Learn why less is sometimes more! Join award-winning photographer Nate Dappen as he shares techniques for taking flawless monochromatic photographs. First, enjoy an overview of the equipment you'll need, and learn which camera settings Nate relies on in his black-and-white work. Then, review strategies for successful composition, including the rule of thirds and the golden spiral, and find out how to work with any light, for stunning results. Moving on, Nate demonstrates how to create a perfect studio background, no matter your budget. And, he shares tips for using flashes, reflectors and diffusers to your advantage, when your lighting won't cooperate. Next, discover the secrets to taking beautiful candid photographs, including Nate's tried-and-true tips for telling a bad joke to elicit genuine emotion. Finally, dive into the post-production process and learn how to organize and edit your photos.
Class Sessions
Equipment & Shooting Basics
15:53
Meet award-winning photographer Nate Dappen as he highlights the techniques you'll learn to capture gorgeous monochromatic portraits. In addition, find out what camera equipment you'll need to take them and discover Nate's favorite camera settings.
Introduction to Black-and-White Portraits
14:08
Portrait photography is guided by a few simple rules, which you'll learn with Nate's guidance. Delve into the basic guidelines for composition, such as the rule of thirds and the golden spiral. Then explore three different styles of portraiture: constructionist, environmental and candid.
Photographing Indoors
14:18
Learn Nate's secret to harnessing natural light, which can be challenging for photographers of all skill levels. Practice shooting monochromatic portraits indoors, then see how to turn any background into a studio background -- no matter your budget.
Photographing Outdoors
15:31
Outdoor photography presents endless variables: rain, sun, clouds and snow. Nate outlines his methods for getting the most out of available light and how to use flashes, reflectors and diffusers when all else fails. Plus, learn a variety of ways to create depth in your images using the surrounding environment.
Candid Portraits
10:21
Elevate the quality of your candid portraits with Nate's tips and tricks. Nate walks through the basics of capturing spontaneous images, including simple ways to connect with -- and direct -- your model to achieve lovely, natural-looking portraits.
Black-and-White Photos: Basic Editing
22:58
Discover simple ways to keep your images organized and your workflow efficient. In the process, you'll gain familiarity with important Lightroom editing tools to make basic adjustments to your photographs and create stunning monochromatic portraits.
Advanced Editing Techniques
23:39
Add more advanced editing techniques to your toolkit as you continue working in Lightroom. Nate offers step-by-step instruction on using the adjustment brush, gradient tool, cloning tool, filter presets and more to take your portrait work to the next level.
Your Instructor
Nate Dappen
Nate Dappen brings a strong scientific background to his work. He studied photography and biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and received his Ph.D. in evolution and ecology from the University of Miami. For the past decade, Nate has photographed everything from weddings to wildlife. Recently, he has shifted his focus to creating nature- and adventure-themed media, a passion that led him to co-found the award-winning production company Days Edge Productions with fellow Craftsy instructor Neil Losin.
Bonus Material
Black & White Portraits - Equipment List
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Craftsy, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Nate Dappen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You may be interested in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sign up for our free newsletter today
Get the latest crafting videos, tips, patterns and techniques delivered right to your inbox.