PHOT 90 Portraiture Student Work

Student work from the PHOT 90 Portraiture class

Most of these photographs reflect two opposing lighting styles, Low Key and High Key images. They are pulled from student submissions from four different projects. The low key images are dominated by deep shadows and high contrast which works great for conversion to black and white. There are several different lighting patterns represented here, including the classic portrait styles of Rembrandt and Side lighting. The characteristic pattern of Rembrandt lighting is defined by a small triangular highlight beneath the eye. The Side lighting project also includes backlit images that create dramatic silhouettes again a pure black background.

The High Key photos are the opposite of Low key, emphasizing a brightly lit background and often adding a dramatic splash of color. Multiple lights are used to creates these images, and that creates a challenge to balance all the different light sources. Students work in teams while in the studio helping set up the equipment, and sharing duties as creative directors, stylists, and principal photographers. Throughout the semester, students explore a multitude of classic and cutting edge portrait techniques such as the images in this gallery.

One of the more challenging projects for the class were the most recent Low Key portraits. With the shelter in place order in effect, most students had limited access to equipment and needed to create makeshift studios in their house. Having to adapt to this limitation spurred a creative spark that culminated in a first class body of work. Having mastered the basic techniques early in the semester, students were able to take these skills and apply them within their own unique situation.

Part one:

Part two:

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