Bruce Weber Photographer Marks a Few Points That Can Be Helpful in Taking Black and White Portraits
Portrait photographs depend on the selective use of black and white images for creating mood and impact. It can be helpful in highlighting form and showcasing a timeless quality of photography. Rather than turning colored images into black-and-white photos, one should try to click images in black and white in the first place. A lot of professionals, including Bruce Weber Photographer, love to take photographs in black and white. He largely specializes in fashion and portrait photography.
Bruce Weber Photographer discusses a few lighting tricks that aid in taking stunning black and white portraits
Light and shadow are highly vital in good black and white portrait photography. With these portraits, one can focus the attention of viewers with the selective use of shadows. High contrast lighting is also pretty helpful in adding to the mood and impact. Depending on how artsy and creative photographers get with their posing and lighting, the outcomes can get close to fine art photography. No matter the exact lighting setup used, it is prudent to play with a lot of light for high-key portraits. As one gains more experience, they are likely to get a chance to capture fashion editorial shots with supermodels.
Natural light can prove to be highly attractive and flattering in black and white portraits. One can consider shooting during daylight to create high contrast in their images. Window light and dappled lights are particularly perfect for black and white portrait photography. Photographers should not be afraid to play with nuanced lighting looks, in order to get powerful and deep black areas in their portraits.
A single light source, constant light or strobe, can be helpful in creating the contrast and shaping the light. The light fixture should ideally be placed high up and to the side of the subject to create a dynamic Rembrandt style lighting. Conversely, one may also opt to put it above and in front of the subject to get a classic butterfly lighting look. The difference can be split, and the light can be placed at a 45-degree angle from the subject to have a classic loop lighting look. This style helps create compelling shadows, while simultaneously maintaining a good catch-light in the eyes of the subject to bring more life to the image. The lesser lights are used by the photographer, the more shadows and contrast would they be able to bring to the final image. Bruce Weber Photographer often uses no extra light or flashes, just a few reflectors.
In the case of a two light setup, one of them would serve as the main light source, while the other shall fill in shadows to have a more evenly-lit subject. Photographers should consider playing with the power settings and positing on their lights for a bit, in order to be able to effectively increase and decrease the shadows. Placing each light at a 45-degree angle from the subject would be a good way to start off. Portrait photographers must also avoid light spills and stray light at much as possible while capturing their images.
An amateur fashion photographer should start their journey will casual shoots. They might use a friend as a model for this purpose. Trying out diverse lighting set ups and compositions would be a good way to capture attractive shots. When working with fashion models, photographers should try their best to make them feel at ease. This is quite an important element of fashion portraiture. If the photographer is working with a model for the first time, they must spend a little time just to break the ice. This will be helpful in getting candid shots at off-guard moments, which are often quite alluring.
