"The Beatles" half-shadow look

[Grinch]

This seems somewhat like a silly question, but...

I've always wanted to capture that effect that is seen in early photos of the Beatles, where half of their faces are in shadow. Here's what I mean...

These photos were taken in 1962 by German photographer Astrid Kirchherr:

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/4494/06rp5.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4686/08bk5.jpg

Apparently, the Beatles themselves liked the effect so much that they asked British photographer Robert Freeman to take a photo in the same effect for their late 1963 album, "With The Beatles":


http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1150/withthebeatleszv8.jpg

Anyone know how I can replicate this effect? What sort of lighting? A big problem I find with digital cameras is that there isn't much contrast like film - black and white photos just come out sort of gray without any feeling to them at all. I miss my old Voigtlander!

[cassarilda]

Contrast is mainly produced by lighting and exposure.. you can still get grey parts in film, but it depends on how you process it.

For these, they are two slightly different lighting positions.. but I would think just one tungsten globe, to the side of the face, but more towards behind their ears or in line with them for the first one...

The 2nd shot has two lights.. one down low, and the other slightly higher.

And then just burn in the dark side of the face later.

Does that help? :)

[Grinch]

Yeah, but nowadays I've retired to digital. This effect can be done with a digicam, right?

[woffles]

This is close to what you are talking about. Just had a tungsten desk lamp. One of those flexible types that are cone shaped lighting her from the side. If the light was moved behind slightly more and the picture processed a more harsh you will probably get the affect you want. Just a black towel on the wall behind her.

http://static.flickr.com/25/59944343_c74ea9c1a9_m.jpg