Black and White Photography
Black and White Photography Workshop
Introduction to Black & White Photography – Seeing the World in Monochrome
Black and white photography has a timeless quality — it strips away distraction and focuses on what truly matters: light, tone, texture, and form. This workshop is designed to help you see the world in a new way, translating colour scenes into striking monochrome compositions that evoke mood and emotion.
In this hands-on, two-hour session, you’ll learn:
- What makes a great black and white image
- How to recognise strong contrast, texture, and tonal range in a scene
- How your camera “sees” in black and white
- Techniques for creating monochrome images in-camera and in post-production
- Practical shooting exercises to refine your eye and strengthen your compositions
You’ll learn to look beyond colour and instead work with light and shadow to shape your images — a skill that enhances all areas of photography.
This is an intermediate-level session, best suited for photographers who already understand exposure, aperture, and shutter speed and are comfortable operating their camera in manual or semi-manual modes.
Bring your camera, an open mind, and a creative eye — and discover how to craft images that speak through tone, texture, and contrast.
Your instructor, a professional photographer with years of experience, will guide you every step of the way.
📸 Limited spots available to ensure personalised guidance. Book early to secure your place!
What You’ll Learn
- How to see and think in monochrome — recognising light, tone, and form.
- The key elements that make a strong black and white image: contrast, texture, shape, and mood.
- How your camera interprets light and colour when creating monochrome images.
- Techniques for producing black and white images in-camera and through post-production.
- How to evaluate a scene for its tonal range and visual impact.
- The creative use of light and shadow to enhance depth and emotion.
- Practical, guided shooting exercises to refine composition and storytelling.
- Tips for editing and finishing your images for a polished, fine-art look.
What’s Included
- Expert tuition and hands-on guidance from Christopher John, professional photographer and educator.
- A structured session covering both creative theory and practical shooting.
- Demonstrations on visualising and composing in black and white.
- In-field exercises designed to strengthen your monochrome technique.
- Personal feedback and tips throughout the session.
- Access to example images and reference materials to support your learning.
- A welcoming, supportive environment ideal for developing your creative confidence.
Gear Needed
- Camera with full manual or semi-manual control (DSLR or mirrorless preferred).
- Lenses — a standard zoom or prime lens is ideal; wide-angle or telephoto optional depending on your creative style.
- Fully charged batteries and spare memory cards.
- Tripod (recommended for low-light or long-exposure work).
- Lens cloth or cleaning kit for outdoor conditions.
- Notebook and pen for jotting down tips or settings.
- Optional: Polarising or ND filters for creative control of light and texture.
- Comfortable clothing, hat and footwear are also recommended, as we’ll be moving around during shooting exercises.
Why Join Our Workshops?
Hands-On Experience
Dive into practical sessions that boost your skills and build confidence with every click.
Expert Guidance
Learn from experienced photographers who are eager to share their insights and techniques.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with fellow creatives and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the workshops.
Grow Your Portfolio
Enhance your photographic portfolio with captivating projects you’ll undertake during the sessions.
About Your Instructor
Christopher continues to share his knowledge and love for photography as the founder of The Crafted Image Academy.
Through workshops, photo walks, and classes in Port Stephens, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley, and elsewhere around Australia, he helps photographers of all levels build confidence, master techniques, and develop their own creative voice.
First and foremost, Christopher’s passion lies in creating images that use light and environment to capture mood and tell a story. His dedication is not only to making art but also to teaching others how to craft photographs that inspire emotion and enrich the viewer’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We have answers to help you.
We offer a variety of courses tailored for different skill levels, from beginner to advanced. You can explore our hands-on workshops, online classes, and one-on-one mentoring sessions designed to enhance your photography skills. Each course is crafted to provide practical experience and a strong foundation in photography techniques.
Booking a workshop is easy! Just visit our workshops page, select the course you’re interested in, and follow the prompts to secure your spot. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details once your booking is complete. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance during the process.
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel a workshop, please do so at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made after that time may incur a small fee. For any concerns, feel free to contact us directly, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras and gear to workshops. However, we can provide some basic equipment for those who may not have access to their own. Just let us know your needs beforehand, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Absolutely! Our courses are designed to cater to all levels of photographers, including beginners. We start from the basics and gradually introduce more advanced techniques to ensure everyone feels confident and engaged throughout their learning experience.
Yes, we highly encourage feedback! Our workshops include opportunities for participants to share their work and receive constructive critiques from both instructors and peers. We believe this collaborative approach enhances the learning process and helps everyone grow.
We accept various payment methods for your convenience, including credit cards and PayPal. Our online booking system makes it easy to complete your payment securely. If you have a preference not listed, please get in touch with us to see what can be arranged.
The duration of our workshops varies depending on the content. Most of our short courses last from a few hours to a full day, while intensive workshops may span multiple days. You can find specific information about each workshop’s length on the course detail pages.
Yes, we do offer private tutoring sessions tailored to your individual needs. Whether you want to focus on a specific skill or enhance your overall photography knowledge, we can arrange personalised sessions to fit your schedule and learning goals.
If our instructor determines that weather conditions will negatively impact an outdoor workshop or class, you’ll be notified of the cancellation with ample notice. In such cases, a voucher will be issued, allowing you to rebook for a future event.
Absolutely! We’re here to help. If you have any further questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out through our contact form or email us directly. Your journey in photography matters to us, and we’re excited to support you.
Bringing your camera and any lenses you have is essential. Note-taking materials are also helpful for jotting down tips and techniques. If you have specific equipment or props you’d like to use, feel free to bring them along to enrich your learning experience.
