Sunday, May 3, 2015

Low Key Photography Lighting Tips

When you hear the term "low key," you might think of something that is simple, calm or tranquil, but in photography, that's not quite the case. A photo's "key" is its overall tone. The elements that play into this are the colors used in the background, and any clothing or props. A low key photo will use dark colors for a dramatic effect. But low key photos must be well lit to compensate for the dark colors.

Dramatic Light

    Because a low key shot is so dark, it is acceptable to use bright, dramatic lighting to enhance the drama. Unlike a middle or high key shot, a low key photograph can use a lighting ratio of 3:1. This means that there are three times more light in the highlights of your subject's face than in the shadows. The contrast can enhance the curves of the face and evoke feelings of deep thought, melancholy or drama.

Subdued Light

    Because low key shots are often minimally lit to draw attention to one feature or create a subdued feeling, this kind of photography lends itself well to only using one light. A single strobe lighting scheme helps to create a muted feel within the photograph. To set up this type of photo, keep your light at a 45-degree angle to your subject. This helps to illuminate the subject without lighting up the background.

Accent Light

    Although some photographers prefer not to add accent lighting to a low key photograph, others use accent lighting to great effect. Accent lights may include "hair lights" that create the illusion of sunlight on the hair, or a "rim light" that is usually placed behind the subject to illuminate them from behind and separate them from the background.


When you hear the term "low key," you might think of something that is simple, calm or tranquil, but in photography, that's not quite the case. A photo's "key" is its overall tone. The elements that play into this are the colors used in the background, and any clothing or props. A low key photo will use dark colors for a dramatic effect. But low key photos must be well lit to compensate for the dark colors.

Dramatic Light

    Because a low key shot is so dark, it is acceptable to use bright, dramatic lighting to enhance the drama.

    Enhance your photography skill,The Top Secret Photography Techniques

    . Unlike a middle or high key shot, a low key photograph can use a lighting ratio of 3:1. This means that there are three times more light in the highlights of your subject's face than in the shadows. The contrast can enhance the curves of the face and evoke feelings of deep thought, melancholy or drama.

Subdued Light

    Because low key shots are often minimally lit to draw attention to one feature or create a subdued feeling, this kind of photography lends itself well to only using one light. A single strobe lighting scheme helps to create a muted feel within the photograph. To set up this type of photo, keep your light at a 45-degree angle to your subject. This helps to illuminate the subject without lighting up the background.

Accent Light

    Although some photographers prefer not to add accent lighting to a low key photograph, others use accent lighting to great effect. Accent lights may include "hair lights" that create the illusion of sunlight on the hair, or a "rim light" that is usually placed behind the subject to illuminate them from behind and separate them from the background.



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