Help with high contrast B&W effect!

[laurendavis87]

Hi guys,

I'm currently studying photography at uni, but I only have a very basic knoweldge. My poor tutor is sick and can't help me with an assignment I'm working on, but maybe you guys can?!

I want to take a series of (digital) extremely high-contrast B&W portraits, similar to the one below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacquec/2733505418/

In fact, I would prefer an even higher contrast...

I have found a few tutorials on how to manipulate the shots at the post-production stage, however NOTHING on in-camera settings.

I would prefer to spend as little time as possible in photoshop since I have limited access to the program via the uni computers.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance

-lauren

[conbu19]

What camera do you use Lauren? This will help the good people/pros here help you more directly. Good luck. Steve B.

[Kerrits]

You will most definitely need filters of some kind to get this effect.

Doing it in photoshop would be a 5 minute job.

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

You could possibly get close by shooting in low light conditions and using a flash close to the person. Some cameras allow you to set the contrast prior to shooting. On the Canon, it is called picture styles. Hope this helps. --Rick