Kayla, one of the students in our filmmaking class, wanted to create a yearbook for our final year at Confederation College. She needed to get a picture of each student and teacher.  She then asked if somebody was willing to take the photographs, so I said yes. I like taking portraits. Unfortunately, I don’t take them often. I find it complicated to go to somebody and ask to take pictures of him or her. In that case, no need to ask, I just told everybody which day I would shoot and they could come into the studio.

Then I had to think about a style of portraits. I knew I wanted Black & White but what kind of lighting? I needed something to link photography and filmmaking. We were all filmmakers students. What about a cinematic lighting?

The best example I knew was a famous French studio: Harcourt.

The history of Harcourt is, first of all, the story of a woman; « Cosette Harcourt » (her true name was Germaine Hirchefeld). She learns the art of photography in Paris, 1930. Three years later, she meets Jacques Lacroix and his brother. They both created a notorious company of press magazines. 

Together they open a photography studio named; Harcourt in 1934. Collette would be at the head of the studio. Quickly, it becomes very famous, everyone in Paris wants their portrait taken at Harcourt. However, the business fatally slows down the Occupation in World War II.

After the War, Colette takes back the head of the studio and continue the legend of Harcourt. Now the studio is concentrating on movie stars and celebrity portraits. The photographs signed by Harcourt are everywhere. In movie theaters, in the press; advertised by the « Agency France Presse ». Since then, the studio changed hands many times but the legend continues.

Harcourt has immortalised the great figures of the 20th century and continues in the 21st century.

Very fond of cinema, I’ve seen this portrait everywhere during my childhood. All my favourite French actors had their portrait taken by Harcourt.

The particularity of this studio is their lighting techniques. To achieve this cinematic look, they are using Fresnel Lights. It allows the photographers to create beams of lights with different sizes. The light is mostly hard, creating strong shadows and powerful contrast. Some backlighting is often drawing the shapes of the model.

I find this lighting very powerful and timeless.

We had many Fresnel lights at the college. So it has been decided; I will try the Harcourt lighting style for the yearbook’s portraits. I spent few weeks learning about this lighting technique which requires many sources of light. However, I only had a small amount of time so I would have to use the same lighting for everyone.

I shot with a Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 5D Mark II. Mounted with an EF 85mm f/1.8.

It was complicated to get the lighting I wanted. I did this shooting on two different days. At last, I think it wasn't too bad. It definitely required improvement and I am very far from the exceptional lighting and legacy made by Harcourt. But it was a great opportunity to work with Fresnel lights.

I encourage you to visit Harcourt’s website. They probably have a portrait of your favourite actress or actor.