Low Key and High Key Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY AS AN ARTFORM HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER. VARIOUS LIGHTING TECHNIQUES, UNIQUE CONCEPTS, DIVERSE STYLES, PHOTOGRAPHY GENRES, AND EDITING TECHNIQUES BRING VARIETY IN THE PIECE OF ARTWORK. PHOTOGRAPHERS BRING SOMETHING NEW TO THE MARKET EVERY DAY. LOW KEY AND HIGH KEY PHOTOGRAPHY IS A UNIQUE STYLE THAT INVOLVES PLAYING WITH LIGHT. IT IS AN AMAZING WAY TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORK. LET’S UNDERSTAND WHAT EXACTLY THESE LIGHTING TECHNIQUES ARE.

What is low and high key photography?

In low key photography, lighting is reduced in direction to create images categorized by striking contrasts, dark tones, and shadows. low key images are dark and have high contrast. usually, a single source of lighting is used to achieve these compositions.

Whereas, the high key photography style uses unusually bright lighting to reduce or completely blow out dark shadows in the image. high key is the finest selection for both, the colour and black & white pictures. usually, high key shots are due to the lack of dark tones and generally look positive and cheerful.

How to shoot Low-key shots in a small studio setup

For low key lighting, you don’t necessarily need expensive equipment. you can use a single bare speedlight. normally, bare speedlight’s give harsh shadows, but in low key lighting, harsh shadows often work well. low key shots are those where there is a large proportion of dark tones in the image, but don’t be misled into thinking that this means that you’re underexposing the image.

One still would want to have some highlights in there as well to show a full range of tones. it’s just the vast majority are going to be at the dark end of the scale. shooting low key in a small studio is a great idea because you can do it with a single softbox or a single speed light. you can add in more light if you like but simplicity is the key. a great low key shot will have a dark black or grey background and plenty of contrast in the shots too. small studios lend themselves to this style of photography.