Tabatha Deuel
Capturing Emotion in Black and White Photography
Photography is more than just capturing a subject—it’s about preserving a feeling, freezing an emotion, and conveying a story that resonates long after the image has been viewed. In my latest black and white portrait of Tabatha Deuel, titled “Glimmers in the Rain,” I set out to create a photograph that invites viewers to pause, reflect, and feel something deeper.
This portrait session was designed to explore the emotional depth and timeless beauty of black and white photography, while embracing the power of natural light to shape the mood. Every decision—from gear choice to lighting and even water droplets—was intentional, layered with meaning and purpose.
Capturing Emotion Through Natural Light and Texture
For this image, I chose the Rokinon 85mm lens paired with the Fujifilm XT-5—a combination known for its stunning clarity and soft bokeh. This setup gave me the ability to capture sharp details with an almost dreamlike quality, allowing the emotional weight of the portrait to shine through.
To bring out an introspective and serene expression, I positioned Tabatha Deuel to gaze upward toward the sky. Natural light filtered down, gently tracing the lines of her face and highlighting the reflections in her eyes. The absence of artificial lighting allowed the photograph to maintain a raw, organic feel—essential for creating an image that feels real and unposed.
Water Droplets: Adding Depth and Dimension to Black and White Photography
To elevate the emotional texture of the portrait, I lightly misted water across Tabatha’s face. This subtle touch introduced a dynamic layer of light interaction, turning the water droplets into tiny, reflective elements—glimmers that flicker against the monochrome background.
In black and white, texture becomes the language of emotion. The delicate balance between soft skin and glistening droplets adds a visual tension that draws the viewer in. It’s a reminder that even within stillness, there can be motion. Even within simplicity, there is complexity.
Why Black and White Photography Still Matters
There’s a unique power in black and white portraiture—a way it cuts through distraction and brings focus to the essential. Without the noise of color, you see the shadows, contours, and subtle expressions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
With Glimmers in the Rain, I wanted to capture a contrast not just in light, but in emotion: the quiet strength in vulnerability, the peace in facing uncertainty, the balance between solitude and presence. These are the contradictions that define us as humans—and that black and white photography renders so elegantly.
The Role of Natural Light in Storytelling
Natural light behaves differently than artificial light. It changes with the environment, reflects the mood of the day, and interacts with the subject in a way that feels honest. In this shoot, natural light added authenticity to the moment. It enhanced the texture of skin, emphasized the gleam of water, and created gentle transitions between shadow and highlight.
The result is a portrait that feels both intimate and expansive—a quiet exploration of expression and texture that speaks louder than words ever could.
The Beauty of Simplicity in Portrait Photography
In a world saturated with digital effects and vivid colors, Glimmers in the Rain stands as a quiet statement—a reminder of photography’s roots in light and shadow, in connection and story. With every element—from the upward gaze to the water droplets and the interplay of natural light—this portrait is an invitation to pause, reflect, and feel.
Black and white photography is not just a style; it’s a lens through which we explore truth. And in this moment with Tabatha Deuel, I found something timeless—something that transcends the frame.