Getting Creative in Black and White

3rd & 4th December 2025

Original price was: £299.00.Current price is: £250.00.

In stock

Join us in Bristol for a 2-day black and white photography workshop that’ll sharpen your eye and transform the way you shoot—forever

Overview

The first monochrome photograph was produced by Nicéphore in 1826.

Despite changing tastes and technologies over the years, black and white photography has remained incredibly popular.

We constantly see and use colour in photography. However for some subjects it can be very distracting. Switching to b/w can add creativity, impact and emotion.

Whether photographing people, landscapes or cityscapes, learning how to look for shape, form, contrast, texture and pattern within a composition will produce more creative images. We’ll also explore shutter speeds and how using slower shutter speeds can add a sense of visual poetry to an image.

We’ll also explore how we attach a narrative to an image and at ways of ensuring it stays accurate

This 2 day workshop is split between the urban and the rural landscape in Bristol. We’ll spend one day in the city, the other in a more rural location.

We’ll start by looking at some basic principles and concepts to get you thinking in monochrome. Then we’ll get out and shoot in some suitable locations. We’ll always offer tips for better composition and techniques etc as we go. At the end of the sessions we’ll review our photos. We will also have a gentle critique so you’ll understand what looks good and why.

A blurred, darkened corridor with a glowing light at the far end, creating a tunnel-like effect. The image has a dreamlike quality, with motion blur and soft focus suggesting movement or memory.
A black and white photograph of a cylindrical metal structure partially lit by a strong vertical beam of light, highlighting smooth textures and stark contrast against a dark background.
A black and white photograph of three blurred figures walking through a graffiti-covered tunnel toward a bright light at the end, with soft focus creating a sense of motion and anonymity.
A black and white photo of a busy street filled with people walking away from the camera, captured with motion blur to emphasise speed and the bustling energy of the crowd.
A black and white photograph of a smiling woman in a stylish cap taking a photo with her phone, surrounded by a small crowd in a busy street scene.

Trip Facts

Date: December 3/4
Duration: 2 days
Starts:10.00am
Ends: 4pm
Location: Bristol, United KIngdom
Language: English
Accommodation: N/A
Group Size: Max 10
Skill Level: All levels welcome
Clothing: Sturdy footwear and waterproofs
Price: £299 (£250 earlybird)

Your Tutors

Graham Parish and Adrian Wyatt bring a combined wealth of expertise in photography, teaching, and cultural exploration. With over 30 years experience across diverse environments, from youth and community projects to international workshops and holidays, we offer a fresh, inclusive approach to photography holidays. Previous workshops range from street photography to mindful and well-being-focused retreats, catering to all skill levels and abilities.

What you will learn:

  • Thinking in monochrome and what that means.
  • How to make strong, powerful images using contrast and light
  • Using texture, pattern, lines, shape and form as essential elements to good monochrome  photographs
  • Identify key elements in your composition
  • Using light and shadow
  • How exposure differs between monochrome and colour
  • Avoiding certain colour combinations
  • Why shooting in monochrome will produce different images than colour ones
  • Join us in this workshop and we’ll explore the fun, mystery and benefits of black and white photography
  • Optional follow up online critique

Ethos and responsibilities:

  • Group size limited to 10. Small groups have less impact on local communities and environments.
  • We always respect the environment and leave no trace or footprint.
  • Our photos can be used to highlight issues affecting the natural world.
  • We believe in supporting local businesses to aid sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint
  • We ensure that local staff receive a fair rate for their services.
  • We are thoughtful about creating more workshops based in the UK to reduce the need for air travel

Any Q’s please email:

Graham – info@shutter-bugs.co.uk
Adrian – adrian@xrosspurposes.com

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