Pellier Noir is a photographic style used predominantly in social event photography. It is a low key lit style of photography.
With the advances of digital imagery and dye sublimation printers Social event photography, was and mainly remains a discipline of event photography where a mobile studio is erected and guests at events such as proms, charity balls, and other black tie events have their portraits taken predominantly against white or mottled backdrops.
References
Pellier Noir Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA