Brian Parkin, QPSA
January 2025 - Film Noir Portrait
About the Image(s)
I shot this recently in a studio. I like to mix things up a bit, and in this set I tried some hard light, lit from above with a beauty light on a remote controlled boom arm (never used one of those before - great fun!). The idea was to create a 'film noir' look. The vignette is produced by the lighting, not in post.
I did try a few with catchlights in the eyes, but I think it works better without.
Not much post-processing other than patching a bit of the brickwork, and a mono conversion of course.
Entitled 'Film Noir Portrait', shot with standard studio settings, at 40mm.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
Fantastic photo. I love the composition...unusual but totally works (I am thinking particularly of the diagonal). And you have done a great job with the lighting. Can you say more about the "beauty light"? I am not familiar. Posted: 01/12/2025 15:17:59
Bollin- my mistake - I should have said 'beauty dish' :( Posted: 01/15/2025 12:05:36
Brian, the angle of the image draws the eye into the lovely face. Agree that catch light in the eyes would be a distraction. Very nice image. Posted: 01/14/2025 17:14:44
For me this is very interesting. The absence of the catchlight gives it an almost eerie character. In addition, at first glance, it almost looked like she was sinking into the wall or emerging from it. I applaud your handling of black and white, and the many ways you work with model photography. Posted: 01/15/2025 01:37:05
The composition is great. The diagonal of the body adds a lot of interest. The overall lighting balance is good but I find the models face looks a bit bright. I imported it into LR Classic, placed a radial gradient over her face and reduced the exposure by 0.32. See if you like it. Posted: 01/15/2025 20:55:57
Eric - thanks for your comments. I like the way you've darkened the face a little - it does seem an improvement. I will try to replicate your changes! Posted: 01/27/2025 09:22:57