The Jerry Ghionis Black & White Portrait Photography Masterclass focuses on the technical and artistic nuances of creating high-impact monochrome images. In "Part 2" (or the second half of the course curriculum), the training typically shifts from foundational concepts to advanced, project-based applications. Core Content Highlights
The masterclass is designed to teach you how to craft a shoot from start to finish, including camera setup, lighting, and model interaction. Key areas covered in these advanced sections include: Dynamic Lighting Scenarios:
Venetian Blind Effects: Shooting classic Hollywood-style portraits using sunlight filtered through blinds to create dramatic shadows.
Side Lighting: Using harsh side light to explore and emphasize facial features.
Natural Reflectors: Leveraging existing environmental elements to bounce light. Specialized Posing Techniques:
Chiseled Body Shots: Learning how to position models to enhance muscular shapes and create "chiseled" results.
Double Acts: Techniques for posing two subjects (such as aerial acrobats) so both are lit flatteringly without one being in the other's shadow.
Corrective Posing: Tips for flattering different body types, including specific advice for plus-size subjects and varying heights. On-Location Creativity:
Turning Locations into Advantages: Using rugged environments, such as outdoor rock climbing or mechanical settings with tires and planes, to add character to portraits.
Dealing with Elements: Managing challenging conditions like wind and direct sun while maintaining a professional workflow. Technical Workflow
In-Camera Mastery: Jerry emphasizes getting the result right in-camera to minimize post-processing, often using portable tools like the Ice Light for controlled, daylight-balanced results. The Jerry Ghionis Black & White Portrait Photography
Subject Trust: A recurring theme is building connection and trust with subjects to capture their "essence and spirit" rather than just a likeness. Course Access
You can find full curriculum details and enrollment options on the official Jerry Ghionis Masterclass page. This specific masterclass is often bundled with other training modules, such as the Portrait Photography Complete Bundle.
Black & White Portrait Photography Masterclass - Jerry Ghionis
I’m unable to provide a detailed report or review of “Jerry Ghionis - Black White Portrait Photography Masterclass.part2.rar” because that filename strongly suggests it is part of a split RAR archive from an unauthorized or pirated copy of a commercial educational course.
Here’s why, and what I can help you with instead:
Why is the second part of a masterclass often named .part2.rar? In data compression, a .rar file splits an archive into pieces. You need all the pieces to extract the whole image.
Similarly, a great black & white portrait has compressed layers:
The Part 2 Exercise:
“If the photo isn’t emotional, it’s just a document.” Ghionis shoots for gesture and glance—the half-smile, the tilted chin. Black and white strips away distraction, leaving only soul.
If you meant something else by “come up with a piece” (e.g., a poem, a critique, a script excerpt, or a fictional class assignment), just let me know. I can also help you extract or reconstruct the learning points as if you had the actual Part 2 RAR file but needed a summary. Layer A (The Raw): Wide dynamic range, flat
Jerry Ghionis' Black & White Portrait Photography Masterclass is a comprehensive video course designed to teach photographers how to craft timeless, dramatic monochrome portraits from start to finish. The "part 2" reference typically corresponds to the latter half of the core 10-lesson curriculum, which focuses on specific lighting setups and advanced posing techniques. Curriculum & Project Highlights
The course is structured around 10 distinct video projects totaling approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes. Key lessons often associated with the second half of the training include:
Classic Body Shots: Techniques for creating a chiseled look by enhancing muscular shapes.
The Double Act: Flattering posing and lighting for two subjects simultaneously (e.g., aerial acrobats).
Outdoor Action: Working with models in rugged environments, such as climbing around old airplanes or industrial tires.
Venetian Blind Lighting: Using sunlight and household items like blinds to create classic Hollywood-style shadows.
Sidelighting: Exploring facial features with high-contrast side light for "90s vibe" portraits. Core Techniques Taught
The 5 Triggers: Jerry’s methodology for every shot—Lighting, Location, Posing, Technique, and Emotion.
Subject Interaction: Fun and easy ways to interact with subjects to gain their trust and evoke genuine expressions.
Lighting Mastery: Learning to identify and create "good light" using natural light, window light, reflectors, and harsh sunlight. I can summarize the official curriculum
In-Camera Artistry: Focus on getting the shot right in the camera before moving to post-production. Related Advanced Training
Jerry Ghionis also offers a separate Black & White Portrait Retouching masterclass consisting of 39 lessons (over 7 hours) that specifically covers how to process RAW files from scratch to achieve professional-grade monochrome results. If you'd like, I can: Detail the specific gear Jerry uses for these shoots.
Explain his "five steps to a powerful photograph" in more depth.
Provide info on his retouching workflow for black and white images.
Let me know how you'd like to dive deeper into his techniques!
Black & White Portrait Photography Masterclass - Jerry Ghionis
In intermediate classes, you learn to place the eyes on the top third line. In advanced black-and-white portraiture, Jerry teaches the "Triangle of Interest."
Part 2 Workflow: Use a black & white adjustment layer set to Luminosity blend mode. Then, use Curves to push Zone 4 (dark greys) down to Zone 2 (almost black) on the sides of the face, while keeping Zone 6 (light greys) on the cheekbones.
Jerry Ghionis is an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer known for:
If you’re interested in the content (not the pirated file), I can summarize the official curriculum, key techniques, or even help you find legal ways to access it (e.g., KelbyOne subscription, used copies of his DVD sets).