Breakthrough in Black & White

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK & PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

We’re ready for you.

We want nothing more than for you to show up as yourself in your photography and in your life. We are excited to see what YOU bring to the table, and we’re standing by, ready to help you when you show up for your dreams.

Why we chose Joshua Tree & Palm Springs

If you have a heart for Black and White photography, boy, do we have a treat for you. If we could airdrop you to the most perfect place on the planet to shoot in Black & White, we would have to choose Joshua Tree National Park and the captivating oasis of Palm Springs— I mean, if Ansel Adams used it as his playground, you know it has got to have the good stuff.

First, we'll head to the enchanting realm of Joshua Tree National Park. As you step foot into this awe-inspiring desert landscape, you'll be greeted by majestic rock formations, twisted Joshua trees, the intricate textures of weathered rocks, and the ethereal silhouettes of desert flora.

Next, we venture to Palm Springs—a haven of mid-century modern architecture and sun-drenched small-town cityscapes. The unique blend of sleek lines, geometric shapes, and desert vistas will welcome your black & white compositions with enthusiasm.

As we all know, photography doesn't just end with the click of the shutter. Speaking of Ansel Adams, he was a master at the most vital part of the creative process in Black & White photography: post-processing. Throughout the workshop, Tony will guide you in refining your images through advanced editing techniques. You'll learn how to bring out the true potential of your photographs, manipulating tones, and contrast to create well-balanced and beautiful images; no color needed. Discover the power of dodging and burning to add depth and dimension, and explore the magic of selective adjustments to draw the viewer's eye. Take your post-processing up a notch and turn your monochrome images into real works of (possibly frameable!) art.

This workshop is not just about capturing incredible black & white images—it's about getting to the root of what matters in a photograph.

Let Tony help you break through the fifty shades of grey to create the Black & White images you've always dreamed of.

Jen Weiss

"I couldn’t ask for a better thing than a fabulous week with Tony to get the creative juices going."

"Tony has been immensely helpful in helping me become a photographer as opposed to someone who just takes pictures. His persistent approach to helping me find my unique voice has been invaluable."

Grant Jones

JOSHUA TREE & PALM SPRINGS

SOLD OUT

Black & White Breakthrough

March 10-15th 2024 / $2,895

In the realm of photography, there are photographers, there are teachers, and then there is Tony—a remarkable blend of both. He intimately understands the intricacies of the craft, walking you through its highs and lows. He’s helped thousands of students discover their talents and succeed as photographers. Let Tony guide you where you need to go.

The A’s to your Q’s

  • We typically arrange a block of rooms for our domestic workshops so we can all stay at the same hotel. Often we choose to forego a room block for international workshops because we want you to be able to choose the experience that resonates with you based on your preferences and budget. In workshops with no room block, we will let you know where we will be staying and critiquing so you can select the same hotel or one nearby.

  • Our daily schedule is designed to maximize great light and photographic opportunities. We usually begin with a morning photo session on location, followed by a break for you to have a meal or work on your images. After that, we'll have a critique session, followed by an evening shoot. You'll have time to enjoy a leisurely dinner before getting some rest for the day ahead. Our schedule strikes a balance between keeping you busy and allowing enough downtime to rest your creative muscles.

  • Tuition covers six days of amazing hand-selected locations (for the utmost in photogenic beauty, of course) and daily critiques. It covers belly laughs, new friendships, top-notch instruction, and help one-on-one with Tony while photographing. And in Italy, one round of gelato.

  • During our workshop, most of your time will be dedicated to on-location photography, critiques, and editing. There won't be much downtime for leisurely activities or relaxation with your partner as you would on a typical vacation.

    If your partner is the independent and easygoing type who can entertain themselves throughout the day, purchasing an extra plane ticket for them might be a good idea. They can explore the local area or engage in their own activities while you focus on the workshop.

  • So we strongly recommend getting travel insurance; it's always better to be safe than sorry. Check out our Terms of Service link below for details and recommendations.

  • PB is for photographers who want to take amazing photographs, and we take this very seriously. Time spent on students' computer issues undermines the workshop experience for other participants, and we're just not cool with that. Please ensure all of your technology is up to date and in excellent working order before attending.

  • A working laptop (with plenty of storage and a long-lasting battery and charger cable) with the LATEST version of Lightroom, your camera (in tip-top shape), and any lenses you love and that bring you joy, and some extra cards and batteries, and maybe some sunscreen (reef-safe of course!).