Women in Hoods
15 worksFirst upload: May 2019Peak: 2026Last 12 months: 9
📝 Description
These images feature close-up portraits of women wearing hoods or shawls against dark backgrounds. Photographers utilize low-key lighting techniques to create high contrast, emphasizing facial features while obscuring other details within deep shadows. The compositions vary slightly in framing and angle but consistently employ the hood as a framing device that isolates the subject from the environment. This approach focuses entirely on the interplay of light and texture on the face. A dark hood is the unifying visual motif across the group.
How to shoot it
🏠 Studio or location
Studio space with the option to install a dark solid background. The space must allow placing the model and lighting equipment at a distance sufficient for working with a telephoto lens.
💡 Light
Soft directional light from a softbox. The source is positioned to create a smooth transition between light and shadow, accentuating the eyes and facial features against the dark background.
🧑🎤 Who you need
Model, makeup artist, and stylist. The makeup artist prepares the skin for shooting; the stylist selects fabrics (hoods, scarves) and accessories to compose the look.
🎭 Props and costume
Dark solid background and various types of fabric: hoods, scarves, headwear made of knit or silk. Accessories like rings or a tiara are allowed for emphasis.
📄 Permissions
Written consent from the model is required for using portraits in the contest and publication. No location permits are needed as the shoot takes place in a studio.
🎒 Gear
Full-frame camera with ISO 100 and an 85 mm lens (aperture f/5.6–f/8). A tripod is not mandatory due to short shutter speeds (1/125 s), but recommended for precise composition.
Cameras and lenses the authors used (9)
Canon EOS R8 10Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 1Sony ILCE-7RM3 1Canon EOS 7D Mark II 1Nikon D4S 1Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM A016 11Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM 1Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 1Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2,8G ED 1
⚙️ Settings
Shutter 1/125 (1/200 – 1/125)Aperture f/6.3 (f/5.6 – f/8)ISO 100 (100 – 100)Focal length 85 mm (85 – 85)
Based on 14 frames with camera data. Median and 10-90% range across the idea frames.
The key parameter is aperture: use f/5.6–f/8 (median f/6.3) for sufficient depth of field while maintaining soft shadow transitions. Shutter speed 1/125 s and ISO 100 ensure a clean image without noise.
📈 How the idea developed
works uploadedshare of all site uploads, per 100k
The date is when the file was uploaded to the site. The chart counts works assigned to the idea.
✅ How to repeat it
- Use fabric as a natural frame to isolate the face from the background and direct the viewer's gaze to the eyes.
- Watch exposure: leave part of the face in shadow to emphasize drama and cinematic quality.
- Different materials (silk, knit) reflect light differently; choose fabric according to the desired skin texture.
✨ Interesting facts
- 🏆 How the best frame was shot: Canon EOS R8, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM A016, 1/125, f/8, ISO 100, 85 mm
- 🔇 100% of frames were shot at ISO 400 or lower: almost no noise, any modern camera will do
- 📐 93% of frames are portrait orientation
- 🥇 10 works reached the finals. Best contest: 11th 35AWARDS 2026
- 👤 Most frequent authors: gholamreza talebi 6samira hesami 4
- 🌍 Authors by country: 🇮🇷 IR 10🇮🇱 IL 1🇷🇸 RS 1🇨🇳 CN 1🇧🇾 BY 1
Some tips are prepared by AI from the idea description, photos and their EXIF. Check the rules and access to places before you travel.
Works
These lists are generated automatically and may contain inaccuracies. Photos are shown in random order, and selections are refreshed twice a day. This section is made for exploring photos and does not claim 100% accuracy. The lists include photos that previously participated in contests that are already completed.
