6 Secrets to Black & White Portrait Photography | Lighting & Editing Tips for Dramatic B&W Photos

Discover the 6 secrets to mastering black and white portrait photography in this video! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these essential tips will help you create striking black and white images using proper lighting techniques, editing in post-production, and more. From understanding the power of contrast to using hard light and hairlights, this video covers everything you need to know to elevate your black and white photography skills.

In this tutorial, I break down the key techniques that can turn an average portrait into a timeless piece of art. You’ll learn:

• How to use contrast effectively in your portraits
• Why hard light works best for black and white photos
• How to monitor in black and white to avoid tonal conflicts
• The importance of shooting in RAW for maximum control in post
• How to style your photos for black and white
• And the secrets of hairlights and edge lights for depth and drama

If you’re ready to create dramatic, high-contrast black and white portraits, this guide is for you!


To learn more about my lighting workshops please visit https://johngress.com/workshops


NiceFoto SN-29 Flash Concentrator Conical Snoot https://amzn.to/3aCtOM0

This video was shot with a
Canon Cinema EOS C70
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWADdkp
Amazon https://amzn.to/3vkvy7X
B&H https://bhpho.to/44dCV23

Canon C300 MK 2
Adorama https://adorama.rfvk.net/kjnVP3
Amazon https://amzn.to/3YM6fKo

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWBvRsx
Amazon https://amzn.to/3o3BZK0
B&H https://bhpho.to/3LyIa5g


DZOFILM Pictor 20-55mm T2.8
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWOCkuM
Amazon https://amzn.to/420C6Z0
B&H https://bhpho.to/3NlRcUv


Gear for Setup 1
Studio Titan Rack & Pinion Geared Crank Stand STA-06-200 https://studiotitanamerica.com/collec...
B&H https://bhpho.to/44Bj1y9

and lit with a

Nanlite Forza 720 LED Spot Light
Adorama https://howl.me/cjzVQ8Rw3vK

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:06 Contrast is King
00:46 Hard Light
01:48 Monitor in Black & White
02:55 Shoot it in RAW
03:33 Style in B&W
04:17 Use Hairlights and Edge Lights
05:13 Closing
Amazon https://amzn.to/3VAoQb1
Nanlite https://nanlite.pxf.io/AoVrzo
B&H https://bhpho.to/424TuvS

Music: Evolution and Going Higher and Birth of a Hero by Bensound http://bensound.com/

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