Black and white digital photography

What is the course about?

Black and white in the digital era, how to see in black and white.
You will be able to shoot better black-and-white images if you have an eye for what works best in the medium.
With the distraction of colour removed, shape, form, pattern and texture have added significance and greater impact. Black and white photography poses unique challenges; without colour to guide the eye, contrast, lighting, and composition take on even greater importance. Discover these elements and the rules of black and white photography, and when and how to break them.
On this course we will examine the oeuvre of renowned black-and-white photographers, past and present, and you will soon recognise (and emulate) recurring elements in their images.

What will we cover?

- The monochromatic vision - past, present, and future
- Thinking and seeing in black and white
- Image contrast
- Composition, patterns, lines and framing
- Implied colour
- High and low key images
- People and portraiture.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Understand what makes an interesting black and white image
- Understand the concepts of composition and framing
- Correctly expose images in challenging situations
- Create a small portfolio of digital images.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is not a beginners course. You should be comfortable with using the manual functions of your camera. You should be familiar with the basics of photography such as exposure f.stops, metering, shutter speed and ISO,.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught using a range of techniques including location photography, workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, tutorials, group and individual assistance.
The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group crits.
Google classroom login help.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. The City Lit has a range of Digital SLR cameras, tripods, lenses and flash which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class. We cannot lend equipment between the lessons. It would be useful to bring a USB memory stick.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are many photography courses at City Lit that you may like to progress to
e.g.
Developing photography skills: intermediate
City Lit photography projects
Looking at photography: colour and composition.