Black and White Photo Noirs
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'Noir,' means 'black' in French of course, and the term originated with 'film noir' cinenamatography studies describing 1940's and 50's films with dark, sometimes erotic and ambiguous themes. Visually, these films emphasized high contrast and dark shadows; heavy symbolism was often used throughout the films framed within the visual imagery.
Nowdays, there are Anime and screen wallpapers you can purchase that say they are 'noir,' not to mention all those popular video games, like World of Warcraft, that grace the screens of every kid's computer. Everything and anything slightly 'dark' in mode or tenor, commerciality doesn't seem to be an issue.
But I think 'noir' is a feeling that has always been with us. Dating back to the pre-Rennaissance with all those Gothic and dark themes in literature and art, and found in such American classics as Poe's "The Raven." It even may have had its beginning in artistic media. Perhaps within the tradition of painterly chiaroscuro, one of my favorite styles of classical painting.
I've included some of my photographs here that can be included in the 'noir' category--some a little darker than others, but all dealing with the shadow and the light.
Wall Abstract
Boler's
Flower Market in the Rain
Asian Flower Screen
Under the Bridge
For more black and white photography, see:
- Black and White Arizona Sketches
This is a huge tree right outside my bedroom window. I love trees in winter, and this one is a beauty, with its uneven limbs. The Old West seems to beckon black and white photography buffs. Take a road...
Books available on 'noir' themes:
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L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City
Price: $11.90
List Price: $26.00 |
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Boston Noir (Akashic Noir)
Price: $9.19
List Price: $15.95 |
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Blood Noir (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter)
Price: $3.59
List Price: $7.99 |
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Noir
Price: $6.78
List Price: $12.95 |
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Dani Noir
Price: $9.21
List Price: $15.99 |
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Brooklyn Noir
Price: $8.95
List Price: $15.95 |
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Portland Noir (Akashic Noir)
Price: $9.12
List Price: $15.95 |
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Phoenix Noir (Akashic Noir)
Price: $9.20
List Price: $15.95 |
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Manhattan Noir
Price: $6.00
List Price: $15.95 |
Black and white photography art available:
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Central Park (1961) Architecture Poster Print, 24x36
Price: $2.30
List Price: $9.00 |
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PASSION BLACK WHITE SEXY BEACH 24X36 POSTER #3770
Price: $3.87
List Price: $9.99 |
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AllPosters The First Kiss 36-by-24-Inch Poster
Price: $7.99
List Price: $9.00 |
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Jogger Photography Art Poster Print by Larry Silver, 20x16
Price: $14.99
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Walkway over the Lake Art Poster Print, 36x24
Price: $7.95
List Price: $8.00 |
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Pebble Beach Art Poster Print, 36x24
Price: $7.95
List Price: $9.00 |
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Bridge of Sighs, Venice Landscape Art Poster Print by Cyndi Schick, 5x7
Price: $5.99
List Price: $6.00 |
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Black and White Nude Art Poster Print, 24x36
Price: $7.95
List Price: $9.00 |
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Manhattan Places 36-Inch-by-12-Inch New York Poster Print by Richard Berenholtz
Price: $3.99
List Price: $7.00 |
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Dave Matthews Poster Black & White Concert 24" x 36"
Price: $4.13
List Price: $19.95 |
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Comments
i love black and white photography i have used lots in my hubs! anyways, B&W photography have always had this classic and sometimes surreal feel to them - man ray etc. i guess "film noir" has been loosely used to describe a movie with darker undertones and feel but not necessarily in B&W! great hub, love the pictures! :D
Thanks, Chris A... Yes, I took some liberties with noir--but I always think of those Hitchcock movies with all the mystery in there visually--no special effects needed.
These are actually just odds & ends from my stuff & they kinda had a theme, so here they are. :) Thanks again.
Fantastic Lita! Love the Asian Flower Screen and Under the Bridge - there's so much character about a black and white photograph isn't there? Ah well, I'm starting to sound ancient I guess!!
LOL @ Shalini! Classic is the better term :D
You know Cris - I'm feeing better already - classic sounds soooo much better!
I am such a big fan of black and white photography. It requires an entirely different eye than color. Thanks for the look at your shots!
Shalini-Thank you for viewing! And to me, you never sound anything but classic and clean in tone and style. I must tap you as a fan, too, if I haven't already. I've just been busy...
Thank you Lita! And it's quite all right - as long as I can read and view great stuff, that's all that matters :)
Thanks, Christoph-But as a photographer & b/w fan, you must know these are somewhat odds & ends. I'm hoping for a nice camera maybe for xmas, sooo! Then there is no stopping me, be forewarned! :)
These are great, Lita. I love the Asian Flower Screen photo especially--The subject matter is so out of kilter with the mood of the photograph. My first impression on viewing it was of a poisonous snake or some kind of unpleasant insect crawling across a wall--very creepy, not at all what you'd expect out of a dogwood branch!
You really have some wonderful work here. Thank you for sharing it.
got the forewarning and oh i am cowering with delight! hope you get your christmas wish! :D
Pam-Yes! Exactly--what you just said about the dogwood, lol! You know, very few visual people can articulate like that--that's why art writers are always welcome. And thanks very much for coming to take a look.
Chis A.-Yep! It's gonna happen, even if I have to buy it myself.
Lita, very nice pictures. I like black and white photos. Most are color now. I've sailed under the Golden Gate bridge. Nice shot. I've taken hundreds of sailing pictures on San Francisco Bay and Lake St. Clair (Michigan).
Here's one from San Francisco, off Tiburon http://express27.org/photos/1972.jpg
Ralph-That's a very, very cool shot you took there. It was hard for me to get a good shot of sail boats, etc., because I didn't have such a good camera. Is your house filled with photos?
I want toget serious about my photography--am planning a gallery website. I love the shadows in black and white photos..... Thanks for taking a look!
As a fellow photographer I'd like to say thank you for sharing your work. I work in a very similar vein, and enjoy the high drama of noir abstraction.
Peace
x
Thanks, Lou! I'll come by and take a look at your work, too, soon.
Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, lafenty. I'm about to process some more black & whites today...I need to get back into the bl&wh mood. I like your work, too!
Exactly--what you just said about the dogwood, lol! You know, very few visual people can articulate like that--that's why art writers are always welcome. And <a href="http://www.nyasianblue.com">new york asian escort</a> thanks very much for coming to take a look.
Oh, like wow, nyasian! To think I used to photoshop some of this junk when I was in NYC. Ya know, you shoulda put yer stuff in the forums. More people would see it.
MB says:
12 months ago
These look like old photos from the 40's and 50's. Some of them. Nice!