GR Philippines held the second installment of its monochrome photography masterclass series, It’s All About Monochrome 2, last June 27, 2026, at Studio J 2.0.
The It’s All About Monochrome 2 workshop focused on boudoir maternity photography in a learn-by-doing setup.
It was led by experienced photographer Ruel Tafalla, who is known for his portrait, landscape, seascape, and infrared photography. Krizia Evans served as the featured model during this workshop.
While the workshop was open to photographers using any camera brand, several participants brought their Ricoh GR digital cameras, which were a great match for the theme.
The Ricoh GR series is known for its excellent image quality and impressive monochrome modes. This is the reason why it is becoming a favorite among photographers who love shooting specifically in black and white.
Rather than spending most of the day listening to lectures, attendees were actually given the chance to participate throughout the session.
They experienced the entire process hands-on by adjusting the lighting, changing backgrounds, directing the model, finding the right angles, and capturing their own portraits.
Many of them were new to this style of photography inside a controlled studio environment, and working without color challenged them. So with Tafalla’s guidance, the attendees learned to rely on tonal contrast and composition to create mood and depth.
During the workshop, Tafalla explained that monochrome photography is more than just converting an image to black and white.
He encouraged photographers to visualize the final image as they composed each shot, using light, shadow, and contrast to create a stronger photograph. He also shared feedback during each session, as attendees exchanged ideas and discussed different approaches to lighting.
By the end of the workshop, participants had not only produced their own monochrome portraits but also gained unique, practical techniques they could use in future portrait sessions.
Several participants shared that they appreciated the opportunity to step outside their usual style of photography and try something new.
Through workshops like It’s All About Monochrome 2, GR Philippines continues to create opportunities for photographers to learn through hands-on experience while connecting with others in the local photography community.
