Vertical Format

One Shot. No Margin. A documentary series following the technical craft of large-format photography in the high-vertical landscapes of the Canadian Cordillera.

THE MISSION: ONE FRAME, NO MARGIN

Vertical Format is a documentary-series which follows me, photographer Mark Scherle through the diverse, high-friction climbing landscapes of Canada. This is not a project of convenience, it is an exercise in extreme intentionality.

In an era of disposable digital volume, we are stripping the process back to its roots. Following in the footsteps of Ansel Adams, using traditional 4x5 field cameras in high-vertical environments, the stakes are absolute: the logistics are gruelling, the film is limited, and there are no second chances.

THE PHILOSOPHY: FRICTION & INTENTIONALITY

The Digital Drift

We live in an era of disposable visual volume. In the mountains, thousands of digital frames are captured every hour—instantly rendered, easily deleted, and quickly forgotten. When the shutter is free, the image loses its weight.

The 4x5 Response

Vertical Format is a deliberate act of friction against this digital drift. By bringing studio-grade 4x5 field cameras into the rugged verticality of the Canadian Cordillera, we return to a process where every frame must be earned.

This isn't just photography; it is archival documentation.

The Mechanics of the Shot

Using a large-format system in a high-angle environment changes the stakes of the story:

  • The Physical Burden: Hauling a 20lb bellows system and tripod 600 meters up the Stawamus Chief.

  • The Technical Rigor: Manual focus under a dark cloth while suspended in a harness, managing bellows extension against mountain winds.

  • The Finality of Film: With only a limited number of physical film holders, there is no "burst mode." There is only the calculated wait for the perfect light, the perfect movement, and the single, definitive release of the shutter.

One Location. One Sheet. One Heritage Record.

SEASON 1: SQUAMISH ARC

Episode 1 | The Forest Floor

  • The Landscape: The moss-draped boulders of the North Wall and Grand Wall bouldering areas, where the massive trees, and sculptured boulders beckon climbers from across the globe to test their might.

  • The Challenge: Capturing the raw power of bouldering through the slow tactics of a 4×5 camera. A study of light, texture, and the intimate friction between skin and granite.

Episode 2 | The Vertical Line

  • The Landscape: The technical single-pitch crags which traverse the Squamish landscape. Areas like Chekamus Canyon, and Murrin Park are home to some of the most striking single pitch climbs anywhere.

  • The Challenge: Managing the complex geometry of a large-format camera while suspended mid-face, documenting the precise aesthetics of traditional climbing.

Episode 3 | The Grand Wall

  • The Landscape: 600 meters of vertical granite on the Stawamus Chief.

  • The Challenge: The logistical peak of the season. Hauling a fragile 4x5 kit up multi-pitch systems to capture the "Big Wall" experience with archival clarity.

Episode 4 | The Alpine

  • The Landscape: The remote, high-altitude backcountry surrounding Squamish.

  • The Challenge: Pushing into the deep wilderness. Documenting the intersection of high-alpine endurance and the heavy, deliberate craft of film photography.

THE TECHNICAL MANIFEST: PRECISION UNDER PRESSURE

In the vertical environment of the Stawamus Chief, every gram is a burden and every movement is a risk. To capture Vertical Format, we utilize a specialized arsenal of heritage equipment adapted for the rigors of the Canadian Cordillera.

The System: Handmade 4x5 Field Camera

The heart of the project is a lightweight, large-format field camera. Built from carbon fiber and precision-milled hardwoods, this system provides the mechanical movements—tilt, shift, and swing—necessary to correct perspective and manage depth of field in complex mountain geometry.

The Optics: Heritage Glass

We employ a curated set of large-format lenses (90mm to 150mm). These optics are selected for their surgical sharpness and their ability to render the micro-textures of Squamish granite with a clarity that modern digital sensors cannot replicate.

The Medium: Archival Sheet Film

Every exposure is recorded on individual 4x5" sheets of silver halide film. We primarily utilize high-latitude Black & White stocks, chosen for their ability to hold detail in the deep shadows of the forest and the blinding highlights of the alpine.

The Archive: Drum Scanning & Preservation

The process doesn’t end in the field. Every successful frame undergoes a rigorous post-production workflow:

  • Traditional Chemistry: Manual development in a controlled darkroom environment.

  • Tango Drum Scanning: Creating ultra-high-resolution digital masters (up to 500MB+ per frame) for large-scale heritage printing and 2026/2027 prestige marketing campaigns.

Our Team

kinley Aitken

Vertical logistics are managed by certified high-angle technicians (ACMG). The rigging team is responsible for gear-haul systems, static-line management, and ensuring a zero-margin safety environment for both the crew and the fragile 4x5 equipment.

Rigger/Safety

Mark Scherle

Directing the visual narrative and technical execution of the 4x5 heritage record. Mark oversees the "One Shot" workflow, from initial scouting to final drum scanning.

Lead Photographer & Producer
Principal Cinematographer

Position Pending

Responsible for documenting the physical and mental friction of the large-format process. Our cinematography lead utilizes high-dynamic-range cinema systems to capture the BTS narrative for our 2026/2027 network pilot.

  • Currently in consultation with specialist mountain film leads.

THE PRODUCTION FUND: JOIN THE JOURNEY

Vertical Format is an ambitious, high-stakes undertaking that requires a specialized union of technical craft, mountain safety, and cinematic storytelling. We are currently seeking Foundational Partners to join our Production Fund for the Episode 1 Pilot and the 2026/2027 Squamish season.

This is an opportunity to be part of a visual heritage project destined for international broadcast. We are looking for partners who value the "Slow-Craft" philosophy and the pursuit of excellence in the world's most demanding landscapes.

Partner Deliverables

Depending on the tier, our partners receive:

  • High-Resolution Assets: Licensed 4x5 large-format imagery for global marketing campaigns.

  • Broadcast Credits: "Founding Partner" billing in the Episode 1 Pilot and series pitch.

  • Behind-the-Scenes Access: Exclusive BTS content documenting the friction and success of the "One Shot" mission.

REQUEST THE PARTNERSHIP PROSPECTUS

We have a comprehensive Partnership Tier Sheet available for qualified organizations. This document outlines the production budget, the 2026/2027 roadmap, and the specific licensing terms for our 4x5 assets.