Tag Archives: Children Photographs

Photo Noir

By Russell Neal | Published February 5, 2012

The term film noir is French for “black film”, it was first applied to Hollywood films in the 1940′s

With the absence of colour ‘Noir Photography’ is Classic, Timeless and Simply Beautiful. This type of low-key photography speaks about emotion, depth and absolute simplicity.

When you are looking for a striking timeless piece of fine art then the Photo Noir portrait session is for you.

Smiles are not necessarily what we are looking for, serious looks will work wonders for this classic style of black and white portraiture no matter if its children, teens or adults of all ages.

That said as you can see by the two examples on this page, smiles and serious faces work well depending on the client.

How to make a Noir Photograph

To photograph noir, obviously we use a black background set back far enough not to reflect any light, 2 ft is usually plenty depending on the background material.

The subject will need to wear very dark or black clothing and is posed to suit.

We use a single light source generally placed at 45% / 45% from the subject’s nose and frame for the head and shoulders or full face.

It is important that the picture is not overexposed as this will distract the viewer from the mystery.

If we want to make the picture more moody, we can move the studio flash position to for example, 65% / 45% or use a beauty dish to give a harsher light.

We then import the photograph into Lightroom and add a little dodge and burn to enhance the overall look.

Special promotion: For the month of April 2012 RussellNealPhotography.co.uk will be running FREE  ‘Photo Noir’ sessions at the Hertfordshire photography studio!

Visit the special promotions page for further details or contact us now using the contact page to reserve your photo shoot at our studio.

Being that we are flexible with the working hours we can accommodate weekend and evening appointments that are mutually agreeable.
Spaces are limited so book yours now!!

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Mobile Essex and Hertfordshire Portrait studio

By Russell Neal | Published October 21, 2010

Photographer in the Hertfordshire and Essex area

  • Great value, professional and fun wedding & Portrait photography for you to remember for the rest of your life.
  • The highest quality albums using the latest in digital equipment
  • Your images in hi-resolution files on DVD are included in some of the packages (subject to change in the future)
  • Uniquely different wedding photography
  • Combination of beautiful posed images with journalistic photos, to capture those unexpected moments that make your wedding unique.

Russell Neal Wedding & Portrait Photography is based in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire.


Managed by Russell Neal, he provides quality wedding photography and portrait photography to bridal couples within Hertfordshire affectionately known as Herts, Essex and London, as well as Country-wide and abroad if needed.
Russell provides a combination of photojournalism and classic traditional photography, in both colour photography and black & white photography, these are provided in a variety of popular packages.
Special weekday wedding pricing is available for Hertfordshire and Essex Weddings. Free email and phone consultations provided 7 days a week with first class customer service always in mind.
Contact Russell Neal Wedding and Portrait Photography for unique wedding photography, from engagement portraits to the last dance.

Russell Neal has been a photographer in Hertfordshire for more than ten years. With photography experience as both a wedding photographer and as a portrait photographer, Russell believes in the importance of capturing wedding memories with the client’s interests in mind. his testimonials can be found on the testimonials page

Russell is a full member of the Society of wedding and portrait photographers which was established in 1988 under the Chairmanship of Derek Avery, the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers was founded to service the needs of professional wedding and portrait photographers, whether in full or part time occupations.

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