LESSON 10: Portraits in Monochrome
Portrait photography is about more than faces—it’s about storytelling through emotion, expression, and mood. In black-and-white photography, the absence of color directs all attention to these elements, making portraits feel timeless and intimate.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to shooting compelling monochrome portraits.
1. Why Black and White Enhances Portraits
Focus on emotion: Without color distractions, the viewer’s eye goes straight to expressions.
Highlight textures: Skin, hair, and clothing textures become more pronounced, adding depth.
Timeless quality: Monochrome portraits often feel classic and enduring, perfect for personal or artistic work.
2. Lighting Techniques for Monochrome Portraits
Soft, diffused light: Ideal for gentle, flattering portraits. Overcast skies or window light works well.
Side lighting: Creates depth and emphasizes facial features and textures.
Backlighting: Produces a subtle halo effect or silhouette, adding mood and drama.
High contrast: Strong shadows and highlights can intensify emotion and create striking images.
3. Composition Tips
Rule of thirds: Place the eyes along the top third for balanced framing.
Leading lines and framing: Use natural elements like doorways, arches, or furniture to frame the subject.
Negative space: Empty areas around the subject can emphasize mood and isolation.
Close-up vs. environmental: Close-ups focus on emotion and detail, while wider shots place the subject in context.
4. Capturing Genuine Expression
Talk to your subject to make them comfortable.
Observe gestures, posture, and fleeting expressions—you’re looking for the “decisive moment.”
Encourage movement: small shifts, turns, or glances often yield natural, candid results.
5. Camera Settings and Tips
Shoot in RAW for maximum editing flexibility.
Use a wide aperture (f/1.8–f/4) for shallow depth of field and subject isolation.
Keep ISO as low as possible for clean images, but don’t fear slight grain—it can add character.
Adjust exposure carefully to preserve details in highlights and shadows.
6. Practice Exercise
Take 3–5 portraits of a willing subject. Experiment with:
Different lighting setups (window light, side light, backlight).
Varying distances (close-up, mid-shot).
Editing styles (high contrast, soft tonal range).
Compare the images and notice which choices best convey emotion and mood.
Final Thought
Monochrome portrait photography is a powerful way to tell stories through emotion, light, and texture. By focusing on expression, using light intentionally, and mastering composition, your portraits will feel timeless and deeply engaging.