Classical Portraiture, Timeless Black and White

Classical Portraiture, in Black and White | Klassiek portret van een jonge vrouw in zwart-wit. Middengrijze achtergrond. Fotografie J. den Hollander.
Classic portrait (2008), shallow depth of field, straight out of camera.

Classical Portraiture, in Black and White
Although I did not execute this shot to ‘perfection’, it is still one of my favourite portraits. Today it is likely that I soften the shadow. Nowadays I would also go for a middle-dark grey background. Back then this light backdrop was the only one available in a tide space. So, above portrait is my end result that I am sharing publicly online. This portrait was made without lighting variations, hence I have no alternative images to choose from. Yet I do not complain and accept this outcome that despite ‘flaws’ works for me. I am happy with the shallow depth of field and her sharp eyes. The overall tones of the image are fine and her expression is good. The portrait is strong as it is.

Comparing backgrounds. Below a tad darker. Indeed I definitely would like to see a mid-dark grey behind the subject as well. Especially because she has blond hair.

Klassiek portret van een jonge vrouw in zwart-wit. Middengrijze achtergrond. Fotografie J. den Hollander.

I have made many classic -low key style- portraits with a dark background. That works great for me. White/light however is not my first choice for classic.

So here you are, I am sharing her portrait with a dark grey-near black background that I recently created in Photoshop. Just to show you, the viewer, a result that I like to make straight in camera : a classic portrait with a dark backdrop, preferably with a subtle gradient behind the subject.
Deliberate subtle lighting technique that is what I do anno 2021. A clear vision before I start. A complete toolkit to make it happen, in-studio, in-home, in-company or on location. And I'm always keen to make portraits with flattering light.

In the past 5 years I invested in extra gear and collapsible backdrops. These days I have many portable backdrops in various sizes and colours.
If you commission a classic portrait and an in-home photo session, I bring 1 versatile collapsible background.

Here is another portrait that is in my opinion strong in black-and-white. I love this one as well.
BTW the above images are in low resolution as well as compressed for web. That means that fine details in dark shadow tones get lost. A high resolution file and print show details in the darkest grey tones...
Double portrait of brother and sister, in black-and-white.

Black and White versus Colour | Zwart-wit portret vs kleur
Examples and considerations

Classic Portraits | Klassiek Portret

Contemporary Portrait | Eigentijds portret

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