Expressive Black and White Photography with Natural Light
A course by Marcelo Di Rienzo, Artistic Photographer and Filmmaker
Learn to work the poetic potential and expression of a model through your camera while eliminating the distractions of color
Black-and-white photography eliminates the distractions produced by color and brings a model’s emotions to the forefront. This style is essential for artistic photographer and filmmaker Marcelo Di Rienzo, who explores expressionism and cinematic scene design to obtain intriguing results.
In this course, learn from Marcelo how to tap into the poetic potential of photography and capture your subject's emotions with your camera. Carefully craft every detail of your composition and skillfully direct your model to create stunning indoor photos with natural light.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 15 downloads
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know your teacher, Marcelo Di Rienzo, as he describes his first steps in the field of photography and what sparked his curiosity for the world around him. Hear about his main influence, the world of filmmaking, as well as some of the photographers who inspire him.
Next, become familiar with Marcelo’s creative process for taking on a photo shoot. Get to work by choosing a central concept that will pave the way for your final project and look for aesthetic references to bring life into your imagery. Use this groundwork to develop your own photographic vision and convey your unique view of reality.
Continue by going over the technical aspects of photography to bring your work to its full potential. Explore the various shots, angles, and compositions available, always keeping your image’s central point of interest in mind. Discover the importance of natural light and how it can help you infuse a realistic, natural, and dramatic quality into your photos.
Finally, tackle the highly anticipated photo shoot and watch your ideas come to life. Put together your scene by carefully considering every detail and later shift your attention towards your model. Once everything is ready, classify your photos into three categories according to shot type, from wide shots to close-ups.
Wrap up by getting a glimpse into the essential role that post-production plays in the development of your own personal style. Learn Marcelo’s photo editing tricks using two of his favorite digital tools, Photoshop with Camera Raw and the Silver Efex Pro plug-in.
- 100% positive reviews (14)
- 715 students
- 15 lessons (2h 47m)
- 15 additional resources (4 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Spanish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
Recommended software & tools for this course
Camera RawWhat is this course's project?
Create a series of three photos portraying a single indoor scene using natural lighting to obtain expressionist, cinematic-style results in black and white.
Who is this online course for?
This course is for aspiring photographers who want to expand their knowledge of production and directing techniques and develop their own photographic vision.
Requirements and materials
Basic knowledge of photography and image processing in Adobe Camera Raw and Adobe Photoshop is recommended for this course.
You’ll also need a reflex camera, a model, some wardrobe pieces, and a room with natural light.
Reviews
Marcelo Di Rienzo
A course by Marcelo Di Rienzo
Artistic photographer and filmmaker Marcelo Di Rienzo picked up his first camera early on in life, inspired by his father, who was also a photographer. His training in graphic design taught him how to work with shapes, colors, visual rhythm, and composition, while his training in filmmaking expanded his knowledge of cinematic photography and audiovisual production.
For ten years, he served as a co-founder of the studio Neofilms, spearheading visual communication, brand design, photography, and marketing campaigns for brands such as Samsung, Hilton, HP, Adobe, Land Rover, and many others. He later transitioned to a career as a full-time freelance photographer, which has allowed him to travel throughout countries such as Italy, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Greece.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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Presentation
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Influences
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U2
Creative preparation
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Idea development
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Aesthetic references
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Photographic vision
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U3
Technical preparation
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Photographic plane and camera angle
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Composition
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Natural light
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U4
Shooting
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Setting up the scene: technical and creative details
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Aesthetics and direction of the model
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General direction of the scene
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U5
Editing the photos
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Editing in Photoshop with Camera Raw 1
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Editing in Photoshop with Camera Raw 2
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Editing with Plugin Silver Efex Pro 1
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Editing with Silver Efex Pro 2 Plugin
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FP
Final project
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Photographic vision
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Meet expert teachers
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FAQs
You’ll learn black and white photography techniques, composition, model direction, natural light management, digital editing, and how to conceptualize photo miniseries inspired by cinema and vintage aesthetics.
This is an intermediate-level course. Basic photography knowledge is recommended to fully benefit from the advanced content and techniques covered.
You’ll need a digital or film camera, access to editing software like Camera Raw or Silver Efex Pro, and materials for creating mood boards and photo sessions, such as wardrobe and props.
The course focuses on black and white portrait photography, composition techniques inspired by classic cinema, creative use of natural light, and developing personal photographic projects with visual storytelling.
Yes, you’ll learn to digitally edit black and white photos using tools that apply vintage effects, contrast adjustments, texture, grain, and analog film simulation.
Yes, the course covers model direction techniques, wardrobe selection, character building, and clear communication to achieve expressive, cohesive portraits.
Visual references from Kubrick and Hitchcock’s films and Richard Avedon’s photography are analyzed, along with creating mood boards inspired by painting, poetry, and music.
Camera Raw
Excelente curso, me encanta que brinda significados psicológicos a a fotografia.
Curso interesante. He aprendido cosas que no sabía.
Very interesting and well developed, a lot of inspirations and food for thoughts!
Muy buen curso, el manejo de post con diferentes programas es muy útil y como armar la composición, el encuadre y la iluminacion
Muito encantador esse curso. Super recomendo