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Kasia Zmokla

Black and white photography is an art — not just a click of a button that changes a colour image to monochrome. The creative process is a fun and exciting journey that this course, “Dramatic Black & White Photography in the Digital Age,” helps you confidently and efficiently create cinematic, timeless images. Packed with high quality, downloadable supporting materials (14 high resolution TIFF files), this hands-on tutorial provides you with step-by-step edits necessary for you to work effectively, in a non-destructive way, make intelligent creative decisions and get the artistic and dramatic black & white results you desire.

Read more

Black and white photography is an art — not just a click of a button that changes a colour image to monochrome. The creative process is a fun and exciting journey that this course, “Dramatic Black & White Photography in the Digital Age,” helps you confidently and efficiently create cinematic, timeless images. Packed with high quality, downloadable supporting materials (14 high resolution TIFF files), this hands-on tutorial provides you with step-by-step edits necessary for you to work effectively, in a non-destructive way, make intelligent creative decisions and get the artistic and dramatic black & white results you desire.

Sharpen Your Skills

  • Simple Monochrome Conversion

Get results fast working with simple “one step” methods of black & white conversion such as Desaturate, Hue/Saturation and Grayscale.

  • RGB Model & Photoshop Channels

You’ll learn how to evaluate your images with dedicated Photoshop tools. And you’ll also develop a deep understanding of RGB color mode, its relation to photographic filters and how to use sophisticated methods to perform stunning black & white conversions.

  • Advanced Black & White Conversion

Explore the range of advanced black & white conversion methods: LAB Color, Hue/Saturation with Adjustment Layer, Twin Hue/Saturation Method, Gradient Map, Channel Mixer, Black & White tool and Adobe Camera RAW Plugin.

  • Master Black & White Artwork

Discover the most important components of powerful monochrome artwork: tonal separation between key elements in your image and strong contrast and wide tonal range, including rich shadow and highlight detail.

  • The Histogram & Levels Tools

Learn how to extend tonal range in your images with the Levels tool. Reference the luminosity adjustments with the Histogram to avoid clipping shadows or highlights in your photos.

  • Non-Destructive Workflow

You’ll explore combining masks and adjustment layers to achieve your creative vision and maintain great flexibility. Together we’ll create alternative versions of one photo in no time. This also allows you to revisit your artwork in the future and bring new ideas to life with just a few easy adjustments.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The core principles behind black & white conversion, so you can successfully apply them to your own artwork using a whole range of the most powerful and flexible black & white conversion techniques
  • How to evaluate tonal range in your images with the histogram tool and use it as a basic reference in your workflow
  • Master the most effective and flexible photo editing photoshop tool: curves
  • The best ways to fix common issues in black & white photographs, such as "flat" images, washed-out sky, eyes obscured by shadows, low contrast, lack of definition and lack of details and texture
  • Pro tips to blend multiple adjustments in a seamless way in one image with help of masking techniques
  • Insights into how to work in non-destructive way with adjustment layers — and massively speed up your workflow in the process
  • How rgb additive color model works and advice on how to apply this knowledge to your work
  • Useful techniques to pick out details and, in an intelligent way, sharpen selected areas within the frame
  • Easy and intuitive ways to improve your images by applying targeted adjustments in a few simple steps

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome to "Dramatic Black and White Photography in the Digital Age"
In this Section we will answer: WHY photographers shoot in B&W, WHAT does that mean "to see in B&W" and HOW to convert a color image to B&W.
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WHY photographers shoot in Black and White
WHAT does that mean "to see in B&W"
HOW to convert to B&W
In this Section you will learn 3 simple "One Step" B&W Conversion Techniques
"One Step Method" Nr 1: Desaturate
"One Step Method" Nr 2: Hue/Saturation
"One Step Method" Nr 3: Grayscale
In this Section you will learn the Basic, VIP tools to start with your edits
The RGB Color Additive Model
The Channels Tool
In this Section you will learn the selection of more advanced B&W Conversion Techniques
LAB Color
Hue/Saturation with Adjustment Layer
Twin Hue/Saturation Method
Gradient Map
Channel Mixer
Black & White Tool
Camera RAW Plugin
B&W Conversion Techniques- Summary
In this Section you will learn how to improve your images and fix particular issues
The Histogram Tool
The Levels Tool
The Brightness & Contrast Tool
The Curves Tool
Download the Supplementary Working Files to start "hands-on" Tutorial
Resources
In this Section you will work with the supplementary materials and apply the techniques in action!
Edit 1: Josefine
Edit 2: Sana
Edit 3: Charles
Edit 4: Sunrise
Edit 5: Simona
Edit 6: Chris
Edit 7: Hermen
Thank You!
Bonus Lecture

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops the core principles behind black and white conversion, providing learners with a solid foundation for their own artwork
In-depth exploration of both basic and advanced black and white conversion techniques, empowering learners to master this art form
Teaches how to evaluate tonal range using the Histogram tool, a fundamental skill for optimizing image quality
Instructs learners in the use of Curves, a powerful and versatile photo editing tool
Provides techniques for addressing common issues in black and white photographs, ensuring learners can enhance their images effectively

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Dramatic Black and White Photography in the Digital Age with these activities:
Read "Black and White Photography: A Complete Guide"
Reading a comprehensive guide to black and white photography will provide a strong theoretical foundation for your learning.
View The Visual Toolbox on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts
Follow a tutorial on advanced black and white conversion methods
Exploring advanced conversion methods, such as LAB Color and Channel Mixer, will expand your editing capabilities.
Show steps
  • Choose a tutorial that covers a specific advanced conversion method
  • Follow the steps outlined in the tutorial
  • Experiment with different settings to see how they affect the image
Create a series of black and white images of a specific subject
Creating a cohesive series of black and white images will help you develop your artistic vision and storytelling abilities.
Show steps
  • Choose a subject that inspires you
  • Capture multiple images of the subject, experimenting with different light and compositions
  • Convert the images to black and white and edit them to create a consistent look
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Attend a black and white photography workshop
Attending a workshop led by an experienced photographer can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience.
Show steps
  • Research and select a workshop that aligns with your interests and skill level
  • Prepare for the workshop by reviewing the course materials and practicing basic techniques
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and exercises
Create a photo book or portfolio showcasing your black and white work
Creating a physical or online portfolio of your best work will help you showcase your skills and build a professional presence.
Browse courses on Portfolio
Show steps
  • Select your best black and white images that represent your unique style
  • Design and lay out the photo book or portfolio, paying attention to image flow and overall presentation
  • Print or publish the portfolio and share it with others

Career center

Learners who complete Dramatic Black and White Photography in the Digital Age will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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