Makeup School: Day 15 - Black & White Photography

Rushed face chart. But you get the idea...?

Our lessons so far has been largely focused on colour and colour correction, so what happens when none of that is relevant anymore? Work in shades and intensities of course!

Black and white (B&W) photography pretty much takes all our colour theory knowledge and stamps on it with monotoned madness. In a nutshell, this style of makeup is all about contour and highlighting. Revision time!

Any style of makeup is fine for B&W, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Wherever light is focued, the object will appear white or brighter, if not, the object will be dark and shadowed. There will be degrees of intensity between the two extremes in a grey gradient.
2. Any colour can be used as long as you understand how it will look when converted to a monotone shade.
3. Unless you're into the flat-faced look (don't laugh, I actually am! My face is so slim I'd use any way to create a fuller illusion), then always remember to contour and highlight! In B&W, you can get away with a heavier hand in the makeup. For where to contour and highlight, read back on my entry here

Shimmers are utterly beautiful when utilised correctly in B&W photography. However, word of caution NOT to put them on the T-zone as they will give the appearance of an oily face (always use matte highlights here!). Best place for them are swiped over the cheek planes, on brow bone, cupid's bow, centre of lips and in the middle of eyelids.

You can also go a lot darker for eyes and it won't look half as dramatic as will be in colour. Glamour, smokey, and socket eyes works their magic here! Make sure there is enough contrast between the medium and dark shade so gradient changes can be picked up. Blending is a priority here; uneven blending WILL show up!

xxEva