Advanced Photography Brief #3: Portraiture - Under Lighting

 Chiaroscuro refers to the way light and shadow are used to create realistic three-dimensional images on flat two-dimensional surfaces. Chiaroscuro uses the contrast between light and dark to spotlight images for dramatic effect. Chiaroscuro uses a low-key lighting setup, where a key light is used as the sole light source to achieve dark backgrounds with starkly lit subjects.

I knew for this last photo that I wanted to create a really eery and creepy atmosphere, a haunting photo. I was particularly inspired by Stanley Kubrick's, A Clockwork Orange (1971), particularly the delinquent main character, Alex. He has a psychotic look and character that I wanted to recreate in my image. 

Under Lighting is when the main source of light comes from below the actor or object. Below is an example of underlighting. It is used to disfigure the face, and is often used in horror movies. It creates a sense of power and unease. A very good technique if trying to make the character scary and/or creepy.

To achieve this, I looked at how under-lighting can influence the atmosphere of a photo as well as the positioning of the model.

I decided t place the lighting below eye level of the model, under the face. I made sure the light wasn't directly pointed at the model but still hit her face. I positioned her so she was dragging her skin on her face down with her finger whilst looking upwards, away from the camera. Because this isn't a traditional or flattering lighting technique it appeared more creepy as the under of her eyes were illuminated. 

I was really happy with this outcome as I achieved the look I was going for and felt like I was able to successfully manipulate the lighting to get this