Experimenting with Film Noir imagery (Draft)

We were given the task of creating photographs that explore the use of Chiaroscuro in noir as well as the use of noir imagery. This is so we can get a better understanding of how to use such techniques when we create our own film noir piece. The results we got were some quite interesting shots with the use of shadows and light. We also used props to create the feel of typical film noir characters. We then used simple editing techniques (E.g. Desaturation) to enhance these photographs to give typical looking noir imagery.

This shot is one of the best in terms of Chiaroscuro, this gives a really good backlight on the man with the gun pointed at him and gives just enough light to highlight the arm holding the gun. Guns are in a lot of films and they have become accepted as Iconography for the genre. I intend to experiment with backlighting and silhouettes in my film to add mystery to certain characters and maybe use them as an establishing tool.

This shot came out really well for how we wanted to experiment with light. We have a concentrated, powerful light focused on the girl in this picture and she is applying Lipstick in the mirror.  Not only does the light contrast extremely well, but lipstick is another signifier of film noir. I really like the difference in light and I think I will aim for an effect like this in my final production. 

This Photo really highlights some of the conventional characters in a Film Noir. It shows the Protagonist and the Femme Fatale and this usage of costume really gives a good effect. This picture has been desaturated and contrast has gone up slightly to really enhance the photo. When it comes to costume for our film, this style seems to work incredibly well and I see no reason not to try and recreate it.