Just for fun… In my last post I showed my Hollywood portrait lighting style using just hard light from fresnel spotlights. The post before that featured two point lighting on the street using Speedlights. Now I’ve combined two point lighting with fresnel spotlights and styled the shoot with a Film Noir theme. Film Noir calls for some dramatic acting and there is no better actress for this role than Chloe-Jasmine. Let the drama begin.
The Wikipedia entry for Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasise cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Hollywoods classical Film Noir period is generally regarded as extending from the early 1940s to the late 1950s however it often depicted scenes from just after the great depression of 1929 1933.
LED fresnels can run on battery even though they deliver the equivalent of 1000w of tungsten light but with a daylight colour balance. I use inverter battery packs that are Li-Ion powered and last for between two and four hours depending upon what light I’m using.
I always set my camera to manual exposure to ensure the lighting build is consistently represented in the image. Aperture priority is not usable because of the massive swings in exposure that happen with a change in composition.
The shadow of the man in the main picture at the top of this post was created with a cardboard cut out and a spotlight. I didn’t have the budget for a second model so my creative assistant Luke made one for me.
You can connect with me by leaving a comment below. You can also message me on . I always respond to all messages and questions. If you want to stalk me :) you can have a rummage through my personal blog: Prophotonut.
In my next post I’ll share my 10 step guide for using location flash in full sun.
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Reblogged this on donniebishop.
Damien, I don’t know whether to love your work or hate it! Incredible shots and fun explanations – still, despite all that, I wonder how you do it so well!? Love the props ;0) Great stuff! Best, Rob
Hi Rob, Haha, Thanks for the comment. It’s what we Brits call a Marmite scenario. Anyway, my secrets will all be revealed in a video that is currently being reviewed by Levi Sim. Now, I’ve no idea what his review will be like, all I know is I’ve released the first 17 minutes of the feature length production to be published here on Photofocus in the coming weeks. You will either love it or hate it :)
Damien – you consistently have the best stuff here on Photofocus. Thank you for this.
Hi Damien, outstanding images – and fantastic wording coming along with them :) Thanks for another inspiring article!
Consistently impressed with your stuff Damien! Do you have other videos other than the one you mentioned you are coming out with where you actually show how you go through this from the concept to actually executing it on camera and the post work?
Reblogged this on Max Shields and commented:
Some great tips on shooting Film Noir portraits.
Do you use any modifiers on the lights?
Hi Damien,
I have a question about lighting units for Noir Hollywood Portraiture, I wonder if you could help advise.
In the US, LimoStudio 1000 Watt Photography Photo Video Studio Lights look like a good choice for Hollywood style film noir portraiture, they are lower budget but they get good reviews, but they do not come with a dimmer.
https://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Photography-Television-Continuous-AGG1028/dp/B00D9UVS0Y/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t
Do you feel these would be a decent choice?
Damien, I don’t know whether to love your work or hate it! Incredible shots and fun explanations – still, despite all that, I wonder how you do it so well!? Love the props ;0) Great stuff! Best, Rob
Hi Rob, Haha, Thanks for the comment. It’s what we Brits call a Marmite scenario. Anyway, my secrets will all be revealed in a video that is currently being reviewed by Levi Sim. Now, I’ve no idea what his review will be like, all I know is I’ve released the first 17 minutes of the feature length production to be published here on Photofocus in the coming weeks. You will either love it or hate it :)
Reblogged this on donniebishop.
Hi Damien, outstanding images – and fantastic wording coming along with them :) Thanks for another inspiring article!
Damien – you consistently have the best stuff here on Photofocus. Thank you for this.
Consistently impressed with your stuff Damien! Do you have other videos other than the one you mentioned you are coming out with where you actually show how you go through this from the concept to actually executing it on camera and the post work?
Do you use any modifiers on the lights?
Reblogged this on Max Shields and commented:
Some great tips on shooting Film Noir portraits.
Hi Damien,
I have a question about lighting units for Noir Hollywood Portraiture, I wonder if you could help advise.
In the US, LimoStudio 1000 Watt Photography Photo Video Studio Lights look like a good choice for Hollywood style film noir portraiture, they are lower budget but they get good reviews, but they do not come with a dimmer.
https://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Photography-Television-Continuous-AGG1028/dp/B00D9UVS0Y/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t
Do you feel these would be a decent choice?