Noir portrait. Poses for a photo shoot. Rent a Photo Studio without our photographer

Hollywood crime dramas of the 1940s and 1950s are usually called noir. But initially this genre arose in painting and only then migrated to cinema. Recognizable features in the noir style are restrained lighting and shadow patterns - chiaroscuro. He was extremely popular in the cinema of the last century. Many people associate this genre with contrasting black and white shades, expressed in deep shadows and bright highlights.

Noir films are characterized by a bright and challenging acting, a dashingly twisted criminal plot, ruthless gangsters, betrayal and an abundance of cigars and spirits. Classic examples include Billy Wilder's Double Insurance, Charles Widor's Gilda, and John Huston's The Maltese Falcon.

In this tutorial, photographer Tigz Rice will show you how to prepare, shoot, and edit a noir photo using the Coco Dubois model as an example. femme fatale refers us to actresses Barbara Stanwick and Mary Astor.

First, you will learn how to prepare a noir photo set, including lighting, hair, makeup, and clothing. Then learn how to combine adjustment layers Black and White (Black and white) and Curves (Curves) and also use the Camera Raw filter to get the final effect. As a result, the photo will look authentic and stylish, without parody and exaggeration (of course, if you need just such a stylization, then experiment with the settings in step 8).

Step 1

First, let's analyze the style and scenery of the shot that plays important role in creating the right atmosphere. If you already have a photo ready, then you can immediately skip to step 5, where we will process the image in Photoshop.

Coco is wearing a corset in vintage style 1940s by What Katie Did, plus stockings flesh-colored and belt.

The bullet bra, which was popular in those days, also adds an accent to the model's image.

Step 2

Hair and makeup are integral parts of the noir aesthetic. In the photo, Coco has large curls in the style of the 40s. The Victory Rolls hairstyle will also look very impressive.

In terms of makeup, film noir was characterized by ' cat eyes»And red lipstick (even though the final photo will be in black and white, we still understand that the lipstick is red). Below in the photo you can study Coco's hairstyle and makeup in more detail.

Step 3

We were lucky with bright lighting on the day of the photo shoot, but if the weather does not allow us to achieve desired effect or if you prefer to use more reliable light sources, you can mount a flash and create a shadow pattern using regular duct tape. For an effect of depth in the composition, try to keep the background as little light as possible.

Step 4

With the preparation finished, it's time to take the first photos. While shooting, keep an eye on the histogram data on the camera (in the screenshot I showed the histogram in Photoshop so you can clearly see what I mean). This will help you get good contrast as you edit it later.

It is best to photograph in color, as this will allow you to fine-tune the black and white tones in Photoshop.

Step 5

Now select the best shot and open it in Photoshop. On this stage, if necessary, cut off the excess and remove defects. All manipulations are recommended to be carried out on a copy (Ctrl + J) of the main layer in order to always have a backup version at hand.

Step 6

Go to the top menu Layer - New Adjustment Layer - Black and White (Layer - New Adjustment Layer - Black & White). Add this layer above the photo to make it black and white. The standard black and white mode will be selected as the settings, but later we will return to it and adjust the parameters.

Step 7

In the lower left corner of the Adjustment Layer Settings panel, drag the left black slider to the right to increase the amount dark shades on the picture.

Step 8

Next, add two points on the curve to give it the shape of the letter S. This will increase the contrast in all other tonal ranges of the image. But do not overdo it, otherwise the result will look too parody.

Step 9

Now let's go back to the adjustment layer. Black and White (Black & White) and customize it. At the top left of the panel Properties (Properties) click on the button in the form of a hand with arrows.

Having selected a tool, click on it in any part of the document and, without releasing the mouse button, drag left and right to lighten / darken the colors. All changes are based on original colors photo, so please be aware that other details of the picture may also change.

Step 10

We are done with contrast, now we need to add noise, which will give the effect of cinematography.

To do this, on the layers panel, select the layer with the photo and go to Filter - Camera Raw (Filter - Camera Raw). In the window that opens, on the right, there will be all the settings we need.

Go to the tab Effects (Effects). In the screenshot, you can see my settings. But the amount, size and roughness of the noise depends on the size of your document. Experiment with the settings until you get the desired result.

Step 11

Let's continue working with Camera Raw. To finish off the vintage effect, let's add a vignette.

At the top of the window, select Radial Filter (Radial filter), then with the mouse click in the center and drag to the edges of the image to apply the filter. After that we decrease Exposure (Exhibitor) to -3.00. To make the effect soft Feather (Feathering) must be set to 50 or more.

Step 12

When you're done with Camera Raw, press the button OK to apply the changes and return to the working paper.

Step 13

As a final touch, I removed the light spots behind Coco. To do this, I selected the main layer with the photo, duplicated (Ctrl + J) it and processed the copy with the tool Spot Healing Brush Tool(J) (Spot Healing Brush).

Do you want to do a Noir style photo shoot in a professional photo studio? Here you will find the best professional photographers in Moscow, performing Noir photography for men and women!

What is Noir style?

The noir style originated in the genre of cinematography in the 40s of the last century, translated from French “film noir” - “black film”. This genre characterizes the state of crime during the Second World War and the beginning of the Cold War. Pessimism, cynicism, mistrust and disappointment reigned in America in those years. For these reasons, black-and-white detective films were shot, in which there was rarely a "happy ending". Immerse yourself in this era, watch films of that time, imagine yourself as a victim of a gangster, a danger that comes at every turn, or a detective who solves terrible crimes. Such a photo session will give you new emotions, it can be for both a man and a woman. A good option shooting - doubles, where you can beat the "victim" and the "criminal" or a detective who protects his lady.

clothing

For a woman, the choice of clothing should intersect with the vamp image. Cocktail black silhouette dress made of silk or velor. A maximum of brilliance and elegance, however, there must also be cynicism, somberness and sexuality. Fur coats and furs are perfect for this look. Open shoulders and legs. Heeled shoes, also black. It is enough for a man to wear classic clothes: a shirt, black straight trousers and a vest.

Props

Dollars or their imitation, cigars and a cigarette in the mouthpiece, weapons. Ideal option for shooting there will be a retro car and a street with old houses. Gloves, lace, stockings and suspenders, a hat with a mesh over the eyes, a necklace with stones or pearls, large earrings and rings. For men, a gangster hat, a tie, a magnifying glass and suspenders on trousers can become a props.

Makeup and hairstyle

Makeup in the style of the 40-50s of the 20th century. Lighten your skin a little, especially if your skin is dark. Apply some blush, focusing on the outline of the brows and lashes. The image should be mysterious and a little gloomy, use black or other dark shadows and pencil. Lipstick can be red, eggplant or dark cherry. The hairstyle of those years is perfect large curls, neatly gathered or loose.

Poses for a photo shoot

Model poses are perfect for creating a vamp woman look. You can also simulate a shootout, showdown or "business" conversation for round table... Noir is characterized by gloom, criminality and hopelessness, so this "role" is best played as an actor. Imagine yourself as a detective or a victim of that difficult time. In order for the shooting to be as close as possible to the events of that time, use some tricks: reflection in the mirror, smoke canopy over the characters, shadows, darkened rooms or at night, light from the blinds that falls on the face, rain, gloom, wet streets.

Images, sample photos in style of Noir

Cost of photo shoot Noir

Just last month, I sent the manuscript of a new book to publisher Amherst Media. This is a book about classic styles coverage from 1910 to 1960, including famous Hollywood styles that became iconic. It should be ready for release later this year. One decade in this period is special, it is the forties. They can be called a decade of minimalism in lighting - soft, flat lighting has been replaced by dark, contrasting, dramatic images that are romantic in their own way.

Many portraits, especially those of men, were very dark. They could be cold and ruthless, or powerful with a hint of vulnerability, depending on their pose and close-up. Below is a short excerpt from the book.

If you've been hired to do a portrait for a government official, for a press release, or just for a guy on the street who wants an impressive portrait, then 40s-style lighting is fine. A feature of the style is very deep shadows with almost complete absence details, so additional lighting is required to indicate the shape or outline of the body parts that are in the shadow.

We shot it in 1940s clothing to keep the style of the book, but this style would look good in modern clothing too.

In the 40s, minimum fill light was the standard; in photography, unlit areas were just as important as lit areas. The shape of the object must be present, at least in the form of a silhouette against a lighter background. This marked the beginning of the noir style.

For the first series of shots, I put one flash on the horizontal bar at the top to illuminate the background, making for it a blackened aluminum foil (Cinefoil), bending it so that a triangular spot appears in the background behind the chair in which the model will sit.

I used a 25-degree honeycomb portrait dish as the main light, setting it about three feet to the left of the model. I didn’t raise it very high, so as not to get deep shadows from the brow ridges, hiding the eyes.

Once the model was seated and positioned, I made a number of changes, such as a hint of a smile on the stern face. The result is both powerful and mysterious.

Then I asked the model to turn her head slightly to the right, towards the main light. This allowed some light to his eye and cheek on the shadow side. I like this look because it adds a little friendliness to the photo, but the nose shadow is too wide for modern style... You can raise the main light a little and even move it closer to the camera to make the black and white drawing more modern.

I wanted to take a second series of shots where the face would look softer. From the point of view of psychology, if someone deviates from you, then he does not pose a threat, especially if he is sitting in comfortable position In the armchair.

After removing the snooze from the background light, I raised it higher and changed the angle so that the light falls down and closer to the model. I also moved the main light closer to the model, less than two steps away. It just sits above top armrest of the chair.

Since the shaved head will be closer to the light source, it will become the brightest part of the frame. I hung small piece black foam board with a flexible clip to shade a little upper part head and focus on the eyes. Note that his right eye is at the intersection of the thirds lines.

I stepped back a little and took a wider shot. With his fingers clasped together, he is the perfect Hollywood persona, powerful and confident. In addition, he can be mistaken for the image of any villain from the films of those times.

I wish you good shots!

The word "noir" sounds so threatening that people often think that this term refers to some too abstruse genre of some too arthouse cinema. In fact, noir is just a dark story in all respects, often with a detective plot. Noir is considered a very stylish movie: the spirit of retro always hovers over it, although this genre is still filmed in this genre, and even quite popular directors. Recently, for example, Stanislav Govorukhin's latest film noir Weekend was celebrated at the Golden Eagle Awards. And only the lazy did not see the "City of Sins", which also belongs to the "dark" direction. "Arriva" decided to recall several bright pictures in this genre, to tear the veil of mystery from noir.

Contrary to the term's French origins, noir as a genre originated in the 1940s and 1950s in the United States. The first film noir ("black films") showed the world in the pessimistic tones in which it was seen by American society after World War II. The collapse of hopes and faith, cynicism instead of "universal human values", disappointment in life, cruelty, indifference, despair - all this has become " business card»Noir and his heroes.

Later, the genre began to overgrow directions that arose not only in America, but throughout Europe: "late noir", "neo-noir", "post-noir" and even parodies of noir. Interestingly, full-length color films appeared only in the mid-1930s, and ten years later, directors began to shoot the first films in the "noir" style, in which the absence of color was a new semantic solution.

The most characteristic elements of noir are boring and laconic dialogues, night shoots, brutal heroes who most often end up dying, deceitful women and a complete mixture of antagonist and protagonist: as a rule, both villains and "positive" characters are endowed with the same qualities ... And in this movie, an important role is played by men's hats, rain and city panorama. However, given that the genre is just under a hundred years old, it is foolish to assume that all films are made according to the same template.

The Maltese Falcon, 1941

John Huston's detective The Maltese Falcon is considered to be a classic example of "pure noir". He was nominated for an Oscar three times, but never received a single statuette. It was this film that made Humphrey Bogart a star of the first magnitude.

Private Investigator Sam Spade, main character Maltese Falcon, is a co-owner of a detective bureau. He is approached by the girl Bridget with a request to track a certain man named Fursby, who has gone into hiding with his sister Bridget. On the first night of surveillance, Spade's partner is killed. Soon, Fursby is found dead, and suspicion of this murder falls on Spade. The film rightfully became a trendsetter in noir fashion, and many of his script and camera moves were later used in other films.

"Shadow of Doubt", 1942

The film is based on real story 1920s serial strangler, Earl Leonard Nelson. It was "Shadow of Doubt" that marked the beginning of the "American period" by British Alfred Hitchcock, and indeed it turned out to be the director's first film to receive wide recognition. The release of the film in theaters was marked by positive and sometimes admiring reviews from film critics, despite the fact that you can easily see in it many repetitions of the director's previous film "Suspicion". Hitchcock himself in a later interview, in 1964, admitted that he considers "Shadow of Doubt" his better work.

The film tells about the fate of a little girl Charlie, who has absolutely nothing to do, and she fantasizes all the time out of boredom about her uncle, after whom she received a boyish name. Soon the uncle appears in a "magical" way in the girl's life. But did he turn out to be so funny and kind in life, as in the fantasies of his niece?

Sunset Boulevard, 1950

In the script of this film by the American director Billy Wilder, it is not immediately possible to distinguish the features of "noir": there is no detective, no fatal beauty in a hat and stockings, no mysterious murder. The film tells about the "pitfalls" of Hollywood life in the fifties. The aging silent film star Norma Desmond lives in a huge mansion on Sunset Boulevard and dreams of playing Salome. Considering that none of the directors and screenwriters is already interested in working with the "rolling star", she writes herself the script and plays the cherished role all the time. Gradually losing touch with reality, Norma is steadily approaching a tragic denouement.

It is precisely the conflict between the real and inner peace make this film part of the noir movement. This picture became the best work of Billy Wilder and is recognized as one of the main films about Hollywood.

"The Seal of Evil", 1958

The film by Orson Welles completes the period of the classic American "noir" and sums up the interim results of the entire world direction. Based on the title, it is easy to guess that the entire film is permeated with the invisible presence of the devil, and there is no place for hope in this picture, let alone a happy ending. Everything is bad in the picture, from the first frames to the last.

Vargas, a Mexican agent of the anti-narcotics department, is gradually transforming from a respectable spouse and police officer to a vengeful madman. His innocent wife Susan falls prey to bandits who make her a drug addict hysterical. American policeman Hank Quinlen is ready to go to extreme measures to achieve his own and "close" another case ... The seal of evil did not spare anyone and left its bloody mark on all the heroes of this film. The era of the classic "noir" should have ended in no other way. A hopeless evil.

Chinatown, 1974

Roman Polanski's seventh film and the twenty-fifth in his career starring, Jack Nicholson. It is important to understand that, unlike the previous film, the film was made not by debutants, but by professionals with extensive work experience. The Chinatown script alone took more than ten months to write, and then there were a few more months of filming. Los Angeles-based private investigator Jake Gittes is hired by a wealthy young woman, Evelyn Mulray, to investigate a small but highly suspicious case. In the course of his work, the stubborn detective finds himself embroiled in large-scale speculation in land and water.

Again the classic plot structure: a lone warrior with a "Colt" in his pocket opposes not just a villain, but a whole conspiracy. I must admit that another tradition of noir can be called a very complex and confusing intrigue: a lot of false storylines, minor characters and attention to minor details. Despite all these qualities, "Chinatown" drags into the abyss of vice from the very first shots and does not let go until the final credits.

"Dead Man", 1995

This is one of the weirdest and most obscure examples of noir, with almost none of the directional signs described. There are no big and noisy cities, wide-angle cameras, branded "Dutch corners" and seductive women... And yet the film by Jim Jarmusch was shot according to all the canons of the genre. The director put into the lips of the characters exactly the worldview that is characteristic of the heroes of noir: they are full of indignation, but ready for total defeat.

Philosophical Western in the style of "noir" makes an indelible impression on the audience with its atmosphere and viscous rhythm of the narrative. Despite the fact that everyone in the film is chasing each other with pistols and the whole action is based on the principle of "Wait a minute!", It is difficult to find a more harmonious and soothing film in American cinema over the past 20 years. By the way, many operators use monochrome film for black-and-white shooting, but in this case Jarmusch insisted on the use of film with specific shades, which he needed precisely for the work on "Dead Man."

"Seven", 1995

David Fincher made a violent movie, as if paying tribute to the classic representatives of the genre "noir". The plot is simple: mysterious murders take place in the city. The investigation is assigned to Detective Mills and Detective Somerset. Each victim is not connected in any way with the others, and it is almost impossible to find a serial killer. Of course, if he himself does not want it. The perpetrator leaves next to each victim a "clue" to unravel the motive of the crime. The seven words that correspond to the seven deadly sins become such a key.

One of the first works by David Fincher was as stylish as it was strong. In the space of this film, the viewer cannot find at least one worthy hero. The thoughts of Kevin Spacey's character look cynical, but who can argue that all people on earth, including himself, are worthy of punishment? Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman) has long had no illusions about our lives, and his reasoning is mostly pessimistic. There is one bright character in the picture - this is the wife of one of the detectives, but the filmmakers leave us no illusions about her future fate. All this together made the film one of the best examples of post-noir.

"The Man Who Wasn't", 2001

American directors, brothers Joel and Ethan Coen, are valued in the world of cinema for their ability to transform. They, like chameleons, constantly take on the color of the object next to which they are in this moment... When they were filming a comedy about the beatnik, then the viewer developed full sensationthat they themselves are the same. In The Man Who Wasn't There, the brothers swung not just at one of the types of noir, but did the unthinkable: they shot a parody of post-noir. Only very talented people can play so skillfully with form and genres.

It's funny that the film was shown to the viewer in monochrome, although it was originally shot in color. The film is set in 1949, in the small town of Santa Rosa, California. The story is told from the perspective of Ed Crane, an eternally melancholic and sad man in his 40s who works in a barber shop. One gloomy morning, he receives an offer from a stranger to change his whole life. Given that Ed has nothing to lose, he agrees.

Sin City, 2005

Director Robert Rodriguez does everything fanatically. Each of his films so energetically immerses the viewer in the author's imaginary world that it resembles a child who is convinced, playing with blocks, as if he were building real houses. Basing City is not a hospitable city. It is ruled by corrupt officials and the mafia. It is impossible to remain a decent person in this city. In the film, based on the comics, the main characters are the most ordinary peoplethat have no superpowers. But they have anger, despair and a thirst for revenge.

Robert Rodriguez captivates the audience not only to see what the Sin City is, but also to become participants in a surreal carnival, the action of which develops in the noir style.

"Drift", 2009

The Bulgarian film Drift is one of the most typical representatives of neo-noir. The picture tells about the events that happened in just one night with a guy named Mole. He was released from prison, where he spent 15 years on false charges. Now he wants to find the diamond for which he endured all this time prison life... He is completely alien in this changed and rushed forward world. But the Moth strives towards its goal, like a moth towards fire.

Until now, critics and film historians argue how in Bulgaria, where the film industry is almost undeveloped, such an accurate, stylistically verified film could appear. It is important to understand that the director did not shoot just a movie that he likes, but followed the rigid framework of a genre that is more than seventy years old. The cameraman filmed the picture with three types of cameras: the action, which takes place in the sixties, was filmed at 35 mm; the scenes that take place before the prison - by 16 mm, and the visions of the protagonist - by 8 mm.

Cynical and controversial heroes, who, nevertheless, have a strong charisma, appear not only in a hat and in a black and white rain. Many popular TV shows are built around characters that, in other settings, could become actors noir. Here small list with which we advise you to get to know.

Let's pretend you're invited to a noir party. You try in vain to remember what it is. The urge to go to the party is so great that you still have to learn the style.

Noir look

Noir originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. At that time, crime reigned in the country, and directors began to reflect, which, as it seemed to them then, covered the whole of America, in black and white films. The plot has always been a detective story. By the way, the films of that time did not imply the classic American "happy ending". A cynical and cold-blooded attitude towards other people's destinies formed the basis of the films.

The image of a woman in the noir style overlaps somewhat with the image of a vamp woman. This may make it easier for you to imagine your future image... Noir style in clothes reflects the very essence of the concept - dark, pessimistic, negative, cynical. Men only need to wear black classic pants, white shirt and a vest. It would be appropriate to complement the image with a plaza and a black hat.

It should be noted that the image of a girl in the noir style, first of all, creates appropriate makeup, an open face and eyes. Therefore, you need to give up dark big glasses. Makeup should be done in the style of the 40-50s of the last century.

Noir dresses should be chosen with care so as not to distort the whole image. Clothes need to be picked up simple cut, no frills, moderately strict. The dress should be black, and complemented minimum amount accessories. A string of pearls or some other stone around the neck is enough.

Noir photo shoot

If you want to organize a photo session in this style, then you will need appropriate outfits, dollars or their imitation, weapons. Smoking, of course, is harmful to health, but to achieve full image you can hold a cigarette in the mouthpiece in your hand. If a retro car is captured in the frame, then there will be a win-win and very believable option.

Noir photographs should be in black and white. Although small blotches of red will not hurt at all. It all depends on the professionalism of the photographer. You can simulate a gunfight, gang showdown, or "business" round table conversation. Try to play up the burning moment when a person has literally a few seconds to live. This will definitely require good acting skills.

If you are attracted by this style, but you still have a vague idea of \u200b\u200bit, then watch a couple of American films of the 40-50s, and everything will become clear to you.