Depth in Darkness: Modern Chiaroscuro
An inspiration for this series was chiaroscuro, that is, light and shadow modelling to achieve dramatic depth and strong climat. Each photo was made with the use of one direct light with a completely darkened background. Minimalistic scenography and harsh light and deep shadows allowed for the exposure of a model and symbolic details. For all images, ISO was set in the range between 200 and 800, depending on how far I was from the model: closer -> lower value of ISO.
PHOTO 1.
The posture is detached from the background, and the light illuminates the side of a head and a part of the arm. Sharply drawn, the border of the light highlights calm and focus, the rest is in the shadow. The head and ear are positioned around the intersection of the upper and right third, with negative space on the left enhancing minimalism.
PHOTO 2.
Part of the face and ear highlighted by the light, rest of the face drowning in shadow. Strong contrast and lack of filling light intensifies atmosphere of alienation. Light grey material subtly reflects the light and does not dominate the frame. Key facial features land near the upper-right third intersection, with most light concentrated on the right.
PHOTO 3.
Directed light slightly accents a part of the face, arm and one side of the neck. Most of the character is hidden in the dark. Subtle light unhide clothing details and fabric texture. The shoulder, neck, and ear align with the right vertical third, balancing the image.
PHOTO 4.
Light placed a bit higher accents a jaw line. Minimalistic background helps reinforce details. Light setup (Rembrandt setup) - obliquely from above - classic chiaroscuro effect. Face and cap nearly centered, but slightly to the left. Calm central symmetry offset by deep shadow on the right.
PHOTO 5.
Head supported on hand, hand caught by the light on the shadow background. The light exposes the texture of the skin and fabrics. The hand is in the lower-left third, the head in the upper-left third.
PHOTO 6.
Light focused on the cap and part of the face, hand in light part-shadow. Key gesture (hand/cap) lands in the upper-right third; arms cross the lower third for visual weight.
PHOTO 7.
Shot mainly showing a hand gesture - hand and wrist caught by the light. Narrow contrasts allow for focus on the gesture and the facture. The illuminated hand is at the intersection of right and lower third lines, drawing the viewer’s focus.
PHOTO 8.
Reverse silhouette shot with a hand under a chin, light cut out on selected elements. The bransolette reflects a light suggesting a symbolic detail. Chin and hand trace the right and upper thirds, with the bracelet at their intersection, giving a stable, minimalistic feel.
PHOTO 9.
A hand with three fingers directed to the camera. The light brings out the meaning of the gesture. The Crucifix on the neck is clearly visible, the light highlights its presence and symbolic meaning. The hand is positioned in the lower-left third. The cross is central, leading the eye along a diagonal.
PHOTO 10.
Hand on the cap - dynamic gesture, light focused on the hand and the edge of the cap. Cropping slightly from below increases the expression of the photo. The gesture with the cap sits in the upper-left third, creating visual interest and movement. The negative space amplifies the dynamic feel.
Overall, I'm satisfied with the outcome of this series. The project allowed me to experiment with chiaroscuro lighting and classic compositional techniques, achieving exactly the atmospheric effect I planned. Working with one strong light and black background brought out the emotions, gestures, and small details of each portrait in a way that feels dramatic and honest.
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