Black & White Photography Workshop

What you'll learn

Learn the art of black-and-white photography with our photography short courses in Sydney!

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.

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!

Learning outcomes

By the end of this black & white photography workshop, you should be able to:

Gain a solid understanding of a wide range of camera settings for optimal black-and-white and monochrome photography
Understand the nature of light and how to control the exposure using a histogram
Understand the theoretical underpinnings of black and white photography and how it differs from colour photography
Utilise the powerful features of Photoshop and Lightroom plug-ins to turn RAW colour images into stunning black-and-white artworks

Course content

What will be covered in this black & white photography workshop?

Theory

Understanding the fundamental differences between black and white and colour photography
High-key and low-key lighting
Contrast, colour and texture
Exploring famous photographer's black and white work. Notably Elliott Erwitt & Jennifer Price
Ansel Adams’ zone system

Practical

Optimal camera settings for optimal black-and-white and monochrome photography
Using a histogram and Levels tools to get the best tonal range and contrast for dramatic black-and-white photos
Identify suitable scenes and subjects to photograph

Post Production

Colour image conversion
RGB model & Photoshop channels
LAB colour
Hue/saturation with an adjustment layer
Twin hue/saturation method
Gradient map
Channel mixer
Photoshop’s Black-and-White Tool

You’ll also receive a free copy of the Nik Collection’s SilverFX Pro plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom and learn how to use it as a basis for creating stunning black-and-white photos.

Intended audience

Who is this black & white photography workshop for?

This course is for anyone who has a thorough working knowledge of their camera, aperture, shutter speeds, focusing, and the basic principles of photography, or anyone who has completed a beginner's photography course or similar.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class

A DSLR – digital single-lens reflex camera/four thirds or mirrorless camera with adjustable ISO and aperture settings.
Lenses – 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.

Please note: If you don't have an appropriate computer the college can provide you with one. Your tutor will be in contact closer to the start of the course to see what your needs are.

Course testimonials

Cathy said: Our instructor was very knowledgeable and very skilled at sharing his knowledge in a way that was appropriate for each student.
Joanne said: The workshop hosted by our tutor, Nic was both informative and fun. Nic was very generous with his knowledge of black and white photography. An excellent workshop for all photographers.
Raymond said: Nic our tutor was amazing and definitely made the course all the more enjoyable and fun.
Peter said: Nick was a very experienced, knowledgeable and engaging tutor. Loved the experience and learnt lots.
Penelope said: Having a tutor with such a depth and breadth of experience is invaluable. Nic was able to answer all my many questions, gave me plenty helpful advice and was very encouraging. I left feeling super inspired. Thanks for a great day Nic. See you at your next workshop :-)

Course tutors

Nic Van Oudtshoorn

Nic is a highly qualified tutor, photojournalist and macro specialist with more than 40 years experience. His skills have earned him the distinction of Associate of the prestigious Royal...

View Nic Van Oudtshoorn's profile

Classes Online Courses

Black & White Photography Workshop

Sat 8 Mar 2025

1 session, 7 hours total

9am - 4pm (UTC+11:00)

2A Gordon St, Rozelle

Nic Van Oudtshoorn

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 8 Mar 2025	9am - 4pm	C1-3: Training Room - 2A Gordon St, Rozelle

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Black & White Photography Workshop