The Low key photography refers to a style of photography that utilizes predominantly dark tones to create a dramatic looking image. The key here is not producing dark images but to use lighting very selectively so that only specific portions of the image are illuminated.
Instead of
The Low key photography refers to a style of photography that utilizes predominantly dark tones to create a dramatic looking image. The key here is not producing dark images but to use lighting very selectively so that only specific portions of the image are illuminated.
Instead of avoiding intense shadows, as normally we are trying in ordinary photography, we’ll have to consider them as the primary element of the composition. Low key photography is about creating striking contrasts through reduced lighting. Shadows are the key element of the composition. Compose your photo in a way that hopefully produces a dramatic and artistic look.
An image is considered low-key if its dominant values are dark. According to Wikipedia, low key photography attempts to create a chiaroscuro effect, it is an oil painting technique, developed during the Renaissance, which uses strong tonal contrasts between light and dark to model three-dimensional forms, often to dramatic effect.
Another characteristic of the low key photos is the shape of its histogram. The figure below is a typical histogram of a low key photo.
- It has many low tones spreading up to the right side (white tone)
- The average tone or media is too low.
- It is shifted and clipped on the left side (black tone)
When to use Low key photography
When shooting low key photography of any type, the most important thing to think about is how the light is hitting the subject. By creating shadows it helps create a more creative photo.
Typically it can be applied to any type of photography, but probably portrait and close up photography are the most suitable types to try low key settings on them. The photos below are some samples of low key photos.
Good low-key photography requires a good knowledge of light, shadow, and tone. Precise application of lighting is required in order to control the very important shadow detail. Here are some guidelines.
- The lighting zone should be much narrower than high key lighting, meaning the subject has to be more carefully placed with respect to the light source.
- By adding a grid to the light, you can control the light even more. The grid restricts the light to whatever is in front of the light only; none bounces around or spills out the sides.
- You have only one key light so the only choices you have are direction and strength of the light source.
- Keep your subject away enough from any background and walls which may interfere with the shots.
- Try to avoid light from reaching your background.
- Manipulate your lighting and placement of subject until the shadows fall exactly as you want them.
Indoor Low key – studio setup
The following is a very basic studio light setup for low-key photography. Remember that direction and intensity are all up to you but avoid lighting the background. And don’t be too afraid of backlighting! It can produce some spectacular results. You may try 