Thompson • Crown Graphic Workshop

Crown Graphic Workshop Overview

Dates: Saturday, July 18, 2026 10am – 3pm

Shoot Like It’s The 1930’s Again!

The Speed Graphic and it’s sister the Crown Graphic, demands your full attention. Every frame is a commitment: open the lens, focus manually, tension the shutter, pull the dark slide, and only then — fire. There are no bursts, no do-overs, no instant previews. Just one sheet of 4×5 film and your instincts.

Your guide for the day is Larry Thompson, who has put the Speed Graphic to work on the streets of Paris and among the sweeping landscapes of the Oregon. He brings deep hands-on expertise and a genuine love for the craft of large format photography.

Join us for a one-day immersive workshop at LightBox Photographic Gallery in Astoria, Oregon, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most atmospheric and photogenic towns.

Together, we’ll explore the history of this legendary camera before taking it to the streets — the Victorian storefronts, waterfront docks, and layered character of Astoria make for a uniquely cinematic backdrop.

The workshop will begin by meeting at LightBox Photographic Gallery to meet and learn the basics of handling and shooting with a Crown Graphic camera. We will learn how to work the camera, and load film, so you will be confident on our walk around town.

Next, we will go explore some of the most photogenic areas of Astoria on foot, each with 4 sheets of film, to take 4 shots. After which, we will have lunch, which is included in workshop price, where Larry will share a bit more about the history of Crown Graphics and himself.

In the afternoon, we’ll develop the day’s work in the darkroom, then gather to share and discuss our images as a group.

The cost for the workshop is $250, LightBox Members: $225 with all materials and lunch provided!

Contact michael@lightbox-photographic.com to sign up!