Learning Center
Degage in StudioNoir

I call it “StudioNoir “– the black studio. Some call it my black box and it was conceived and designed simply to take the popular look of straightforward black and white studio portraiture On The Road.

The concept is simple – create an environment for the subjects to sit in, play in, be photographed in that eliminates distractions for the subjects and provides a suitable visual setting for the session–and make it portable enough to take into people’s homes or even backyards or local park in open shade.

The Space
StudioNoir is built utilizing three sets of background stands and crossbars and clamping lightweight, black fabric over the horizontal pole. Fabric is designed for use 9’ wide for the back and sides and can be raised up to 9’ high depending on space. The back wall fabric is a continuous 18’ piece, coming out to form the floor. On occasion, I have substituted a painted scenic muslin if the subject called for it.

The Light
In an attempt to create naturalistic, casual looking lighting, I use what I like to call my “Left Bank Light,” a wide soft source of light, placed on the left and left alone. The lighting for the portrait is designed to work with the simplistic look of the ensuing image. One Light! Why one light? Well, who was the world’s first great lighting person? God. Who figured out how to light his subject – the Earth – with just one light……and make it interesting by leaving the light stationary and moving his subject! To that end, I use a very large Octabank light, creating the look of a bank of windows – totally believable in appearance. Why is this natural light look so important? Well, because it is pure and honest and works with the uncluttered look of the image and is right for the client we choose to serve. It allows the subjects to move, change pose, play within the space all the while bathed in a broad, soft, effortless light. Yes, effortless – it allows me to concentrate on my subjects totally, not being the least bit concerned about the usual technical issues.

The Session
It might be important here to talk briefly about this particular type of client. Our intention is to offer portraiture to a contemporary client that is searching for a more truthful portrait – photojournalistic in nature. Less posed, less contrived, totally straightforward, uncomplicated portraits that reflect the lifestyle of this savvy new consumer. Candid photography doesn’t only have to happen in a candid or outdoor setting! This is Degage Portraiture. From the French word, it means casual and relaxed, detached without involvement. And I believe the time is right for this unfussy style of photography.

The Credo
My golden rule is a definition that speaks to me of the reason I am a portraitist. “A Picture is of somebody, but a Portrait is about somebody.” I have always held a fascination with the human spirit. As a portrait photographer, I often sit mesmerized watching human drama unfold. After all, it’s all about the people! And who am I to feel I can change my subjects reality, make mine, theirs.

In Degage Portraiture, I do not pose the subject in any way – it is not my time – it is their moment. By simplifying the setting and the lighting, I can allow the subjects to move and play in the space of Studio Noir, allowing me to wait for the Decisive Moment when their interaction sings with a purity all it’s own. Working from a distance so as not to interfere with the subjects time, I always use my Tamron SP AF28-105. This is by far and away my favorite lens for all types of Portrait photography – it’s quick, sharp and dependable. Because it’s a fast f2.8, I can expose for the modeling light only (no flash to interrupt the flow), I capture realistic images of genuine relationship – the true, intrinsic value of portraiture at it’s best. And there is always a relationship to capture – be it with another family member or with an individual’s personal inner self. Our task is to feel it, see it, and hold it for all time.

In my travels, I have found this “non-controlling” type of studio session difficult for many seasoned portrait photographers to accept. The idea of not posing or changing lighting, of not prompting an expression is not only foreign but downright unnerving. The trick is –Push the Button when your senses tell you to. In essence, it is empathy portraiture – putting yourself in the shoes and heart of your subjects.

Honestly, this is not portraiture for the masses. I would never suggest that you abandon your successful ways – only add to them. This “Fine Art” Portrait Commission is primed and targeted to an appreciative young-at-heart audience looking for a today kind of thing. It should be marketed, produced, priced and presented different than your traditional offerings. Set yourself apart, get to the heart, the essence of what we as portraitists are all about. Consider offering Degage Portraiture in a StudioNoir.