Low Key Photography

4/7/2021 Low Key Photography: Incredible Tips & Tricks - iPhotography
Low Key
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Low
 Key photography is one of the most challenging forms of photography, for any
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range of shooters. Here at iPhotography, we often find our students getting mixed
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up between Low Key and High Key; therefore, to set things straight, and cast away
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any shadows of doubt, we have decided that this week we will focus our attention
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on Low Key photography. The one thing we particularly like about Low Key
photography is the ability it holds to add drama and hard-hitting emotion within a
shot.
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What You’re Gonna Need in the Dark

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Before you start out on your shoot, you will need:
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Camera
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Tripod (or steady surface)
One light source (natural or artificial)
Black background or dark setting
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Camera Settings
Individual camera settings will depend on you as a photographer, this is under your
control. We recommend for low key that you start with a low F-number to take in
the most light and then adjust from there accordingly. For low key shots,
depending on what source of light you are working with, it is best to use faster
shutter speeds – especially if using triggers.
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Although Low and High Key photography is covered within the iPhotography
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course in Module 9 (Black and White), don’t feelAffiliate
that thisProgram
technique is restricted to
only black and white photography; sometimes a pop of colour really brings your
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photographs to life.
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To get the best out of your Low Key shot, you need to bear in mind illumination and
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elimination. Affiliate Program
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Because very little will be visible in a low key image, it is important to carefully
consider where you want the light to fall; this also means you have to control where
the light doesn’t fall.
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Low Key photography requires a dark background. Here are a few tips to help
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achieve this:
Firstly, use a black backdrop, this is the easiest way to have a successful dark
background.
Secondly, keep your subject forward, the less light that hits the background, the
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darker it will be. If you are using an isolated source of light you want to make sure
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that it is hitting your subject in the right way.

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Thirdly, keep Articles
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Finally, start by practicing using a static object, such as a teddy bear or piece of
fruit.
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If any of your backgrounds shine through, don’tDisclaimer
worry, this can be adjusted in post-

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production (Photoshop) using a brush tool and Affiliate Program
by darkening the levels.
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Check out these examples below:
In the first image, you can see the image before post-production with some
background elements still shining through. In the second image, you can see the
same image after the burn and brush tool have been used in post-
production/Photoshop editing.
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Broad and Rim Lighting

In order to obtain high contrast in your low key images, side lighting your subject
will work much more effectively than illuminating front on. There is no ‘correct’ side
to shoot from, this is down to you as the photographer to choose which side of your
subject you want to keep dark, or which side you decide works more effectively.
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Certainly, within portraiture photography, you may discover your subject has a
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which side or angle they would
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to shoot from. Never make an assumption, but listen to your subject’s
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If they have a distinctive marking, scar, birthmark, or blemish that they wish to
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disguise, low key photography works extremely effectively. And let’s not forget,
almost all of us have a preferred ‘good’ side or angle that we would rather be
photographed from.
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When lighting from the side, you will have to experiment with angles and
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reposition your light, depending on how it falls. If one side of your subject is
completely dark, this is called split lighting.
However, most low key photographers opt for the Rembrandt lighting, named after
the Dutch painter, where a triangle of light falls on the broad side of the subject.
This style of lighting will also create a catch lightHEAD
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eye of the darker side of the
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Altering the position of your subject, as well as the light,Program
can add some interesting
shapes to your photography. Your subject doesn’t have to be facing the camera
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face on, shooting a side-view can create a more abstract image, especially if you
can manipulate the light.
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Hard Light = Hard Shadows
As a photographer, you are often told to avoid harsh shadows, particularly in
portraiture. Low Key photography is a perfect chance to break these rules and
create your own boundaries or contradictions.
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However, remember your main goal is to highlight a specific area within the image
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– you don’t want to lose the purpose of the shot.Affiliate Program
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This can be done by manipulating and positioning your subject and light, so that
your shadows fall in the right place; this will ensure you obtain that dramatic, dark
and hard-hitting imagery that you are seeking.
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emphasis on texture, depth
Low Key photography is extremely effective at adding
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and portraiture shots. It
and contrast; consider nature shots, animal photography,
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can be used to emphasise textures such as hair Affiliate Program
or movement in the skin. Use it to
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draw attention to specific key details – like the lines and creases within aged skin or
detail within rough-textured fabrics or objects.
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Consider manipulating low key photography when shooting abstract body shapes;
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it really helps to define and highlight shape andAffiliate
form. ItProgram
is a wonderful way to
artistically celebrate the curves and lines of the body.
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Low Key Goes Nude
This technique is popular in boudoir photography, as it beautifully enhances the
body’s natural arch, shape, and form. Your subject will feel much more at ease,
knowing the emphasis is on angles and curves – particularly if they wish to remain
anonymous and aren’t keen on the audience knowing who the person is in the
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shot.
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Highlighting body form can also be a useful skill if you are interested in shooting
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commercial fitness and health shots. Low key photography teaches us
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manipulation of light to draw attention to a specific part of the subject. By keeping

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large amounts of shadows, you can add depth to the figure, making muscles look
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larger and more defined.

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Using low key lighting when photographing objects can create some beautifully
abstract shots. By illuminating certain areas, you could either distort the subject or,
draw attention to a specific element.
For example, this shot has been designed to make the golf ball look larger than we
would expect, and the light highlighting the grooves makes it seem more abstract
and unusual.
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The light in this image of the violin, perfectly complements its key features whilst
adding an element of class.
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can low key photography can be used within many other categories
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other than portraiture.

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Low Key for Pets Disclaimer
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For all those wildlife photographers out there, don’t worry, we’ve something for you
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too. Natural light can be manipulated to work in your favour, if you’re patient
enough. The key with animal low key photography is to make sure that your subject
is softly lit in front of a dark, shadowed background.
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Low Key animal photography can be achieved in post-editing, so long as your

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depth of field is shallow enough to throw the background out of focus. You can
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then edit the contrast and shadows to create a dramatic shot. And of course, you
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can practice these techniques at home with your pets first, before coming face to
face with a tiger.
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Low key photography is the perfect beginning to understanding light, and is

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certainly a skill you can implement through all aspects
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Remember:
Low Key = Dark (low amounts of light)
High Key = Bright (high amounts of light)
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Are You Joining the Dark Side?

We hope this piece on Low Key photography at iPhotography has left you with
plenty of room for thought. Now it’s your turn to learn and enter the darkside!
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Course not only teaches you
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with your camera – but we
also show you how to use these skills to develop your own individual
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– @combophoto
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4/7/2021 Low Key Photography: Incredible Tips & Tricks - iPhotography

What You’re Gonna Need in the Dark

One light source (natural or artificial)

Black background or dark setting

Low Key Tips Disclaimer

that it is hitting your subject in the right way.

your ISO as low as possible, this will keep26595

Suite: the image noise-free, and for

exercise. You don’t want to be taking in too much

If any of your backgrounds shine through, don’tDisclaimer

worry, this can be adjusted in post-

Broad and Rim Lighting

Half and Half Disclaimer

manipulation of light to draw attention to a specific part of the subject. By keeping

larger and more defined.

draw attention to a specific element.

other than portraiture.

Low Key for Pets Disclaimer

Low Key animal photography can be achieved in post-editing, so long as your

Low key photography is the perfect beginning to understanding light, and is

Low Key = Dark (low amounts of light)

High Key = Bright (high amounts of light)

Are You Joining the Dark Side?

WHAT OTHERS ARE HEAD OFFICE

and create combo photos

 Learn the iPhotography™

 Email address Submit

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