You Will Learn...

To completely change the way you think about black and white photography. With a new approach and a new set of tools and techniques, your work will improve dramatically.

This masterclass covers everything you need to know to create dramatic, dynamic, and engaging black and white photographs. Photographers of all levels will find valuable insight throughout this course.

Introduction

Get an overview of the way the course is designed. I introduce my three-stage system for black and white conversion, which is designed to make it as easy and uncomplicated as possible while still maintaining complete control over the final result.

Intentional B&W

In this lesson, I’ll explain the differences between shooting for color and shooting for black and white, and introduce the concept of previsualization, which can dramatically improve your approach to black and white photography.

The Tonal Scale and the Zone System

Learn about the tonal scale and what lessons can be learned from Ansel Adams’s Zone System in a modern digital workflow.

Seeing the Possible

Working in black and white opens up new possibilities versus working in color. Learn how to see what’s possible with black and white tonality and contrast and apply that knowledge to improve your photography.

Three Stage Intro

There are many ways to convert a color photo into black and white. I’ve designed a three-stage system to make the process as simple and easy as possible depending on the complexity of any given photo.

Stage One

Learn the quickest and easiest ways to convert a color photo into black and white using Stage One global adjustments in Capture One Pro and Adobe Camera Raw, which is included with Adobe Photoshop.

Stage Two, Capture One

Stage Two is for images requiring more complex local adjustments. Learn how to adjust specific parts of your photos in Capture One Pro.

Stage Two, Adobe Camera Raw

Learn how to perform complex local adjustments in Adobe Camera Raw.

Getting the Most From Your Sensor

Before diving into Stage Three adjustments, learn some important information about bit depth and noise to get the absolute best image quality from your sensor in a variety of challenging situations.

Testing Your Sensor

Follow along as I introduce some easy tests you can do at home to get a good understanding of how your exact sensor performs when pushed to the limits of exposure and contrast. This knowledge can be critical when creating black and white photographs with dramatic levels of contrast.

Computer Bit Depth

I’ll explain the important differences between the bit depth of your camera and the bit depth of image files like JPEG, TIF, and PSD, and I’ll discuss which formats to use and why.

Photoshop Setup

Learn how to set up your workspace to work quickly and efficiently. I’ll teach you how to optimize your computer, window arrangement, how to keep all the most needed tools easily accessible, custom keyboard shortcuts, and setting up a Wacom tablet if you use one.

Masking

I introduce my workflow to achieve the highest level of control and precision for images requiring the most complex adjustments in Photoshop. This section covers precise masking between subject and background.

Background Contrast

Learn how to add dramatic and highly controlled amounts of contrast to the background using the precise mask created in the last section. I’ll cover my favorite techniques for a quick and efficient workflow.

Subject Contrast

Continue adding precise contrast, now to the subject using my tried and true contrast separation techniques.

Dodge & Burn and Noise

Learn how to dodge and burn like a pro to clean up skin and adjust contrast. I’ll also cover several techniques to equalize the noise levels throughout the photograph, which have changed due to the dramatic contrast adjustments.

Combining Masks

In this lesson, I introduce new techniques to create even more complex masks and to combine multiple masks into one for even greater control and speed.

Sky Contrast

Add precise and dramatic amounts of contrast to the sky using the mask created in the last section. New techniques are introduced to get the best results.

Content Based Vignetting

Learn one of my favorite techniques to create a content based vignette on the foreground of the image that is much more natural and realistic than other methods. We’ll look at additional techniques to achieve perfect results.

Exposure Blending, Part 1

Sometimes a scene has a dynamic range that is wider than your sensor can record. Learn some of my favorite techniques to bracket your exposures, and how to blend multiple exposures together without any additional software.

Exposure Blending, Part 2

Additional blending techniques are introduced for situations requiring more complicated masking. I’ll share some tips and tricks to make the software do the hard work for you.

Color Toning

Learn several ways to add richness and depth to your black and white photography by adding warm, cool, or split tones. Techniques in Capture One and Photoshop are covered.

Printer and Paper Selection

In this lesson, I discuss what goes into selecting the right printer and do a deep dive into the world of photo paper. I cover all of the most important things to look out for when selecting the perfect paper, and give some recommendations of my personal favorites.

Getting Ready to Print

Here is the most important information to know when you’re getting ready to print. Topics include: how to make sure your monitor and your viewing environment are properly set up, how to print a test target that will save you time and money, and all of the settings you need to know to get the most out of your Epson printer.

File Prep and Printing

Learn how to properly prepare your files to be printed with museum quality results. We’ll look at various techniques to make sure that your prints look their absolute best.

Evaluating Your Prints - Conclusion

To wrap things up, I’ll teach you how to properly evaluate your prints, and offer some troubleshooting tips to fix any problems that might occur.