I've experienced the evolution of photography firsthand, from wet darkrooms and color film to the digital age. I'll admit, for a while, I fell into the habit of converting photos to black and white only when they didn't quite succeed in color. However, in 2024, I committed to rediscovering black and white as its own distinct art form—which is precisely why this class is titled "B&W on Purpose." Consider this your masterclass in 21st-century B&W, from initial capture to final edit.
 
In a world saturated with color images, black and white photography offers a unique opportunity to strip away distractions and focus on the essence of your subject. It emphasizes light, shadow, texture, and composition—the fundamental elements that elevate a good photograph to a great one.
 
Get ready to be inspired as we embark on a fascinating journey through samples of 16 successful B&W photographers. We'll explore their varied styles, uncovering the techniques and artistic decisions that established them as masters. From Ansel Adams' dramatic contrasts to the latest breathtaking minimalist landscapes and architecture, you'll uncover a wealth of possibilities and new ways to cultivate your own distinctive photographic voice.
 
We'll cover the B&W post-processing workflow in four straightforward, logical steps that you can apply with any editing software. A full two-thirds of our class will be dedicated to live editing demos. You'll observe exactly how each step impacts an image, and crucially, how it differs from working with color. I'll be using Lightroom and Photoshop, but rest assured, you can easily follow along with the tools you already use.  [1:47 long]
 
Catch the Introductory Pricing while it lasts!