Black & White Architecture Workshop Paris

Workshop description:
This workshop will take place in Paris, in a room equipped with a video projector. You will learn how to create black & white architectural images, in the style you can see in theportfolio (black & white architecture section). To do this, you'll work from a number of basic images, which you'll gradually transform using the techniques I'll introduce. You'll be guided throughout the process. As the workshop takes place over one day, I'll also have time to introduce you to various contour selection and enhancement techniques. Finally, tips for using the software will be presented.
To allow as much time as possible for each participant, the number of participants is deliberately limited to 8.

Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is aimed at all image-editing enthusiasts wishing to create high-contrast, Fine Art-style images, or to improve their Photoshop skills.

Prerequisites :
To follow this workshop, an intermediate level of knowledge of Photoshop is required (good knowledge in particular of the use of layers and blending masks; dynamic objects; selection tools). If some points are not fully acquired, we can review some of them during the course.
Do not hesitate to contact me to discuss this matter.

Workshop content:

• Presentation of this image style: I will explain in a few words my technical and creative approach to these monochrome images.
• Shooting conditions: I will give you advice on how to get the best images for initial retouching, starting in the best conditions.
• Developing the file in Camera Raw: the raw file, commonly referred to as "raw", being the most complete, since it is unprocessed by definition, it is from this that we will make the basic adjustments. Also, I will indicate here some settings of preferences of the interface, concerning the opening of the files in general in Photoshop.
• Opening the image in Photoshop : at this point, some additional adjustments will be made to the image.
• Interface settings: Here too we will make some interface settings. These will be useful in a general way, but especially for working on the type of image that interests us here. I will explain in particular the techniques of image straightening, often very useful in architectural photography.
• The necessary tools: we will review the main tools I use for creation (in particular: selection tools, blend masks, adjustment layers, dynamic objects and filters). There are many possibilities and choices in using Photoshop, but here I will suggest some simple and effective choices.
• Converting the image to black & white: I will show you two methods here, as well as the necessary settings.
• Preparation of selections : this is where the creative process will begin. Here you will learn to make your choices, selecting different areas of the image, and thus preparing it for the next steps.
• Creating light: you will learn the different techniques that will allow you to create the light related to this style of images.
• Replacing sky : if it is present in the composition (which is almost always the case), you will learn how to replace it, and give it different effects (spun, etc.).
• Creating the atmosphere : at this stage, several techniques will be explained to you, in order to create the final atmosphere of the image. We will work here on the contrasts in particular.
• Corrections and finalisation: this is where I will make any small alterations. I will also teach you two additional techniques to refine the atmosphere in terms of the play of light. Finally, I will give you some tips on how to improve certain aspects of the image.
• Image recording : choice of format in high definition and for the web.
• Printing: During our online Photoshop courses on the theme of black & white architecture, I'm regularly asked about the behavior of this type of file when printed.
  These high-contrast images, ranging from intense whites to deep blacks, can raise questions about how they will look on paper.
  That's why this topic is an integral part of the workshop. We'll be looking at the choice of paper, different printing technologies and supports (dibond, etc.). We'll also talk about corrections to be made before printing.
• Questions / answers: we will review the concepts studied at the end of the day, and I will answer your questions.
• Bonus - Offered: if your availability allows it, a 5-hour outdoor photo outing (in Paris) (from 09:00 to 14:00) will be offered to you the day after the classroom course. This will be an opportunity to present my course on architectural photography. Please let me know if you will be attending when you make your reservation.

Computer equipment:
Each participant must bring his or her own computer (Mac or PC operating systems).
Adobe Photoshop must be installed on the computer. Ideally, the version should be no earlier than CS6.
Use a mouse rather than a trackpad.

Image files :
A number of Photoshop files will be given to each participant at the start of the course. You'll use these files to create your own black & white images.

Course Summary :
A 14-page summary in PDF format will be sent by e-mail after the workshop. It can also be handed in directly at the end of the course, by retrieving it from a USB key.
The summary presents all the important points of the course, with texts and screenshots.

Video summary:
The workshop presentation and exercises will be recorded live.
The video in MP4 format will be sent via WeTransfer after the workshop.

Follow-up of the workshop:
A one-hour individual videoconference via Zoom following the workshop (date to be determined according to respective availability) is included in the workshop fee. It can be used or not. This session will allow, if necessary, to review certain points for example.

What the workshop doesn't include:
Hardware and software
Lunch, drinks
Insurance
Transport
Hosting

Workshop cancellation policy:
You can find details in our General Terms and Conditions.
Please note that the workshop will not be held if the minimum number of 4 participants is not reached (I will keep you informed as soon as possible of the progress of bookings). In this case, the amount paid will be refunded in full.

Practical info:
Workshop date: Saturday, March 09, 2024
Location: Paris (exact address to be communicated after booking)
Schedule: from 09:00 to 18:00
Morning: 09:00 -13:00 (with a 15-minute break at 11:00)
Break: 13:00 - 14:00
Afternoon: 14:15 - 18:00 (with a 15-minute break at 16:00)
Workshop leader: David Duchens

For any further information, you can contact me at the following telephone number: 06 07 44 72 77
My e-mail address: info@duchensphotographie.fr

Thank you