Seeing in Monochrome: Story, Portraits, & the Art of Black & White

Our First Guest Speaker!!!!!!!!

Instructor: Art Fernandez
Date:Friday, April 3
Time: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm (optional photowalk afterwards, weather permitting)
Location: Calliope Studio / Downtown Walla Walla
Tuition: $90

1. Session Overview

This 2-hour session introduces participants to seeing, exposing, and composing in black and white, then immediately puts those ideas into practice either in the Calliope studio or on a downtown photowalk, depending on weather.

The emphasis is on:

• Learning to pre-visualize in monochrome (rather than “convert later”).

• Understanding exposure and composition specifically for black and white.

• Using modern digital tools (LCD/EVF in monochrome) while honoring film-based discipline.

• Creating a tiny 3–5 frame story in monochrome, in studio or on the street.

2. Audience

Audience

• Photographers of all levels who are curious about black and white.

• Cameras: phones, mirrorless, DSLR, and film bodies all welcome.

3. Learning Goals

By the end of the session, participants will:

1. Understand how black and white changes composition and subject choice.

2. Know how to approach exposure for monochrome, including when to protect highlights vs let shadows deepen.

3. See how to use a camera’s LCD/EVF in monochrome mode as a tool for training their eye.

4. Apply these ideas in a short exercise, producing a 3–5 frame mini-story in black and white (studio or street).
   
   

4. Whatcha Need To Take This Class

• For Participants

  • Any camera (phone, digital, or film).

  • Recommended: ability to set camera preview to monochrome (for those with digital cameras).