B & W Portraits

[TraceyHill3]

DPS just posted this new article about overusing post-processing.

Overused Post Processing Effects

In it, the writer says something against b & w portraits on black backgrounds. I thought that was a good thing. Should b & w portraits only be shot with white backgrounds?

[SusanH1970]

If your lighting is bad and you suck at black and white conversions, then no, don't do black and whites on a black background, lol. I happen to adore BW's on a black background:

(I cheated with this one; shot on charcoal grey and I darkened to black in post processing)

[TraceyHill3]

OH! That's what they meant!

BTW, you obviously don't have that problem. Those portraits are just perfect! How'd you do them? What kind of lighting?

[SusanH1970]

LOL, thanks!

I used an AlienBee 400 in a large softbox for these, but I've also done BW's on a black background with natural light from a window. These were just the first few I grabbed.

[TraceyHill3]

Ok, thank you. I'm going to practice this weekend with window light until I can get a softbox. I have been wanting one, but I'd like to get a new lens before I buy anything else.

You really are a great photographer and I appreciate the reply!

[G'Hopper]

Originally Posted by TraceyHill3

DPS just posted this new article about overusing post-processing.

Overused Post Processing Effects

In it, the writer says something against b & w portraits on black backgrounds. I thought that was a good thing. Should b & w portraits only be shot with white backgrounds?

I was also a bit surprised at that comment. I tend to like b/w portraits on a black background. Your examples are GREAT!!

[SusanH1970]

Yes, yes, yes....use natural, available light as much as you can! It's actually much harder to work with, since you really can't control it. Studio light is so much easier in comparison. You'll be a better photographer in the long run if you can work with whatever light Mother Nature gives you.

Do you have a reflector? They help immensely when working with window light to fill in shadows. Here's a diagram of how I position everything when using window light, for the most part. Sometimes I use a reflector if I need to bounce more light on my subject for fill light; sometimes I prefer a moodier look and don't use one at all, but only if the light is just right.



Window light (sliding glass doors camera left, NO reflector):


And thank you so much for the kind words. "Great photographer" - no. Far from. I'll take "getting there".

[TraceyHill3]

Aww! Such a sweet photo! And this one was done with no reflector? I have one of those 5-in-1 reflectors, but if I can get photos to look like the one above without it, I'd really like that. I like the way the shadows add to the look of the photo. I think the reflector would add too much light. Wouldn't it? I really appreciate your drawing also. I'm really going to get my kids to help me practice this weekend! Thanks a bunch! I know 3 professional photographers around here and everything including the type of camera they use is something they don't want to discuss! I'm not trying to compete (I have another job). I just love this so much and want to learn!

[SusanH1970]

Thanks! Yep, no reflector. I use a 5-in-one as well, 99% of the time I use the white side. This client has amaaaaaazing light in her house, the angle the light comes in through the doors is just perfect. Using a reflector at the time I shot this session was making the light far too flat, so I ditched it. I think I have one from an older session where I did use the reflector, though. I can try to find it if you'd like.

Good for you for wanting to learn. It's so, so much fun.

[TraceyHill3]

If you can find it, I'd love to see the difference the reflector made. I was going to experiment both with one and without.