![]() ![]() ![]() This is a low key image using (usually) natural light. I’ve seen images of models in rooms, with the light pouring in from a window with blinds creating a geometric pattern across them. Any light source can be used to create a low key image if manipulated correctly. Don’t let that stop you from using the neon or LED signs, the streetlights, lampposts, any light that you can find in your environment. The images thus far have all been studio images using constant light. The light on the subject's left side was significantly closer the the light on the subject's right side. It’s also used pretty regularly for band looks, to create that grungy feeling that edgy musicians tend to prefer.ġ/60th of a second, f/4, ISO 100 with a constant light on either side of the subject. While I used a constant studio light for this image, it’s very reminiscent of images you can take using natural light, especially in the evening hours in a city. It was then captured at an aperture of f/2.8, 1/125 th of a second, ISO 100. It was one constant light with a rectangular softbox (I don’t remember the exact measurements, but I believe it was around 3’ wide and 4’ tall) that was placed directly to the side of the subject. This image was also captured with a constant light. This low key lighting, because it so greatly obscures the subject, can lead a viewer to start interpreting this as sad, or at the very least more introspective. Low key techniques can be used to create a lot of emotion in an image. Since it was beautifully backlit, this resulted in a silhouette, and then a slightly lit model when my perspective was shifted. I simply set my exposure to expose for the smoke. It was a great opportunity for me to practice concert style lighting. To accomplish these shots, I was working in studio with floodlights (not strobes), and smoke. While one is a silhouette and one is just an obscured portrait, since the images are, as a whole, much darker than your average image, they would both fall into the category of “low key” imagery. ![]() There is a lot of information on the left side of your histogram (think: shadows and blacks). These images could both be considered low key shots. Let’s take a look at some examples of low key images and talk about what makes them low key and how to accomplish them. Generally speaking, low key photography is easier to practice than high key, because you are able to utilize natural light more often. Sometimes your subject is underexposed, creating even more feeling of obscurity. Your subject is sometimes exposed “properly”, but will probably have very hard, contrasty, light. All of a sudden, you have a smaller range of overall contrast (at least across the image as a whole), on the shadow side of your histogram. Since the color black is usually seen as negative space (that is, space in the image that does not contain the subject), these images create a dynamic that forces your eye to the places where there is something visible. These images generally use shadow or large amounts of black negative space to draw your eye into the subject of the photo. Low key photography is all about evoking tension, seductiveness, intimacy it’s intent is to create an emotional reaction from the viewer. In simplest terms, high key images are bright (usually white), low key images are dark (usually black) images. You can find a link to that article by clicking here. While it is by no means necessary in order to understand low key, if you get a chance to head over to the other article and take a look, I would do so, if only so that you can see some of the vast differences between these types of images. Related to high key, as you may have guessed, is low key photography. A short while ago, I wrote an article talking about high key photography. ![]()
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