Rediscovering the Portrait with Ilford FP4+
Black and White Film Portraits bring a timeless essence to the art of photography, stripping away color to focus on the raw emotions and stark contrasts of the subject. My recent session with the talented model, Junko, provided an ideal opportunity to delve into this medium using my Hasselblad 503cxi, renowned for its precision and paired with the classic Ilford FP4+ black and white film.
Experimentation with Light and Filters
The photoshoot day presented harsh sunlight, an element both challenging and invigorating for a photographer. Initially, I opted for my standard operating procedure yellow filter to enhance the contrast but later reflected on whether this was necessary due to the harshness of the light. This experience highlighted the importance of adapting to the environment, a key learning process in mastering black and white film portraits.
Mastering the Square Frame
Capturing Junko in the square 6×6 format of the Hasselblad pushed me to consider every edge and corner of the frame, striving for a balance between subject and space. Interestingly, I had viewed a Harry Borden YouTube video on celebrity portraits just after this shoot. Although I hadn’t had the chance to apply his techniques directly at the time, his approach of often cropping the top of the head in close-up shots has since broadened my perspective on portrait composition in black and white film.
Lessons from Legends
After engaging with Harry Borden, I explored “Pablo Picasso at La Californie, Cannes, France 1957” by Irving Penn. Penn’s mastery in portrait photography, particularly in unconventional framing and composition, has sparked my interest in delving deeper into black and white film portraits, encouraging a shift beyond my usual photographic style.
Looking Forward
Each shot of Junko became a dialogue between light and shadow, camera and subject, artist and muse—emphasizing the compelling narrative potential of black and white film portraits. As I continue to explore the combination of Hasselblad’s detail and Ilford’s dynamic range, the journey in black and white photography remains a perpetual source of discovery and inspiration.
A Few Examples
Each image contributes to the narrative of Junko’s story, captured through the timeless grain of Ilford FP4+. These portraits not only showcase the technical aspects of black and white film but also the emotional depth that can be achieved.