The Ricoh GR camera’s monochrome capabilities took the spotlight during “It’s All About Monochrome 2,” a photography workshop organized by GR Philippines on June 27 at Studio J 2.0.
The event introduced photographers to monochrome imaging through a hands-on boudoir maternity photography session led by photographer Ruel Tafalla, with Krizia Evans serving as the featured model.
Designed for photographers looking to explore black-and-white photography beyond simple image conversion, the workshop combined practical studio shooting with discussions on lighting, composition, and creative direction.
Ricoh GR monochrome mode highlights light, texture, and emotion
A key focus of the workshop was the Ricoh GR camera’s monochrome mode, which emphasizes tonal range, contrast, and texture to produce expressive black-and-white photographs.
Rather than treating monochrome as a post-processing filter, participants learned how the camera’s monochrome rendering can influence creative decisions during the shoot itself. The session explored how photographers can use shadows, highlights, and contrast to shape mood and direct the viewer’s attention.
Throughout the demonstrations, attendees experimented with different lighting setups to see how monochrome photography reveals details that may be less noticeable in color images, particularly in portrait work where facial expressions, body contours, and textures become more prominent.
Boudoir photography offers a different creative approach
The June 27 workshop focused on boudoir maternity photography, a genre that blends intimate portraiture with artistic lighting and composition.
Led by photographer Ruel Tafalla, participants experienced the complete studio workflow, from setting up lighting and selecting backgrounds to directing the model, choosing effective shooting angles, and capturing monochrome portraits using the Ricoh GR.
The maternity-themed boudoir session demonstrated how thoughtful lighting, composition, and posing can produce elegant, expressive portraits that emphasize emotion, form, and storytelling.
For many attendees, the workshop was their first opportunity to photograph a boudoir subject, allowing them to develop new technical skills and gain hands-on experience in a controlled studio setting.
Hands-on workshop encourages collaboration among photographers
Rather than functioning as a traditional lecture, “It’s All About Monochrome 2” adopted a hands-on format that allowed every participant to photograph the model individually.
With a full roster of attendees, photographers took turns shooting while sharing techniques and observing one another’s approaches. The collaborative environment reflected the workshop’s emphasis on learning through practice and peer interaction.
Participants also received guidance on refining composition, maximizing the Ricoh GR’s monochrome capabilities, and understanding how subtle adjustments in lighting can dramatically change the mood of black-and-white images.
Monochrome photography continues to attract enthusiasts
As digital cameras continue to offer increasingly sophisticated black-and-white shooting modes, monochrome photography remains a popular creative discipline among photographers seeking timeless visual styles.
Through workshops like “It’s All About Monochrome 2,” GR Philippines continues to showcase the Ricoh GR as a tool for photographers interested in documentary, street, portrait, and fine art photography. By pairing the camera’s monochrome features with a boudoir maternity studio session, the June 27 event highlighted how thoughtful use of light, shadow, and composition can transform monochrome photography into a distinct form of visual storytelling.
