Calendar
Black and white photography is more than just removing color—it’s about seeing the world in a different way. Understanding when, why, and how to create compelling black and white images requires a trained eye, a grasp of tonal relationships, and an appreciation for how light and shadow shape a scene.
In this presentation, we’ll explore the artistic and technical choices behind black and white photography in nature, landscape, and wildlife imagery. We’ll break down how color affects black and white conversions, how different color tones translate to grayscale, and the role of post-processing in shaping the final image. From raw file interpretation to the nuances of contrast, texture, and tonal balance, we’ll discuss tools and techniques that help refine your vision. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your monochrome work or simply gain a deeper understanding of its impact, this session will help you develop a more intentional and thoughtful approach to black and white photography.
About Andrew Hertel
Andrew Hertel is a fine art photographer specializing in black and white landscapes, wildlife, and nature photography. He is drawn to the way light, shadow, shape, and texture come together to define a scene, creating images that reflect the quiet beauty of the natural world.
Beyond photography, Andrew has a deep love for adventure and exploring remote landscapes. Whether on foot, motorcycle, or bicycle, he finds inspiration in the wild places he visits and the ever-changing conditions that shape them. His work has been exhibited at fine art shows and galleries, and he leads photography workshops in places like Death Valley and Kyrgyzstan, helping others experience and capture the landscapes in their own way.
For Andrew, photography is more than just creating images—it’s about being out in nature, embracing the journey, and sharing that experience with others.
The meeting will start promptly at 7 pm, but we’ll open the building at 6 pm for setup and social hour.
Join us for our Monthly Critique Night!
Our judge for April will be Jim Selkin.
Members bring prints for critique on the third Wednesday of each month. Prints accepted by the Judge will hang for up to 2 months in the Photographic Arts Building gallery.
Visitors are welcome, however, submitting images for critique is available for members only. If you’d like more information about joining Darkroomers, please check out our membership page and email us if you have any questions.
About Jim
I was in photographic diapers when I was handed a Brownie Instamatic by my dad at the age of 4 and never looked back.
At 6, I was being taken to photo conventions in NYC.
Still have the camera today!
In college, I was fortunate to study under Walter Rosenblum, who coalesced my photographic vision. https://www.rosenblumphoto.org/about
While doing graduate work in architecture at Columbia University, I ventured to Tahiti to study where my favourite Impressionist artist, Gauguin, lived and worked. Returning from that trip, my photo eyes were opened to the world. Through fortuitous opportunities, I was hired as a contract photographer for Air France based in New York. I handled a variety of assignments, including being the official AF photographer for the inauguration of the Concorde. A 3-month international assignment brought me to Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Paris, with subsequent trips through France.
My travel work was represented at first by the Image Bank and subsequently became a member of Getty Images. My images have also appeared in Travel & Leisure, Nat Geo Traveler and for a number of Japanese agencies.
Switching roles, I worked as an art director with major agencies in New York, concentrating on travel and cosmetic accounts. I also served as a judge for the One Show in photography and commercials. I had the privilege of working with such luminaries as Henry Wolf, Hiro, Anthony Edgeworth and Pete Turner.
A subsequent move to the west coast led to work with Tourism Fiji, Tourism New Zealand, throughout SE Asia and full circle, back to Japan. I lived and worked in Saigon for 3 years [pre and during the Pandemic] where I created photo-stories covering various aspects of life in the city through the eyes of an ex-pat. I am sent on assignments to capture images “in real time” for tourism boards and travel related companies.
I have judged for photo associations around California including PPA, PSA, County Fairs and local photo groups but put more emphasis on helping photographers develop their vision.
I was a Canon Pro but have subsequently switched to Fuji, where I mentor photographers across different countries. I also have led photo tours to France and Vietnam and am
planning trips to photograph both Indigenous cultures and off-the-beaten-track places in Japan in 2025 [more on that as it is finalized].
I have learned many valuable lessons. One that always resonates is:
“Photography teaches patience.” Be at one with your camera.
Join us as we shine the spotlight on Darkroomers member, Haressh Vibhakkar!
Exploring the built environment in our cities and capturing the graphic elements that shape its aesthetics is my passion. I seek out inherent patterns in design, whether they connect with nature or purely appeal graphically. As an architect, I am fascinated by the choices designers make—the scale, intricacy, facade details, color, and texture. These elements collectively create gestures that speak to onlookers.
Since the end of the pandemic, I have been photographing architecture in earnest. This journey has been deeply personal, allowing me to reconnect with places that hold special memories. I have begun traveling to intriguing destinations, revisiting locations from past journeys to capture their architectural essence. This presentation will focus on London, UK, a city where the fascinating mix of historical and contemporary elements is woven into its urban fabric. Will be also presenting some building projects I have been part of and revisited to capture the appealing aspects of design.
✨ Explore his work ahead of time at photovibz.myportfolio.com
What does it take to craft a truly award-winning image? Join internationally exhibited digital artist, Adobe Educational Leader, and frequent photo competition judge Stephen Burns for an inspiring and informative session that pulls back the curtain on professional Photoshop workflows.
With over 30 years of experience in photography and digital art, Stephen will walk you through the techniques, creative thought processes, and step-by-step workflows that elevate an image from good to extraordinary. You’ll gain insights into the editing strategies used by top-tier artists, learn how to approach Photoshop with an artistic mindset, and discover how to apply these tools to your own work—whether you’re preparing for competition or refining your personal portfolio.
This presentation is ideal for photographers and digital artists looking to push their creative boundaries and unlock the full potential of Photoshop in their artistic process.