The classic look of film noir portraits was iconic to the 1930s and 1940s - the use of light, shadows and styling created a timeless look that is as popular today as ever. This practical book explains how to take photos and use lights to create powerful portraits typical of this time. With over 100 photographs, it covers the equipment needed; explores the types of images that are classed as film noir; shares tips and tricks to improve your images; guides you through the lighting set-ups in detail; recreates some classic film noir images and ideas, and finally, explains how to shoot film noir images inside and outside on location. Covers the equipment needed, including the cameras, lenses and the accessories that are essential to creating high-quality film noir images. Explores the type of images that are classed as film noir, and the difference between the film noir look and standard black and white portraits. Shares tips and tricks to improve your images, keep your costs down and make your lighting set-ups easy. Guides you through lighting set-ups in detail, especially speedlights and studio flash heads. Recreates some classic film noir images and ideas, and explains the main components of chiaroscuro light (quantity, quality, colour and direction). Explains how to shoot film noir images inside, covering lighting, setting ideas and potential set-ups, then moves outside on location. Advises how to finish your images in a digital darkroom and achieve a true film noir look.