Film Noir
"The term film Noir describes a type of film that is very dark in its outlook. The word Noir is French for 'black', and it was during the 1940s that film Noir came into its own. The term was coined by film critics just after World War II.
Film Noir was the flip side of life. Doomed heroes, manipulative people and hidden personal and political agendas were around every corner. The lighting used in film Noir was very dark, creating long shadows and claustrophobic atmospheres that pervade the films. The characters in film Noir of the 1940s always seemed to be set in dark, smoke filled rooms, like flies trapped in spider webs." I chose this specific topic as I believe that this lighting will go well with this theme and indeed it has. Often, film Noir photography evokes by-gone eras. The lighting and model styling is a necessity.
Film Noir was the flip side of life. Doomed heroes, manipulative people and hidden personal and political agendas were around every corner. The lighting used in film Noir was very dark, creating long shadows and claustrophobic atmospheres that pervade the films. The characters in film Noir of the 1940s always seemed to be set in dark, smoke filled rooms, like flies trapped in spider webs." I chose this specific topic as I believe that this lighting will go well with this theme and indeed it has. Often, film Noir photography evokes by-gone eras. The lighting and model styling is a necessity.
George Hurrell
George Hurrell (June 1, 1904 – May 17, 1992) was a photographer who made a significant contribution to the image of glamour presented by Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. The photographs above are all of Marlene Detrich. The reason why I chose this photographer is because I felt that he could help and inspire me with the film Noir section. I believe that his photographs portray the perfect femme fetale of that day, not due to the poses that the model is doing but because of the way he has portrayed her through the lighting. He has used lighting rules in order to make the model look flattering. The lighting that he has used is butterfly lighting but all the photographs looks very soft which allows them to be even more flattering. All his photographs are in monochrome however, I still feel like they are effective and they stand out to me, he has portrayed the glamour erfectly.
Cosette Harcourt
Created in 1934 by an exceptional woman, Cosette Harcourt, the Lacroix brothers and Robert Ricci, Studio Harcourt Paris rapidly becomes the place to be seen for celebrities. Writers, painters, singers, actors such as Salvador Dali, Edith Piaf, Marlène Dietrich as well as Brigitte.The Harcourt signature draws its inspiration in the glamorous roots of black and white cinema which makes it a timeless mark and gives it its unique style that has become a legend. True visual memory of the twentiest century, Studio Harcourt is the reference for artistic portraits and welcomes celebrities. The photographers above were taken at this studio by this photographer and the reason why I chose these specific ones are because I feel that the lighting accenuates their facial features and makes them look very flattering. The lighting that this photograh has used is also butterfly lighting, this lighting style is seen as flattering and they have depicted this well. The lighting in these photograph have much more harsh light compared to the photographs of George Hurrel. I believe that the closer the light to the face, the harsher the shadows get which allows the facial features to be enhanced further.
Lighting Experimentation
This was the first experimentation photo-shoot on lighting and this helped me greatly as it built a path for me and I now know what the good and bad aspects are. I used rule of thirds for every photograph but I wasn't experimenting with composition, I just believed that this lighting best suited this composition at the time and so I went about using this. I used butterfly lighting which consisted of having only one light source present and it is seen as being quite flattering, I believe I have achieved this flattering look however, the mysterious shadowed feel does not exist within these photographs and I wanted to see whether this lighting will create that mystery and Film Noir feel. It might be that the model is not expressing that and that there is no deep story behind her eyes.
This photo-shoot was another experiment testing out different lighting. I used a different model to test whether the skin tones make a difference and if so, what looks better with this type of look and the type of features that the model will need to make the actual photo-shoot a success. Although, the model before was good, the effect of the mystery is not revealed as her personality shines through and her vibes do not suit this type of atmosphere, her photographs leaned more to a happy atmosphere rather than mysterious. I believe that this model is a success as her versatility is used as an advantage. Her ability to express the right mood is what creates the best atmosphere. I used two main types of lighting, the first one is Rembrandt, I believe that this light did make the model look flattering but the mood is set instantly. The other type of lighting I used it split lighting as I believe that this lighting brings mystery and darkness in to photographs making them look almost sinister. Unfortunately, this lighting was not as successful as it wasn't positioned correctly which was my fault and by having this photo-shoot, I now know where my flaws are so I can improve them for the real thing.
This is a photograph that I had taken inspiration from. I analyzed the photograph and then annotated what I felt was necessary. I looked at lighting, composition and costume. I then used these aspects to create an idea of a photoshoot that would resemble the image but in my own style. I decided to change the concept slightly and use a female model. I covered her eyes so that it was discrete and I used red lipstick as an indicator so that the audience can recognise that she is female.
Photoshoot One
I took inspiration from 'female male gangsters' which is the concept of a female model dressed in male clothing making her look flattering yet having that element of a manly figure. Usually, photographs are said to be most effective when you have the connection with the models eyes however, I took a risk and hid the models eyes to make the photographs look more mysterious and dark and I believe that I have succeeded in doing so. The model is wearing a hat which is covering her eyes. The model is wearing red lipstick which lures the feminine side in to the photograph very discretely. I took a numerous amount of photographs of the model with a black back drop and I believe that this coloured background worked well with the lighting and bought the mysterious element in to it. I then switched the back- drop to white to see if it would be just as more effective and I found that the atmosphere had changed. The only aspects that kept the Noir feel was the costume and the looks and the expressions on the models face. Overall, I believe that this was successful in the sense that I used lighting that is rather mysterious and this was my initial intention.
Photo Manipulation
I manipulated this photograph using Photoshop in order to enhance it. I used the patch tool to remove the creases in the back-drop as it doesn't compliment the model or the photograph as a whole. The patch tool removed the creases to a certain extent therefore, to ensure that the background is completely flawless, I used the dodge tool to which lightens the background allowing the model to look bold. I then desaturated the colour of the photograph which made it look more mysterious as the dull colours created this atmosphere. I cropped the image to draw more attention to the models face. I then unlocked the background and duplicated it creating two layers of the same image and making the first layer monotone. I then used the eraser tool to remove the lips on the first layer bringing out the red lipstick in the background.
This photograph was composed with the model standing up with her body facing to the side and her face look forward at the camera with a mysterious manly yet feminine look and I believe that the message that was being portrayed in this photograph is successful. You can instantly tell that the model is dressed in men clothing but is trying to put forward this feminine feel to it with the facial expression and make-up. The lighting for this specific photograph is not in the rules of lighting. I had three light sources, one on either side of the model making it clam-shell lighting and then a light source in front of the model removing all harsh shadows and the reason for why I did this is because even though, firm Noir usually consists of mystery and dark shadows, I wanted to it a twist on it and experiment in creating mystery in various ways other than just the use of shadows and I believe that this was successful as there is still a mystery to this photograph and it has a film Noir look and feel to it.
Make-up: For make-up, I would like to capture the mood of the movies in the Film Noir genre, with a smoldering, mysterious eye look and blood red lips being key components. I want the eyes to be the most mysterious, dangerous element of the makeup look as this is what usually captures the audience eyes. And, since the Film Noir Femme fatale was out for blood, I would like a dark red, perhaps maroon burgundy coloured lipstick which is very attractive yet dark and mysterious. The images above show the typical film Noir female look with simple eye make and an emphasis on lip colour and I would like to achieve this however, exaggerate it slightly, to a certain extent so that it is still under the concept of the Noir look. I will be contouring her face with shades of foundation and blusher so that I can bring her cheek bones out.
Hair: Hair is usually a difficult aspect to grasp in terms of knowing how to achieve it correctly and ensuring that it gives the impression of the mood and atmosphere you are attempting to create. Hair plays a big role is portraiture as it can define the image. It is very versatile and you can achieve many looks with it. I will be experimenting with different styles to ensure that I have the right look for the photo-shoot. Film Noir hair is usually wavy or tight curls but the curls are big making the females look quite elegant and classy. The model I will be using has short hair which is perfect for this look.
Lighting - The lighting that has been used in the photographs above is butterfly lighting, this lighting is very flattering and brings facial features out that look appealing. I will using this lighting as I would like to achieve this specific look however, I will also be using Rembrandt and split lighting as they give the photographs the mysterious dark look.
Hair: Hair is usually a difficult aspect to grasp in terms of knowing how to achieve it correctly and ensuring that it gives the impression of the mood and atmosphere you are attempting to create. Hair plays a big role is portraiture as it can define the image. It is very versatile and you can achieve many looks with it. I will be experimenting with different styles to ensure that I have the right look for the photo-shoot. Film Noir hair is usually wavy or tight curls but the curls are big making the females look quite elegant and classy. The model I will be using has short hair which is perfect for this look.
Lighting - The lighting that has been used in the photographs above is butterfly lighting, this lighting is very flattering and brings facial features out that look appealing. I will using this lighting as I would like to achieve this specific look however, I will also be using Rembrandt and split lighting as they give the photographs the mysterious dark look.
Film Noir Female Photo-shoot Experimentation
I did this photoshoot to exeriment with lighting, composition and the model. I wanted to see whether I could get the same effect and style as the other photographers have and whether it would look just as effective. I didn't take the photographs in black and white as I wanted to experiment with colour to see whether they would ortray Film Noir females better. I believe that this photoshoot was a success in terms of lighting and compositions however, I believe that the model was not right for this photoshoot, she was very closed and shy and due to this the photoshoot was not as effective. I made my model wear red lipstick and a feather scarf to show the feminine side however, the light created harsh shadow which usually darkened the scarf out.
Film Noir Female Photo-shoot
This is a brainstorm that I have designed just to ensure that I have an idea as to how this photo-shoot will be going. I have remembered important points such as lighting, composition and technique as these are all a necessity. I decided that I will be using both black and white back drops as I would like the make a comparison between them to see what looks good. The model I will be using has been used in a previous shoot. After using different models, I chose the model that I felt looked and felt most comfortable in front of the camera and gave off the impression that they belong in the Film Noir era. The lighting I have chosen to use is butterfly lighting, this is because this lighting is very flattering. I also chose to use Rembrandt lighting as this is another flattering light. I also chose to use split lighting as this is a very mysterious lighting.
|
I chose this model as I felt that she had a Noir like feel and as she is very comfortable in front of the camera. I took in to consideration the hair, makeup, costume as this it what I wanted to represent. I believe that this photo-shoot was a success and that the coloured photographs look just as good as if I were to do it in colour. A feel of mystery still exists within these photographs. The lighting that I used was butterfly lighting, Rembrandt lighting and split lighting, the reason for this is that I felt these certain types of lighting gave an emphasis of mystery and they are also very flattering. I used props such as the feather boa and a cigarette.
I used different compositions that varied from high to low. I used low angles so that the model was looking down which allowed her to give of the impression that she believes she is superior and that she is snobby.
I used different compositions that varied from high to low. I used low angles so that the model was looking down which allowed her to give of the impression that she believes she is superior and that she is snobby.
I used the spot healing patch tool on Photoshop in order to remove any blemishes and spot that were on my model and this has made her face look flawless. I then changed the image to a monochrome colour as Noir usually consists black and white photography and film. I changed the brightness as contrast to give more emphasis to the models face but add more shadows which makes it look more mysterious. Unfortunately, the back drop behind the model was creased which makes the photographs look unflattering but I managed to tackle this disadvantage by using the patch tool by circling the crease and dragging it to another section of the photograph that I want it to replicate too. I then used the burn tool to make the darker and this has made the model stand out.
I photo-shopped this and changed the colour to black and white so that it gives it a Film Noir feel. I then used the dodge tool around the eyes and nose area as this is the type of lighting that was used a lot for many photographs to portray Film Noir females. I believe that they did this as they felt that it made them look more flattering. I also used the spot healing tool so that the models face looks flawless. I changed the colour of the photograph to black and white as the majority of film noir photographs and films are monochrome.
I used photoshop to manipulate this photograph and add some smoke to give the photograph a film Noir feel and a feel of mystery. I also wanted to see whether the photograph would look more effective. I used the spot healing tool on my model just to get rid of any blemishes on her face as femme fetales usually tend to have flawless faces, I then changed the photoshop the black and white and changed the brightness and contrast to make ti stand out more. I then downloaded a smoke effect tool and added this as another layer, I used gaussian blur to make the smoke blur out and fade out so that it looks more realistic. I believe that this looks fake.
I photoshopped this photograph to enhance it and to manipulate it. I changed the photograph to black and white as film Noir is usually monochrome. I then used the dodge tool to highlight the models eyes and nose, this is something that they do in photographs. I tried to make it subtle and so I ensured that the opcaity of the dodge tool was at 50%. I then used burn tool to make the background darker so that the model stands out.