In this intensive hands-on workshop, we first look at the basics of black-and-white photography, including high key and low key lighting, contrast, colour and texture, and see how past masters achieved their memorable images. Then we go on location to shoot a series of photos specifically for black-and-white conversion. Next, we process them using Photoshop and Adobe Camera RAW. You will also receive a free copy of the Nik Collection’s SilverFX Pro plugin to use as a basis for creating stunning black-and-white images.

In this photography course, you will examine the best camera settings for black-and-white photography and explore ways to identify suitable scenes and subjects, from landscapes to portraits to close-ups and much more. Following some introductory theory, you will go on location to shoot a series of photos specifically for black-and-white conversion. Next, you will learn to process your photos using Photoshop, as well as Adobe Camera RAW. If you’re looking for a fun and practical workshop that enhances your skills and furthers your theoretical knowledge of photography then this course is for you!

Course Outline:

Colour is descriptive. Black-and-white is interpretive. Black-and-white photography is not photography without colour, it’s a different art form demanding a different mindset and different skills. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn the basics of black-and-white photography, including high key and low-key lighting, contrast, colour and texture.

Essential Materials:

• A DSLR – digital single-lens reflex camera / four thirds or mirrorless camera with adjustable ISO and aperture settings.
• Lens(es) – Bring along any lenses you own.
• Laptop computer (Mac or Windows) with Adobe Photoshop loaded. If you don’t have Photoshop, you can download a free 7-day trial version from https://www.adobe.com/au/products/photoshop/free-trial-download.html

Additional optional items:

• Tripod or monopod.
• Off-camera flash with cord and/or transmitter/diffuser.
• An extra battery and flashcard, as you will be using your camera, and reviewing your photographs frequently.
• Card reader or cord to download images from your camera to your laptop.
• Your camera’s instruction manual.
• Notepad and pen

About the tutor:

'Nic van Oudtshoorn is a multi-award-winning photographer, including the 2024 Abstract Photographer of the Year in the professional category of the prestigious international ReFocus World Photo Annual competition. Photographers from over 60 countries took part. He also won a “Highly Commended” award in the professional wildlife section of the same competition.

Nic has been a photojournalist and documentary film maker for more than 40 years, specialising in close-up and macro, as well as black-and-white and wildlife photography.

Nic’s photos have appeared in books, calendars, newspapers and magazines (including Time and Reader’s Digest) around the world.
His photographic excellence has earned him the distinction of Associate of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, the oldest and one of the most prestigious such organisations in the world.

His footage has been seen on TV around the world, including National Geographic and Discovery channels. He has won numerous international awards for his photographs, both colour and black-and-white.

Nic is a qualified instructor with a Master’s degree from Sydney University and enjoys training photographers at local colleges and online. He is the author of 14 books, including The Photographer’s Guide to Close-up, Macro and Focus Stacking, available from Amazon as a paperback, as well as a Kindle edition.'

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.