Monochrome EVF Preview + Full Color RAW
Configure a high-contrast Monochrome viewfinder profile so you judge shadow shapes live on set without losing RGB channel control in post.
Photography & Lighting
Program #046 · Photography
✓ Free Online Intro Included
Black & White Monochrome Portrait Lighting & Conversion
Move far beyond pulling saturation to zero: sculpt deliberate shadow ratios on set and mix tonal channels like a silver-gelatin darkroom print.
When color is stripped away, flat lighting and careless backgrounds have nowhere to hide, turning desaturated color photos into muddy grey snapshots. In this course, you train your eye to read pure luminance through a monochrome viewfinder while saving full-color RAW data, carve 4:1 and 8:1 facial geometry with negative fill, and shape skin, eyes, and wardrobe separation using dedicated color-channel luminance mixers.
✓ Free Online Introductory Session
Start with a free online intro consultation for this course: we review the syllabus together, clarify how many sessions you need based on your goals and pace, and decide whether continuing Online ($69 CAD/hr) or In-Person ($99 CAD/hr) suits you best.
First Session
Free Online Intro
Session Rates
$69/hr Online · $99/hr In-Person
Course Structure
Tailored to Your Level & Pace
Instructor & Language
Iman Adlkhah · EN & Persian
Prefer just the written framework instead of live sessions? A standalone $39 CAD PDF guide option can also be requested for this course: select the PDF option below.
Need on-location photography for your team, brand, or listing in Toronto & GTA? Explore our Toronto Photography Services, configure a shoot on Book Online, or see recent shoots on @tehranto.plus on Instagram.
Course Learning Pillars
Core Capabilities Developed in This Course
Every learner starts from a different background. These are the core capabilities this course develops, paced to your goals across the sessions we plan together.
Sculptural 4:1 & 8:1 Contrast Ratios
Combine gridded directional light or narrow window slits with close black V-flats to carve cheekbones, jawlines, and expressive hands.
Color-Channel Luminance Mixing
Control Red, Orange, Yellow, and Blue luminance channels in post just like optical darkroom contrast filters on panchromatic film.
Targeted Dodge, Burn & Silver Split-Toning
Guide viewer attention naturally to the iris and catchlights with radial micro-dodging, soft film-shoulder curves, and subtle warm/cool paper tones.
Course Syllabus
Core Concepts & Topics Covered
Below are the main concepts and topics covered in this course. In your Free Online Intro Session, we align the exact depth and number of sessions to your experience and goals.
Topic 01
Seeing in Luminance, Wardrobe Texture & EVF Setup
Train your eye to separate tonal values when two distinct colors (such as red and green) collapse into identical middle grey.
- Setting Monochrome Creative Style (+Contrast) for RAW+JPEG EVF preview
- Selecting knitwear, linen, wool, and matte dark fabrics over distracting logos
- Metering to protect forehead and nose-bridge sheen from harsh clipping
Topic 02
Directional Studio & Slit-Window Low-Key Lighting
Build dramatic low-key portraits using either a single gridded studio light or a partly curtained home window with negative fill.
- Positioning black absorption flags 50–70cm off the shadow cheek
- Adding a whisper-thin hair or shoulder rim to separate dark clothing from black
- Directing still, unhurried expressions, gaze depth, and hands near the face
Topic 03
Darkroom Channel Mixing & S-Curve Tonal Architecture
Convert color RAW files manually in Lightroom Classic or Capture One instead of clicking generic one-button B&W presets.
- Lifting Orange/Red channels for luminous beauty skin vs lowering for rugged grit
- Shaping matte toe blacks and smooth silver shoulder curves without clipping
- Using Blue/Aqua sliders to darken skies and bring out freckle or beard detail
Topic 04
Local Dodge & Burn, Film Grain & Fine-Art Print Prep
Finish monochrome portraits with subtle local sculpting, organic 35mm/medium-format grain structure, and soft-proofed paper profiles.
- Subtle radial and brush dodge/burn along irises, brow bones, and collarbones
- Matching grain size and roughness to 35mm Tri-X vs medium-format Ilford FP4
- Applying 3–5% warm selenium or platinum split-toning and soft-proofing matte paper
Course Reference Overview
Monochrome Portrait Ratio & Channel Reference
Core practical benchmarks and standards covered as part of this course's curriculum.
| Portrait Archetype | Lighting Ratio | RGB Luminance Mix | Tonal Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luminous Editorial | 2:1 Large Feathered Octa | Orange +22 · Red +14 | Smooth skin transitions & airy whites |
| Classic Rembrandt | 4:1 Gridded Key + Black Flag | Orange +8 · Yellow -10 | Balanced three-dimensional depth |
| Rugged Character | 8:1 Side / Split Hard-Soft | Orange -18 · Blue +12 | Tactile skin, beard & weathered grit |
| Window Low-Key | Single Slit Curtain Window | Orange +5 · Matte S-Curve | Deep quiet shadows & intimate gaze |
Start With Your Free Intro Session
Book Program #046: Black & White Monochrome Portrait Lighting & Conversion
Choose a time for your Free Online Intro Session to map out your course path, or book an Online ($69/hr) or In-Person ($99/hr) session directly, or request the $39 CAD PDF guide option.
1. Choose Option & Preferred Time (ET)
Standalone PDF Guide Option ($39 CAD)
If you prefer to study the written framework and reference checklists of this course on your own instead of live coaching sessions, enter your details on the form to request the $39 CAD PDF edition. We will coordinate and send your payment link and PDF guide via email or WhatsApp.
Program FAQ
Common Questions
Should I take this monochrome portrait course online or in person in Toronto?
Both paths work cleanly: online sessions focus on home window-light ratios and darkroom-grade channel conversion using your own RAW portraits, while in-person sessions add hands-on gridded studio lighting and negative-fill drills. In your Free Online Intro Session, we choose the best route for your goals.
How does the Free Online Intro Session work, and how many sessions will I need?
Every course begins with a Free Online Introductory Session where we review the core syllabus together, evaluate your current background and goals, and map out how many sessions you actually need and whether continuing Online ($69 CAD/hr) or In-Person ($99 CAD/hr) suits you best. Session count is never a rigid one-size-fits-all number; it adapts to your own level and pace.
Do I have to commit to a multi-session package, or can I get just the PDF guide?
There is zero upfront package commitment: live sessions are booked flexibly session-by-session ($69 CAD/hr online or $99 CAD/hr in-person). If you prefer a self-paced written guide instead of live coaching, a standalone $39 CAD PDF option can also be requested for this topic.
Are courses taught in English, Persian (Farsi), or bilingual?
Your choice: every session with Iman Adlkhah can be conducted 100% in English, 100% in Persian (Farsi), or naturally bilingual with industry terminology.
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