Learning the art of authenticity

Has digital post-processing killed authenticity in photography? It’s a common enough claim, but one workshop is looking to refute that, offering to develop software skills in line with the time-honoured processes of the darkroom.

Melbourne-based photographer Daniel Bilsborough has created The Art of Authenticity, an online one-day workshop aimed at teaching beginner- to intermediate-level photographers how to develop their photographs in Lightroom using the kind of processes and reaching the same outcomes you’d expect from working in a darkroom.

With the feeling that more and more people are skipping photographic fundamentals in favour of simply “finding the right app”, Bilsborough has developed his Lightroom curriculum through Djb Photography School to teach core skills like composition and creating a connection through imagery.

“Throughout history, post production has been fundamental in the art of photography,” he says. “And almost all the techniques you’ll learn at the Djb Art of Authenticity workshop have existed since the invention of the camera itself … albeit with a little more manual labour.”

Aimed at Lightroom newcomers, the course covers preparation, setting up the software, importing and developing photographs, printing, and directions to consider after mastering Lightroom. The workshop costs AU$399 and entitles attendees to a ‘lifetime membership’, meaning each time the software is updated you get access to training on the newly introduced features.

As well as the workshop, Djb Photography School also offers photography walks in Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and soon in New York and San Francisco. Aimed at beginners, travellers and explorers, these walks are designed to get attendees using DSLRs in manual mode while hitting the photography hot spots in each city.

For a full range of options visit Djb Photography School.