Tribe Verified

Moody and Monochrome Portrait Makeup

bySanjib MajumderBased in Mumbai, travels pan-India for shootsStarts from₹10,000 per sessionView full gallery

Black and white photography requires a specific approach to makeup, focusing on texture, contour, and lighting. Here is how I create depth for monochrome portraits.

A moody black and white shot from a model test shoot. The makeup focuses on soft contouring and defined eyes to create a gentle, expressive look.

A close-up in the same monochrome series, highlighting the soft texture of the makeup and hair. The subtle shimmer on the eyelid catches the light beautifully.

This portrait uses shadow and light to create a dramatic, mysterious mood. The makeup is kept clean to allow the model's expression and the composition to stand out.

A close-up black and white portrait. I focused on creating flawless skin and defining the eyes with a soft liner to draw attention to the model's direct gaze.

A dynamic pose from a model's portfolio shoot. The makeup is subtle, designed to enhance features and look great under the dramatic, high-contrast lighting.

A full-body portrait in black and white. The clean makeup look ensures the focus remains on the model's pose, expression, and the overall mood of the image.

A glamorous color portrait with a bold, dark red lip and sharp winged eyeliner. This look is about creating a sophisticated and confident vibe.

A modern, chic look featuring bold lips and glasses. The makeup is strong enough to stand out and complements the stylish, intellectual aesthetic of the shoot.

The same look translated into a dramatic black and white portrait. The bold lip and defined eyes create a powerful, high-contrast image.

A full-length monochrome shot showcasing how makeup can enhance a pose. The defined features stand out even in a creatively posed, artistic shot like this.

About Moody & Monochrome Portraits

When shooting in black and white, you cannot rely on color to define features. I focus heavily on texture and high-contrast contouring so the makeup adds definition rather than getting lost in shadows. It is about understanding how the photographer's lighting setup interacts with the skin, ensuring the makeup remains sharp and expressive in every frame.

Professional editorial makeup for Mumbai shoots — Approved by the tribe
S

Sanjib Majumder

Based in Mumbai, travels pan-India for shootsStarts from ₹10,000 per session

I am Sanjib. Makeup is my life, not just a job, and I love the energy of being on set. Whether it is a dark, moody portrait or a clean fashion editorial, I collaborate with the photographer to make sure the makeup fits the exact mood we are going for.

Similar work from other experts

Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe

A powerful, high-contrast portrait. In black and white, the focus is on the sculpted features, the intense gaze, and the clean, classic updo. The makeup is designed to define and shape, even without color.13
The same portrait with a softer, grainier filter, giving it a vintage, film-like quality. The underlying structure of the makeup and hair remains strong.
A study in elegance. This black and white portrait highlights a beautifully intricate braided updo and the graceful line of the model's back. The makeup is soft and clean to enhance her natural features.

Monochrome Portraits Makeup Artistry

P
Priyanka SagarTravels for shoots across Mumbai and pan-India
A stunning black and white close-up of Nushrratt Bharuccha. The high-contrast lighting and sharp focus on her eyes create a powerful and intimate portrait.16
A full-length monochrome portrait from the same series, showcasing the classic silhouette of the little black dress against a clean white background.
This dynamic pose captures the movement of the fringe scarf, adding a sense of energy and grace to the black and white composition.
A beautiful shot that plays with the flowing scarf, creating elegant shapes and lines in monochrome.

Monochrome Portraits: High-Impact Photography for Actor Portfolios

M
Mitesh PunjabiShoots in Mumbai & Jaipur; Travels across India for projects
A candid, behind-the-scenes moment captured in timeless black and white. The monochrome treatment emphasizes the joy and emotion of the moment, focusing on the model's smile as she applies her makeup. It tells a story of preparation and passion.28
This black and white conversion of a studio shot emphasizes the texture of the model's wet hair and her joyful expression. Without color, the focus shifts entirely to the light, shadow, and the genuine emotion of the moment.
A simple, classic portrait in black and white. The focus is on the model's expression and the soft light that sculpts her features. The monochrome style gives the image a timeless, intimate, and slightly vulnerable feel.
The wind blowing through the model's hair creates a powerful sense of movement and emotion in this black and white portrait. With eyes closed, the image feels introspective and raw, focusing on the feeling rather than a direct gaze.

Monochrome & Timeless Portraits

R
Ruhaan KhanShoots across Mumbai Metropolitan Area; Studio 1965 at Goregaon
A classic black and white portrait with a strong, direct gaze. The simple styling and clean background put all the focus on the model's expression and confidence.8
A powerful monochrome portrait that emphasizes texture and mood. The black and white format highlights the model's features and the contrast in her expression.
A cinematic black and white shot of a model in a traditional saree. The dramatic play of light and shadow gives this image a timeless, old-world feel.

Black and White Portrait Photography in Mumbai

P
PK PhotographyShoots at Andheri West studio or on-location across Mumbai
An intense black and white close-up. The single light source creates a dramatic shadow across the face, highlighting the eye and creating a sense of mystery and power.11
'A BRACA DABRA'. A playful and disorienting black and white portrait shot from a high angle, capturing a quirky and expressive moment.
An intimate black and white close-up of a couple. The grain and high contrast add a raw, emotional texture to this tender moment.
A simple, minimalist black and white shot. The model's pose is fluid and graceful, using a clothing rack as a prop to create interesting lines and shapes.

Black and White Portrait Photography

S
Shreyans DungarwalShoots at studio in Mumbai; travels pan-India
A dramatic black and white portrait in a field of tall grass. The high contrast and the model's pose create a moody, cinematic, and slightly mysterious feel.6
A beautiful and intimate black and white portrait. The focus is entirely on her expression and the soft texture of her curly hair.
A contemplative black and white portrait. The subject is seated in the grass, and the monochrome tones emphasize the peaceful, natural setting.
A classic black and white portrait against a backdrop of palm leaves. The contrast between her white dress and the dark leaves creates a striking composition.

Black and White Portrait Photography in Bangalore

A
Alan BinzeShoots in Bengaluru & travels across India

More from Fashion & Editorial Makeup by Sanjib Majumder

FeaturedHigh-Fashion & Avant-GardeCommercial & AdvertisingClean Beauty & Natural GlamOn Set: Behind the Scenes

More services by Sanjib Majumder

Creative & Avant-Garde MakeupCelebrity & Media MakeupBridal & Wedding MakeupSpecial Occasion Makeup
  1. Home
  2. Sanjib Majumder
  3. Fashion & Editorial Makeup
  4. Moody & Monochrome Portraits