Inspired by crime movies from the 1940s and 1950s, film noir photography is a very specific and creativity-boosting genre.
You can use this genre’s techniques to take atmospheric, cinematic, and mysterious photos.
Every other aspect of film noir photography is completely up to you! Whether it involves aperture, shutter speed, or any other technical setting.
The best way to find inspiration for this style is to look at its source: film noirs. Some of the most popular ones are Double Indemnity, The Big Sleep, and In a Lonely Place.
You can start practicing by re-creating your favorite scenes from film noirs. You can also take note of elements that make this style so alluring.
Pay attention to lighting, location, and focus in every scene.
Most actors in such films usually have fierce or somber expressions. The lighting is natural. It often features intense shadows that cover the actors’ faces.
Every element is used to create tension and intrigue.
Side lighting is perfect for highlighting specific parts of a model’s face. You can light your subject in various ways. One of the best methods involves window light.
Ask your model to stand next to a window. The smaller the window, and the gloomier it is outside, the easier it will be to re-create the film noir effect.
Don’t photograph them from an angle that highlights their entire face. Instead, experiment with unusual angles so that only a part of their face is visible.
You can use umbrellas, curtains, and other kinds of transparent fabric to create abstract film noir photos.
This is perfect for self-portraits and villainous silhouettes. Especially if you don’t want to show your face
Have your model stand behind a see-through material. Use this opportunity to experiment with movements, shapes, and lines that aren’t as evident in typical portraits.
For the best results, there should be a source of light behind your model. It will emphasise their silhouette.
Black & white mode is often used to look at the world from a different lens. This is ideal for photographers who want to think outside the box or simply challenge themselves.
When it comes to film noir photography, I don’t recommend shooting in b&w mode. Your camera perceives light in a specific way.
This might stop you from creating high-contrast photos.
Instead, shoot in color first and then convert your results to b&w. This will allow you to darken or lighten specific colors in your image before you transform it into a film noir photo.
Not every film noir photo has to have a dark theme. If you’re a fan of creative and dreamy portraits, you can give them the film noir touch as well.
For extra artistic portraits, add textures and layers to your photos. Light leaks, scratches, and bokeh will all enhance your black and white portrait and add depth to your composition.
This isn’t the classic film noir approach. But it’s a great opportunity to have fun with a specific photography style.
Film noir photos don’t have to be strictly black & white. You can experiment with subtle tones to give your photos a faded or vintage feel.
You can do this by altering the shadows or highlights of your photos. In the photo above, I added yellow highlights and green shadows to the image.
To make the effect as subtle as possible, I changed the layer’s opacity to around 10% or 20% in Photoshop. Compared to the b&w version, it looks dreamier and more eye-catching.
You can add your own signature style to film noir photography using methods like these.
One of the easiest ways to take classic film noir portraits is to create harsh shadows.
Harsh shadows can be created using bright direct light. For the best results, take photos next to a large window on a sunny day.
Have your model hold something against the sun. This can be a curtain, their hand, or anything that creates beautiful shadows.
Control the shadows so that they focus on one part of your model’s face or create an appealing pattern in general.
You can also use window blinds to create the perfect film noir portrait. This technique is very popular. Make it your own using different angles and points of focus.
Backlight is used in different photography genres to create a variety of effects. In film noir photography, you can use it to create unusual silhouettes.
Have your model stand in front of a bright light source. To re-create the film noir effect, take photos in a dark room.
From the right angle, the light will hit your subject in a way that darkens their body but emphasises their outline.
Sometimes, backlight can create flares that take the focus away from a subject. To avoid them, make sure your model is covering the light source. Stand directly in front of them.
Film noir photography has a lot of interesting elements. It can help you take incredible photos of your friends and clients.
The more you learn about it, the easier it will be for you to take unique photos that accurately reflect your creative vision.
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