LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF PHOTOGRAPHY: THE SECRETS BEHIND THE CRAFT PART 4
Focus is photography’s way of saying, “Look here.” Learn to guide attention and convey meaning through sharpness, blur, and depth of field.
Chiaroscuro: The Art of Sculpting with Shadows
Stop fighting the shadows and start using them. Chiaroscuro is the classic "light-dark" technique used by masters from Caravaggio to modern cinematographers. Learn how to use a single light source and spot metering to create dramatic, three-dimensional monochrome portraits.
The Storytelling Lie: Why Your Photos Don't Need a Narrative
We’re told that every photo needs a beginning, middle, and end. But what if that advice is actually holding you back? This week, I’m calling out the "Storytelling Lie" and explaining why the most powerful monochrome images aren't stories they’re visual poems.
Stealing from the Silver Screen: Using FilmGrab to Master Your Craft
Cinematography is the ultimate school for photographers. Learn how to use the FilmGrab archive to master lighting and composition to bring a cinematic edge to your still images.
Why a "Zero Day" is Still a Win
Coming home with no good images feels like a failure but it is actually a sign of growth. Learn how to reframe your "zero days" as essential creative practice and why an empty memory card is better than a mediocre one.
Why Your "Bad" Photos Often Get More Likes
Why do your "bad" photos get more love than your "perfect" ones? Explore the human psychology behind the paradox of preference and why relatability often beats technical mastery.
Finding Your Photographic Voice
Stop shooting everything and start building a voice. Learn how a simple three word vision can clarify your artistic direction and simplify your editing process while making your work more memorable.
The Hidden Colors of Black and White
Black and white is more than just a lack of color. It is a world of temperature. Discover how shifting your monochrome photos toward cool or warm tones can completely change the emotional weight of your work. Learn why temperature is the secret weapon for any serious photographer.
The Adapted Rabbit Hole
Modern lenses are perfect but they can often feel cold. Today we explore the world of adapted lenses and why pairing vintage glass with a modern sensor is the ultimate secret for creating black and white images with soul and character.
What if there is no subject?
We’re taught that every great photo needs a "subject," but what if the most powerful thing you can do is leave the seat empty? Today I'm breaking down the difference between the objects we see and the subjects we feel and why some of my favorite photos are the ones where the audience gets to decide the ending.
Monochrome books
Dive deeper into the world of black and white through carefully chosen books that explore its history, techniques, and artistry.
Vivian Maier: Street Photographer
By Vivian Maier
Camera Work: The Complete Image Collection
By Alfred Stieglitz
Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs
By Ansel Adams
Mastering Black & White Photography
By John Walmsley
The Photographers Black & White Handbook
By Harold Davis
The Art of Photography: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression
By Bruce Barnbaum
52 Assignments: Black & White Photography
By Brian Lloyd-Duckett
Henri Cartier Bresson: The Modern Century
By Henri Cartier Bresson