A Meaningful Image

Workshop

Black and White Intensive

in-person workshop at my Whidbey Island studio

June 19-23, 2023

Normal Price $2200

Early Bird Price $1900

Pay a non-refundable, transferable deposit of $400 to hold your place in the workshop. Reservations are not confirmed until a deposit is received.

Participants paying with a deposit will be billed full tuition 75 days prior to the start of the workshop.

If you are on a waiting list, you will not be charged a deposit fee or tuition until space becomes available for you and you confirm your desire to register.

Overview

The black and white intensive workshop (a Meaningful Image Workshop) is a small intimate in-person workshop focused on the art of black and white.  For many photographers, there is something magical about working in black and white.  All the way back to those very first photographic images, black and white photos have always been a part of photography. In addition to the rich history of the black and white image, the tones in a black and white image help us to relate to the world differently than if we experience the image in color. The abstraction of colors, tones, light, and forms shifts our perspective as both a photographer and viewer.

In this workshop, we are going to dive deep into the world of black and white. Starting with looking at the work of several master black and white photographers and learning how they approach not just their processing but also how they approach seeing and working in black and white. We will then apply what we have learned in the field behind the camera and in the lab processing our black and white images using a variety of techniques. Finally, we will work on making amazing black and white prints using a variety of papers and printing techniques. All printing supplies are included in the cost of the workshop.

Over the course of the workshop, we will revisit again and again what makes for a good black and white photo and considerations for creating the black and white image .

Space is limited to 4 participants.

What other workshop attendees say about the experience

“Daniel is an intuitive teacher. He has a gift for how to challenge me not only to be a better photographer but to step back and see how my photography fits into the larger picture of my creative work as a whole, to grapple with and come to understand why my photography matters, so that when I lift my camera to my eye, it is not random but intentional.”

Cami Shepard

Photographer

“Through out my life I noticed that what distinguishes a great teacher from a good one is that while both know technical details of their trade very well, the great teacher can craft the program, the material that you learn upon in such a way that will inspire you to learn and discover more no matter how steep is the learning curve. And Daniel is a great teacher that will inspire you, support you and when you are stuck will give you the best advice that you need at that point. Like ‘Go and reshoot it.'”

Mikhail Kolesnik

Itinerary

 The Meaningful Image workshopBlack and white intensive is focused on the essence and nature of working with black and white. This workshop focuses on the viewing, creating, processing, editing, displaying, printing and sharing of black and white images.

Topics include: 

  • How to pick and evaluate how papers and substrates impact the image.
  • Introduction to Basic Color Management and how it applies to black and white
  • RAW editing workflows for Camera RAW and Lightroom
  • Basics of noise reduction and sharpening
  • Review some 3rd-party apps and plug-ins to ease workflow and editing (Silver Efex, Toapz, On1, etc.)
  • Editing for impact and feeling
  • Channel blending & mixing
  • Color grading
  • Advanced methods in Photoshop
  • Blend modes
  • Masking and luminosity techniques
  • Black and white printer settings
  • Judging the print
  • Storing prints
  • Discussions of editions and presentation considerations

      What to Expect

      This workshop takes place at my studio and house, where we will spend five days focused on the black and white image. Most of our time will be spent learning essential techniques and concepts to make your images the best possible. Lots of discussions looking at your photographs, photographs by others and some fun laughs along the way. Because this is a hands-on workshop, you will have lots of time to work on your images and make prints on various papers and media in all different sizes.

      What you’ll need

      You will need a laptop computer and a collection of images to work with during the workshop.  We will eat lunch together every day, and there is one social hang-out evening, but you are responsible for all meal costs (including lunch) and lodging. I will provide paper, ink, and supplies used in the studio. I will also have coffee, tea, any drinks you request and snacks for you to keep fueled and hydrated. 

      You will need to provide your own laptop computer, charger, card reader and any external drives for storage. We will also be doing some shooting durning the workshop so you will need to bring a camera and any accessories for the camera you might normally use (lenses, tripod, etc.). 

       

      Guidelines

      We treat each other with mutual respect.

      We do not engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior that disturbs others, threatening others physically, or engaging in verbal harassment.

      We don’t act unreasonably or interfering with others’ use of the facilities (online or in-person) or class time.

      When providing feedback, we provide honest, open dialogs about our work and the work of others in a respectful manner.

      Silly Dog Studios does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran.

      Silly Dog Studios values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives of people in our community. Encouraging and protecting diversity creates an environment that promotes freedom of thought and shared learning.

      Anyone who violates these guidelines will be removed from a workshop, course, or program. No refunds will be given. 

      Common Questions

      What do I need to bring?

      Each workshop has a different set of needs. Once you register, you will be sent a detailed handout about the workshop or event. The booklet contains details about the workshop content, locations, directions to the studio and complete workshop schedule. It also includes a list of required materials and optional materials.

      However, for most workshops, participants need to bring their computers. Digital cameras are required for on-location or shooting workshops. The studio equipment (printers, scanners, etc.) is available for participant use during each workshop. While we run Macs in our studio, workshops are mostly Adobe-centric or universal software centric, so Windows-based PC users should have few concerns about compatibility. I also worked for several years at Microsoft and have lots of Windows experience.

      We use a variety of media. If you want to print on alternate substrates, please bring your preferred media.

      For online workshops, you only need access to the Internet and a working device to connect to the session via the provided link.

      Is there some way to reduce my financial risk if I can't make it for some reason?

      I understand that things happen, and you can read our refund policy below or in our Terms of Service. I highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your workshop. Having that in your back pocket can reduce your risk and put your mind at ease. Travelex is a good company, as are many other options.

      All payments made are non-refundable. Funds paid are transferable if you cancel more than 60 days before the start of your workshop. Daniel J Gregory Photography reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 45 days before the workshop begins.

      Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or travel emergencies. Participants are still responsible for any losses regarding flights, travel, lodging or other undefined expense. Again, please consider travel insurance to remove any worries you might have. We recommend you purchase travel insurance through Travelex.

      If Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography must cancel a workshop, all fees and deposits are refunded in full or transferred to another workshop.

      What about COVID-19 and vaccination requirements?

      For in-person workshops, we require that attendees be vaccinated. If you fail to produce your vaccination status, you will forfeit your spot in the workshop, and no refund will be provided.

      What is your payment and refund policy?

      For most in-person workshops, payments are due in full at the time of registration. Our approach is that your payment for the program is a commitment to participate, just as it is our commitment to provide the best experience possible. It is a commitment on both our parts. So, the short answer is we don’t provide refunds on workshops, classes and courses.

      If you need to cancel your reservation with more than 60 days notice, funds paid are transferable to a future workshop space permitting. With less than 60 days until the workshop, there are no refunds or transfers. There are no refunds or transfers for any reason once the event, class or workshop date has begun. We highly suggest that you get trip insurance to reduce your risk.

      Do I need to bring my own computer?

      Yes, you will need to bring a computer. We don't have computers for you to use. If computers are not required for the workshop, we will let you know in advance.

      For smaller workshops or online sessions, many of our attendees prefer just to take notes the old fashion way.

      Are there any prerequisites for attending a workshop?

      For almost all of the workshops there are no prerequisites. In the event a workshop does require some advanced or prior knowledge it will be specifically called out on the workshop registration page. If you are ever concerned about the specific topics or technical requirements for a workshop, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer any of your questions so that you can feel great about your decision to sign up.

      Do you offer any discounts?

      Some workshops do offer an early-bird rate.  The early bird rate, when offered, will be automatically calculated in the price. The rate is available for workshops with early-bird pricing until four weeks before the workshop start date.

      I also offer a discount for alums and referrals. If you want an alum or referral discount, please get in touch with me before registering for your discount code.

      Alum discounts may not be used for any online class or workshops except for the Meaningful Image full-length course.

      Can I be put on a waitlist?

      Absolutely. Life happens and we want to make sure that we can get you in a workshop if at all possible. If the workshop is full, we will take down your name and contact you if a spot becomes available.

      Do you offer payment plans?

      Some workshops do have a non-refundable, transferable deposit, but unless noted, a workshop payment is due in full at the time of registration. We do understand that sometimes it makes sense to be able to pay for the cost of a  workshop over time. If you want to discuss that as an option, please contact us and we can figure out something that will work for you to be able to attend the workshop.