Chiaroscuro Mini-Tutorial

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Chiaroscuro is Italian for light/dark. In art it is the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually affecting the whole composition. I don't think I can improve on Kerrys' mini-tutorial so I am providing the link to his excellent examples.
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...-mini-tutorial
For the example I am providing this was done using studio lighting, so it was easy to control the light and darks. The background was already black and some sidelighting and a hairlight was used. I upped the blacks even more in NIK SEP to create a dramatic effect. I have seen some nice examples of chiaroscuro with scenes indoors using just window light and ambient light to create a dramatic scene.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

This is an example where the light was hitting the cala lily and the background was in shade, which I completely darkened.

[Dennis Bishop]

I wonder about lightening the face and hair and darkening the rest of the first image, but they're both wonderful examples. I've never given chiaroscuro a lot of thought, but these images have changed that outlook. They're beautiful.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

It does look better. Thanks Dennis. This is always a challenging theme.

[Kerry Perkins]

Thanks Jackie, I meant to post this myself but have been distracted by life. I just brought my wife home from a five-day stay in the hospital, but all is well now. Good examples and you have an excellent grasp of the concept. You can see lots of fine art examples from the Dutch Masters of painting and others throughout history. Photographers have also made great use of the concept.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Yes Rembrandt comes to mind. Sorry to hear about your wife. Best wishes your way!

[Diane Miller]

Gorgeous portraits, both the girl and the lily! Wonderful catchlights in the eyes!

I prefer the darker shadows in the OP, especially for this theme. Plenty of detail in them.

[Diane Miller]

Kerry, good to hear some good news! You are both in all our thoughts and prayers.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Now that I look at it I think I prefer the original portrait of the girl too Dianne, it is more in keeping with the chiaroscuro concept.

[Anita Bower]

The repost of the woman is very nice. Thanks for linking us to the tutorial. Lovely work.