By stripping away the distractions of color, black and white photography invites the viewer to focus on form, light, shadow, and the emotion that’s conveyed through the simplest of contrasts. This shoot was all about capturing the essence of Kimberly’s expressions and the interplay of light and shadow, elements that truly come to life in monochrome.
A Brief History of Studio Photography
Studio photography has a long and fascinating history. The practice dates back to the mid-19th century when early pioneers like Louis Daguerre and Mathew Brady began to capture portraits in carefully controlled indoor settings. The development of artificial lighting and more advanced camera technology allowed photographers to create stunningly detailed portraits, often in black and white.
Black and white photography became the cornerstone of studio work, and for decades it was the primary method for creating lasting images. In the early 20th century, photographers like Richard Avedon and Irving Penn perfected the studio portrait, mastering light to highlight their subjects’ unique qualities. These classic black-and-white portraits have an unmatched timelessness and elegance, which continues to inspire modern photographers.
Revisiting Classic Techniques
During my studio shoots, I want to revisit those traditional techniques, experiment, learn, enjoy and produce photos that my clients are pleased with. Using controlled lighting, during this shoot, I aimed to create a dramatic effect, highlighting Kimberly’s features and capturing the subtlety of her expressions. The simplicity of black and white allowed us to focus on mood and emotion, bringing a raw, intimate feel to each shot.
Why Black and White?
Photography is about telling a story. Black and white photos offer a certain kind of storytelling that are better said in monochrome rather than in colour. I find that there’s a purity and intensity in monochrome that resonates with the viewer on a different level. Even whilst I take wedding photos I often give my clients a set of photos in black and white. For this session with Kimberly, it was about reconnecting, following some years that we did not work together. Indeed we managed to do so after a few minutes of talking and taking photos.
I find that there’s something deeply personal about working in monochrome—it strips away all the extras and leaves just the essentials, much like the early days of studio photography. Portrait photography is far than just about taking photos it is about nod to the history of studio photography while creating something fresh and personal for the persons in front and behind the camera.
