My aim was to capture a classic, high in contrast and at the same time a clean look portraiture. Converting the image into black and white gave the photograph a unique and honest perspective. A lack of colour opens up a new world where light and expression are intensified.
This image was captured with two Siros 800 L.
First of all I made sure to create a separation on the background. Without an illumination on the background the model with her very dark hair would disappear in the black background. The separation was illuminated with a Siros 800 L plus a P70 reflector in combination with a strip grid 5 : 1.
The second flash was responsible to create a harsh and precise light on the model's face.
Here I used a Siros 800 L in combination with a P70 reflector and barn doors. You notice a strong shadow under the chin and that automatically shows that the second light is placed above. The flash was set at an angle, around 1 meter above the person, just high enough to still gain some reflection in the eyes.
You are able to shape your light with the barn doors, but never as precise as with a more controllable light shaper. To really achieve the dark shadows on the side of the model I used the barn doors in combination with black flags. The black flags help me to control the light and gain a contrastier, harder portrait.
Also keep in mind to not go too far away with your flash, because you want to develop a circumstance where you can control your flash.
This image was shot with a focal length of 105mm and a f-stop of 8.
The shutter speed was 1/250.
by Jessica Keller
