Classic Hollywood portraiture is cinematic and striking. The subjects in the portraits are perfectly coiffed and attired, their skin is flawless, their wardrobes are cutting-edge fashion, and they seem to stare out from the frame with a godlike and storied presence. This is Old Hollywood portraiture, produced with excruciating precision to ensure that the stars and starlets of the 1920s and 1930s would look larger than life and simply perfect. The photographers’ and publicists’ goal in having these portraits made was to create a sense of awe, to give movie goers and fans a two-dimensional likeness of a celebrity that would create a buzz an idolatry, even and nestle these superhumans deep in the public consciousness. Pete Wright teaches you how to re-create mysterious, dark, and glamorous cinematic portraits reminiscent of those taken of 1920s’ and 1930s’ stars and starlets. The book contains 60 discrete sections which contain 60 of Wright’s most impressive, nostalgic black and white portraits, along with some alternate poses and lighting diagrams. In each section, the author details the steps taken to create the final portrait. You’ll learn how Wright conceptualized the shot and will gain insight into the location of the shoot, props selected to create the theme, wardrobe selection, and hair and makeup styling. The lighting units used on the set, light modifiers, and lighting setup employed will also be covered, allowing you to readily re-create the classic, dramatic Hollywood look with your own subjects. Wright will also discuss how he posed the subject to give him or her that superstar, larger-than-life look. One of the big differences between today’s re-creation of the dramatic old portraits is digital capture, which, for the majority of photographers, is done in colour. Wright addresses this issue and presents tips for getting snappy, moody black and white tones in postproduction. If you’re a film buff, portrait traditionalist, or simply want to add a new look to your photographic arsenal, you’ll find lots to love in this new book. AUTHOR: Award-winning photographer, journalist and lecturer Pete Wright, a fourth-generation artist and a second generation photographer, was raised in North Carolina in an environment rich in art and photography. His photographs were first published when he was 14 years old when he accepted his first paying job as a photographer working for a regional newspaper. Years later, in 1997 PW Photography’s first studio opened. The studio’s work has ranged from portraits and weddings to sports and editorials. Colour photographs
