Unit 7 · Project 1
High Contrast Portrait Photo (3)
Photograph 3 high-contrast portraits using dramatic lighting and strong directional light.
High contrast portraits are the foundation of this unit. You'll photograph 3 portraits using dramatic, directional lighting that creates strong shadows and highlights — the kind of contrast that translates directly into a printmaking block. Think Rembrandt lighting, split lighting, or harsh side light. Shoot in black and white mode (or convert in editing) and push the contrast until the image reads as strong darks and lights. These photos will become your carving references.
Objectives
- 1Photograph 3 portraits using dramatic directional lighting
- 2Each portrait must have strong contrast — clear darks and lights, minimal mid-tones
- 3Shoot in or convert to black and white
- 4Submit all 3 with a note on the lighting setup used for each
Materials
- DSLR camera
- Directional light source (window, lamp, or studio light)
- Black or dark background (optional but effective)
- Adobe Lightroom for editing
Tips
- Side lighting (light 90° to the side of the face) creates the most dramatic contrast
- A single light source is more dramatic than multiple lights
- Dark backgrounds make the face pop — try shooting against a wall or dark fabric
- Push contrast in editing: increase blacks, decrease whites, add clarity