# Sensual Monochrome Portraits Sam Hessamian Excels at Hot Black-and-White Photography By Jordan Sowunmi | Published 2011-05-29 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-hessamian References: [photodonuts](http://photodonuts.com/sam-hessamian) & [samhessamian](http://www.samhessamian.com/) New York-based photographer Sam Hessamian's interest in photography began when he was attending film school. After graduating, Sam Hessamian moved to Paris and London to start his career in [fashion photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jiyongkim-fw25). The several years of international seasoning have clearly served him well. Now back home in New York, Sam Hessamian shows a special talent for depicting sensuality in [simple portraits of models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits). In this selected portfolio of Sam Hessiamian's work, we see models posing shirtless with cigarettes, cats and telephones; each picture subtly emphasizes [natural beauty and organic sex appeal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/songs-of-siren). Hessiamian's ability to focus intently on the powerful allure of model's faces without making the photo seem forced or gimmicky reflects a gifted, young photographer with a bright future. These pictures are evidence that it won't be long before the major magazines and fashion labels start calling. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sensual Black-and-white Photography:** Opportunity for disruptively innovating visual storytelling through sensual and organic depictions of models in black-and-white photography. - **Organic Sex Appeal:** Chance for disruptive innovation in marketing and advertising by capturing the natural beauty and sex appeal of models without resorting to gimmicky or forced poses. - **Focused Portraiture:** Opportunity to disrupt portrait photography by developing an intense focus on capturing the raw allure and power of the subject without complex lighting or camera techniques. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Photography:** Potential for disruption in fashion photography by capturing the sensual and organic appeal of models in a way that feels authentic and natural. - **Magazine Publishing:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in magazine publishing by featuring sensual black-and-white photography that highlights the natural beauty and sex appeal of the models. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Chance for disruptive innovation in marketing and advertising by showcasing the organic and raw sex appeal of models in a way that feels honest and natural. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Modern Minimalist Apparel Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auteur-studios-latest-summer-edit.md) - [Intimate Fashion Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/velvet-heat.md) - [Local Hotspot Fashion Shoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartbeat-campaign.md) - [Color Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color.md) - [Photographer-Honoring Stamp Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ansel-adams.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md) - [AI-Powered Portrait Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-powered-portrait-studio.md)