A lot of classic film noirs have dramatic shadows and a stark contrast between light and dark, much like low-key chiaroscuro photography. This type of lighting heightens the drama and brings an air of mystery to your subjects. Noir photos often have a dark, shadowy, even sinister look and usually expresses a bold contrast & shadows.
“The smells. The elements. The sounds. The darkness. The raw and dirty side of it. Nothing is more beautiful to me than a nicely composed street scene in perfect light.”
– Daniel Turan
Noir photography often partially illuminates a subject while the rest of the scene falls to shadow.
Film noir photography, as an era, was popularized by thriller or detective films made in the period of the 1940s and 1950s.
Typically film noir photos are black & white. Some photographers however like the vintage or retro colors of film and produce color versions of images that have a dark mood. Basically it’s up to you to decide how you want your images to look & feel. The real quality of a noir photograph is seen in the lighting and subject treatment.
- Play with dappled light or light through blinds and curtains, fences, or windows.
- Noir photos don’t have to be menacing but they should be mysterious
- look for interesting places like abandoned areas or other old buildings that have weathered walls and windows/doors which create strong, contrasting beams of light.
- Bold, contrasting lighting
