--- title: "Moody and Monochrome Portrait Makeup by Sanjib Majumder" description: "Expert makeup artist Sanjib Majumder specializes in Moody & Monochrome Portraits. From high-contrast contouring to texture play, get camera-ready makeup for your next editorial or portfolio shoot in Mumbai." canonical: https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/fashion-editorial-makeup/moody-monochrome-portraits last_updated: 2025-09-28 --- # Moody and Monochrome Portrait Makeup Tribe Verified · Professional editorial makeup for Mumbai shoots By [Sanjib Majumder](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder) · Based in Mumbai, travels pan-India for shoots · ₹10K per session (estimate) Part of [Fashion & Editorial Makeup](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/fashion-editorial-makeup). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/fashion-editorial-makeup/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. ## Photos and videos - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a9bc202-c32c-4525-b20d-c8d1963740ba) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ba05a7e8-8b41-4af0-8b85-c041f68006b4) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6dfe3eb0-4e26-4802-b198-8de70e75498b) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5946ad77-b9f9-401a-b577-26d6e806a148) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/113753f6-6671-4ac3-a27b-073b72e19fdb) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/274acef1-62f7-4c35-9982-6eb4888e3dfa) - ![A glamorous color portrait with a bold, dark red lip and sharp winged eyeliner. This look is about creating a sophisticated and confident vibe.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e151d85d-89a0-4cf4-b1e0-eb9d42550f60) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/84db8393-75d1-480b-b323-e202d2c4f130) - ![The same look translated into a dramatic black and white portrait. The bold lip and defined eyes create a powerful, high-contrast image.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/42e1fc03-e079-4d21-a41d-5502207e2145) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/702e8a04-c0dd-4b1c-a17c-eda262ff49fb) - ![Another shot from the same series, this time on a studio set. The glamorous makeup with the bold lip remains the focal point, tying the entire series together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b59dbef2-3294-4a19-825b-7975879c5cfd) - ![An intimate, moody portrait in black and white. The makeup is soft and natural, designed to look authentic in a bedroom setting with dramatic shadow play.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c595ce1c-c51b-42f9-b0a0-26d9dba0c25b) - ![A high-fashion outdoor shoot in black and white. The makeup is clean and sculpted to stand out against the bright sky, creating a strong, graphic silhouette.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/68396715-d60b-45de-81ad-49017ae66ebc) - ![A striking black and white portrait with a modern, edgy feel. I kept the makeup minimal and clean, with a focus on perfect skin and defined brows to complement the sharp styling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26b99905-8cbb-449a-902a-2d6b08e5821d) - ![A dark, atmospheric shot in a cafe setting. The makeup is glamorous and sultry, designed to fit the moody, cinematic lighting of the scene.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b27964b8-3a57-45c6-a53c-f6cfd5cdc8ce) - ![A classic beauty look with a bold red lip and winged liner. This timeless makeup style is perfect for creating a chic, Parisian-inspired portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b4932aa5-b514-40e0-b5b4-e254b6ae84c9) - [Video: A black and white video montage from a bridal shoot. The makeup was created to look soft, romantic, and timeless, translating beautifully into monochrome for a classic feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f903338-93e0-4812-8c96-8a54a0b6d488) ## 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. ### The Technical Side of Monochrome Shooting monochrome changes everything. Colors that look vibrant in person can appear muddy or flat when converted to grayscale. My process for these portraits starts with the lighting plan. If we are aiming for dramatic, moody lighting, I adjust the base and contouring accordingly to prevent the skin from looking washed out or overly dark. ### My Approach to B&W Portraits * **Texture Matters:** In B&W, there is nowhere to hide. I prioritize skin prep and flawless base application that looks like skin, not product. We want the camera to catch the natural texture, not the makeup layer. * **Defining Features:** I use precise contouring to sculpt the face. Since we lose the warmth of color, I rely on shadow and highlight placement to define cheekbones, jawlines, and brow bones. This gives the image a three-dimensional quality. * **Eye and Lip Focus:** A bold red lip might turn into a dark grey in B&W, so I choose shades based on their tone, not their hue. For the eyes, I focus on defining the lash line and shape, ensuring the gaze remains the focal point regardless of the lighting style. ### Collaboration is Key Whether it is a model test shoot or a high-fashion editorial, I work on set with the photographer. I monitor how the makeup translates under studio lights or natural daylight. This allows me to make quick adjustments—deepening a shadow or adding a touch of shimmer—to ensure the final images are sharp and professional. ## About Sanjib Majumder 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. [See all of Sanjib Majumder's services](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder) ## More from Fashion & Editorial Makeup by Sanjib Majumder - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/fashion-editorial-makeup/featured) - [High-Fashion & Avant-Garde](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/fashion-editorial-makeup/high-fashion-avant-garde) - [Commercial & Advertising](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/fashion-editorial-makeup/commercial-advertising) - [Clean Beauty & Natural Glam](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/fashion-editorial-makeup/clean-beauty-natural-glam) - [On Set: Behind the Scenes](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/fashion-editorial-makeup/on-set-behind-the-scenes) ## More services by Sanjib Majumder - [Creative & Avant-Garde Makeup](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/creative-avant-garde-makeup) - [Celebrity & Media Makeup](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/celebrity-media-makeup) - [Bridal & Wedding Makeup](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/bridal-wedding-makeup) - [Special Occasion Makeup](https://mytribe.in/sanjibmajumder/special-occasion-makeup) ## Similar work from other experts - [Monochrome Portraits Makeup Artistry](https://mytribe.in/prismbypriyanka1/commercial-editorial-makeup-and-hair/monochrome-portraits) by Priyanka Sagar · Commercial & Editorial Makeup and Hair · Travels for shoots across Mumbai and pan-India - [Monochrome Portraits: High-Impact Photography for Actor Portfolios](https://mytribe.in/miteshsphotography/celebrity-portrait-photography/monochrome-portraits) by Mitesh Punjabi · Celebrity & Portrait Photography · Shoots in Mumbai & Jaipur; Travels across India for projects - [Monochrome & Timeless Portraits](https://mytribe.in/ruhaankhanportraits/beauty-cosmetics-photography/monochrome-timeless-portraits) by Ruhaan Khan · Beauty & Cosmetics Photography · Shoots across Mumbai Metropolitan Area; Studio 1965 at Goregaon - [Black and White Portrait Photography in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/itspkphotography.in/fashion-portfolio-photography/black-white-classics) by PK Photography · Fashion & Portfolio Photography · Shoots at Andheri West studio or on-location across Mumbai - [Black and White Portrait Photography](https://mytribe.in/shreyansdungarwal/beauty-headshot-photography/the-art-of-light-black-white-portraits) by Shreyans Dungarwal · Beauty & Headshot Photography · Shoots at studio in Mumbai; travels pan-India - [Black and White Portrait Photography in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/alanbinzephotography/portrait-photography/black-white-studies) by Alan Binze · Portrait Photography · Shoots in Bengaluru & travels across India ## Book To book Sanjib Majumder, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Sanjib%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Moody%20%26%20Monochrome%20Portraits%20on%20mytribe.%20I'd%20like%20to%20discuss%20makeup%20for%20an%20upcoming%20shoot.)