Noiresque

Distinctive monochrome photography that makes YOU stand out. This gives a classy and elegant look that is both modern and timeless.

timeless and distinctive portrait photography

Move away from the tired blown white background family photographs and have contemporary monochrome photographs that you can enjoy for years to come

Classic

Hollywood style lighting equipment for that Hollywood look

Bearded Staffordshire man in a distinctive black and white monochrome portrait photograph

Clarity

Clear and defining

Monochrome Noir portrait photograph of a woman.

Depth

Attention focused on you

Vintage

Can be developed further for a vintage look

Noiresque - What is it ?

At its heart it is a reduction of complexity by simplifying elements in the photograph enabling the emphasis in the portrait to be clearly on the person/s in the photograph. This is achieved by removing distractions such as colours and by lighting the portrait specifically for the person/s in it based on their style, hair and facial structure.

Portraits in this style tend to have a powerful look and are different from what most photographers in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire can or will offer.

Based on Chiaroscuro lighting as used in Renaissance and Baroque paintings. The lighting introduces a sense of realism and depth into portraits. This is achieved by lighting contrasts giving a distinct difference between light and dark tones. It is this that creates the sense of depth in the photograph. Noiresque uses this Chiaroscuro lighting to create a look akin to a classic film noir movies but without the sinister element.

I'm not sure it is the style for me / us .....

Noiresque is not is for everyone. For some people their style, decor and general ambience are better suited to another form of portrait photography. That may be a location portrait or one using a white or colour background. Take a look at some of my more standard offerings.

Beautifully simple

By using black and white or toned monochrome the attention is clearly on you.
Quality lighting that controls your features but lets the inner you shine through.
Display the power within you in your portrait.

Low key monochrome portrait photograph of a man in Staffordshire

Vintage styled toned monochrome photograph of a woman in vintage style clothing.

Monochrome portrait photograph with a timeless feel of a woman from Leicester.

Toned monochrome portrait photograph of a young woman.

Big-eyed black and white portrait photograph of a Staffordshire woman

Styled monochrome portrait photograph of a man looking like a 1960s biker

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the questions that you might be thinking and that others might have asked

Black and white portrait photograph of a young woman sat cross legged in Rupert the bear chequered trousers.

What is the best clothing to wear ?

The simplest option is a black T-shirt or other top which does not have a 'fussy' collar or neck. In the examples on the page you can see that there are other possibilities depending on the look that you want. Strap tops tend to not work well but there are exceptions

What is the best colour for the clothing ?

Black is best or a dark blue or dark red. The important thing is that if it is a group of you then the colours need to be the same.

How long does the session take ?

This isn't quite a 'how long is a piece of string ?' question. Some sessions are every short, 20 minutes, whereas some can be somewhat longer. It depends on how many people are involved, how easily they relax in front of the camera and how many clothing variations you want to try.

Can I have a mixture of this style of photograph and standard blown white background or a colour background set of photographs from the same session ?

Absolutely, yes. You will have to allow time for my changing the background and lighting around for each set.

How soon after the session will I see my photographs ?

In the studio I tend to work tethered to a computer. This enables you to see the photographs before any adjustments just about as they are taken. At the end of the session you get to look through the photographs and choose the ones that you want me to process further.

How much does it cost ?

There is no session fee. You pay for the images that you want. I can supply prints, framed mounted photographs, canvas and many more finishes. Some examples and pricing are on the Products page of my main website. Payment can be made by bank transfer, cash, in-person credit / debit card via WorldPay Zinc

Where is your photography studio space ?

I am in Staffordshire Moorlands area of North Staffordshire, just at the southern end of Stoke-on-Trent. The A50 between Stoke and Derby is quite close as is Blythe Bridge train station

Distinctive black and white portrait of a man in a cheque shirt - Phil from Stoke-on-Trent

Classic style for classic memories

Classy and distinctive monochrome noir portrait photograph of a bare shouldered woman with a pearl earring

Bare shoulders are another option

Black and white portrait photograph of a woman with long black hair

Earth brown colour top also can work

Contact me

Still have some questions or want to start making a booking ?.

Get in touch

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Mobile: 07979 674677

Noiresque Distinctive monochrome photography that makes YOU stand out. This gives a classy and elegant look that is both modern and timeless.