When Lozoya was asked why he focused on a book of black and white photography he stated that he once believed the only difference between color photography and black and white photography was the type of film used. He began to look deeper into the differences by reviewing the master photographers.
Lozoya studied the following artists:
- Ernest Brooks II
- Yousuf Karsh
- Robert Mapplethorpe
- Tom Bari
- Ansel Adams
- William Mortensen
Why Lozoya Liked Black & White Photography
When asked why he liked black and white photography, Lozoya stated the finished product looked better in print. He went on to say that although he enjoys color photography there is something classic about black and white prints. Lozoya enjoys the creativity and challenges that goes along with the process of producing a good black and white photo. Before taking the photograph, Lozoya visualizes the finished product.
Types of Lighting Used for Photo Sessions
Lozoya uses electronic or strobe lights for his main lighting. The brand name he uses in his studio is Speedotron. This type of light helps him to control his set-up as well as the intensity range. The light also has many “light heads and attachments that can be used to adjust the light quality.” For portable lighting with no electrical power he uses Quantum Qflashes “powered by the Quantum Qpaq.”
Lozoya says Quantum Qflashes are compact and are used to “create elaborate lighting setups". He also uses Morris mini slaves. Not only are these lights small and have a PC socket their sensor is built in and will detect other flashes going off and will fire itself. Because of their size they will fit into small areas. They also help to accent and define the photograph.
Camera Brand Gives High Resolution
The brand of cameras that Lozoya uses is Mamiya. This camera gives “plenty of meat for high resolution, sharp prints.” What Lozoya means here is that there is a lot of space on the negative to crop the areas he wants to crop. The camera has a rotating film back that he considers valuable. He said that this feature allows him to change from vertical to horizontal without having to rotate the camera. This information is helpful to the amateur photographer who is interested in high-resolution pictures.
Setup Process for Picture Taking
Lozoya sets up his studio or area where he is taking the picture with the main light first. He sets up the rest of his lights in connection with the main light. The main light being his intensity light and the rest of the lights compliments the main light in order for Lozoya to get the effect he is striving for. His attempt is to capture the character or personality of his model.
When Lozoya is photographing a portrait of someone his hope is to capture his “interpretation of whom he thinks the model is.” He states that people feel many different emotions and it is revealed in their faces. During the portrait session Lozoya strikes up a conversation asking the model what they like and do not like about themselves. While the model explains Lozoya begins shooting their picture. He considers the shoot successful when the model approves of the photos taken.
Photographers Photos Reflect Culture
Throughout Lozoya’s book there are pictures of people doing various things. Most of pictures are dark not only from the lighting by from a sense of design. Most of the pictures are dramatic in one way or another. Lozoya seems to have a theme for each camera shot he took. Most of his photos reflect the Spanish Culture. This book is good for the beginning photographer who wants to learn how to use the camera in connection with lighting, props, and people.
Lozoya, Oscar. The Art of Black & White Portrait Photography. Buffalo, NY, Amherst Media, Inc., 2003.
Christine Musser - Christine is a passionate researcher and does not stop the research process until she has exhausted all possibilities. Her research has ...
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