Discover Film Noir! Part of the 52-week photography challenge
Film Noir seeks deliberately to use high-contrast lighting to create shadows, drama, and mood. It is a cinematic style of photography that draws inspiration from Holywood films of the 1940s and 1950s when filming budgets were generally tighter and the lighting and simpler backgrounds had to replace lavish sets. The style suits those scenes that suggest mystery or menace hence film noir has become the term to reference the styling of famous crime and detective thrillers.
There are certain characteristics that set the style apart. Black and white treatment suits the style but is not always necessary. In order to create the necessary shadows and high contrast, the lighting sources will be stronger from the side and back. One of the most iconic and recognisable types of images from the film noir period is of the figure being lit by horizontal lines of light through the blinds. The resulting light rather reveals the character or hides them in mysterious darkness. Another characteristic technique is using strong backlighting to create silhouettes. The eyes of a film noir character are often important and can be hidden in darkness or revealed through special light.
Your challenge in Week 44 is to study the Film Noir style (lots of information is available on the internet) and then perhaps recruit a friend or family member who will be your model and create your own film noir-styled shots.
There are some reference items on Wakelet which might help your photography: Film Noir.
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As ever, these challenges are to encourage new photography, so we ask you not to simply re-use your existing stock (unless necessary for the particular challenge).
And do please send in your images associated with these challenges – or your other activities as a Club Member. We will publish them on these pages.
E-mail them to viewfinders-ttl@gmx.co.uk or rlduffill@gmail.com.
52 Week Photography Challenge 2022
NOTE: We are also extending our Week 43 Halloween Challenge into this week with tonight being Halloween and our special Halloween Night being on Wednesday!
| Key Club Dates | Notes, Link, etc. |
|---|---|
“Digitally Different – smoke and mirrors!” Hedon Viewfinders Exhibition | Hedon Museum Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am – 4pm. Volunteers are needed for each of the open days, please. Exhibition Dates (click): |
| Meeting Wednesday 29 March | “Photoelasticity” is our theme at the Haven Arms, Havenside, Hedon HU12 8HH – ALL WELCOME |
| Preston Open Photography Competition and Exhibition Sat 5 August | Preston Show and Family Fun Day, Nag’s Head, Preston. Saturday 5 August 1pm – 5pm |
Hedon Viewfinders Photography Club 
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