As a photojournalist and fine art photographer who conducts workshops across picturesque European cities like Venice, Ljubljana, and Croatia, I constantly seek new ways to challenge my perspective and inspire the students who attend my sessions. One such challenge I recently undertook with Terry, a fantastic guest and a great photographer, was a black and white photography workshop in the heart of Burano, Italy's most colourful island.

At first glance, it may seem like a counterintuitive idea to focus on black and white photography in a place that is bursting with colour. However, the experience proved enlightening, allowing me and my students to delve deeper into the nuances of composition, texture, and contrast that are so critical to black-and-white photography.

During the workshop, we explored the island's quaint streets and canals, searching for scenes and subjects that would translate well into monochromatic images. Without the distraction of colour, we were forced to think beyond the obvious and consider how elements like light, shadows, and shapes could create a compelling photograph.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this challenge was the opportunity to understand what works and what doesn't in terms of black and white photography. We discovered that certain subjects lent themselves perfectly to a monochromatic treatment, while others lost their impact without the vibrancy of colour. This realization made us all more discerning photographers capable of making thoughtful decisions about when to use black and white versus color.

The vibrant houses of Burano, for example, seemed to lose their charm in grayscale. However, the intricate lacework the island is famous for took on a new life when captured in black and white. The play of light and shadow on the delicate patterns created a sense of depth and intricacy that may have been lost in a colour image.

Ultimately, the black and white workshop challenge in Burano proved to be an enriching experience for all of us. It pushed us to think more critically about our photographic choices and helped us better understand the art of monochrome photography. While it may have seemed like a crazy idea initially, the results were nothing short of fantastic. I encourage every photographer to consider taking on a similar challenge to expand their horizons and hone their skills!