Dawoud bey has a simple yet sophisticated style when it comes to his portrait photography. Sophisticated as in his uses of the poses, lighting, expression, and composition which gives a very natural feel with a bit of drama. In his series of class pictures, the subjects cover most of the composition with a softly blurred background that gives a hint of the place where the picture was taken. He doesn’t shoot his subjects on a flat background. Each of the pictures on this collection has a space behind the subject which gives viewers a sense of perspective.

The expression on each of the subject is quite unique. Each expression tells a different story. Their expression also directs the mood of the picture. Their expression and their poses add drama to the picture. Dawoud bey said he had only 45 minutes to work with the students so he had to think through everything quickly. At the start of 45 minutes, students were told to write a brief statement about themselves. when he took the pictures he didn’t tell the students to pose. He told the students just sit where they are directed be comfortable and Dawoud bey would carefully watch their gestures. Bey used studio lights to control the lighting component of the picture. He used the main light and a fill light to soften the shadows on the sides. the main light is coming through between the front and the side of the face. The one side of the face looks well lit and another side of the face has a soft shadow.