Noir Bloom Recipe – Moody B&W Fujifilm X-Trans IV

Noir Bloom is one of my favourite B&W Acros film recipe. The most striking feature of a film noir movie is the dramatic, sleek look that can be shot in black and white photography. One such element is the nature of the photography, which is often very dramatic and stylish.

Noir is a moody B&W classic and popular style from the late 1800s until the 1950s. It is also very typical of the French style during that time. Because many people have a distorted view of French culture, it is often associated with elegant or glamorous things that cannot be true.

When we create Noir photography images, the correct camera settings will determine the final results, including good lighting and dramatic shadows. However, I have been experimenting with portrait photoshoots to achieve Fujifilm’s Noir black and white photography.

To create this style of photography in the Fuji X-T4, X-Trans V (X-H2, X-H2S & X-T5) or any X-Trans IV cameras, including X-T30 II, X-S10 & X-Pro3, I have been shooting JPEG mode all the way. I have never found or seen anyone shooting black-and-white photography with a diffusion filter, one of the best lens FX filters attached, but I’m sure there are.

Shooting Noir photography with this black-and-white portrait Fujifilm recipe can be challenging, especially in getting good lighting and shadow. I have no choice but to shoot on a cloudy day with no sunlight during my morning photoshoot, but it still gives good natural light.

During the photoshoot session, I captured a portrait of Shirley wearing a black dress that suits the Noir theme. This is the shot I was looking for, and it turned out great with this black-and-white reflection from the subject and mirror.

The process I use to create a black-and-white photo is really simple, but not everyone may want to do this or can do it. I found it quite difficult to achieve a good black & white portrait while shooting straight out of the camera JPEG.

I tried different things, from shooting at a different angle to getting my subject to do some portrait poses for the moody B&W style. Sometimes we must keep experimenting with light and shadow to get it right and create stunning portraits in black & white.

Noir Bloom Fujifilm Recipe Custom Setting

Film Simulation: Acros+G Filter
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +3
Shadow: +2
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: -2
Clarity: 0
Grain Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
Monochromatic Color: WC: +0, MG: 0
White Balance: Auto
ISO: Auto 3200
Aperture: Wide Open
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +1/3

What is Noir Bloom all about?

This film recipe was created after I got inspired by one of my favourite street fashion portrait recipes, the Downtown Bloom. This is an exciting concept, trial, and error in visual storytelling using black & white photography. The name Noir Bloom came from the black & white and the dreamy vibe when shooting portraits.

I have always been fascinated with natural lighting and the contrast that can be achieved with minimal lighting. Shooting on a cloudy day is one of my biggest challenges while creating this recipe. You can check out my outdoor portrait photoshoot guide to find out more.

It was my first black-and-white portrait shot using the Moment Cinebloom with 20% diffusion density. I love the diffused light during the day to achieve dreamy and truly moody black & white photography.

I was shooting with my favourite XF35mm F2 with Aperture priority and exposure compensation. I changed the aperture depending on what light source and the angle of the subject.

Considered one of the top Fuji recipes I’ve used the most, the film simulation base for this recipe is the Acros+G filter, which is great for portraits according to Fujifilm recommendations and one of the best portrait film simulations. This recipe might or might not work like this depending on the lighting environment, also, do check out all the Fujifilm recipes. You might find one that you will like.

Grain is turned off for the Noir Bloom recipe, but you can turn it on if you like grain for a more filmy look. If you are looking for a B&W photography film simulation recipe, check the Dark Matter recipe I’ve created for street photography.

I don’t restrict this recipe to portraits, but it can be used for streets and landscapes. Looking for a similar high-contrast Ricoh-like monochrome recipe? Check out the Dark Diary, which was fine-tuned to get similar to Ricoh’s high-contrast B&W SOOC without editing needed.

For filmmaking and videography, the Noir Flick is great for creating B&W cinematic and classic scenes.

Noir Bloom Recipe Photos

The photos above are shot with the Fujifilm X-T4 – AmazonUS