High Key/Low Key Photography

High Key and Low Key Photography

To create contrast in studio images photographers use - High Key and Low Key shooting.

Both High Key images and Low Key images make an intensive use of contrast, but in a very different way. When approaching a shoot of a dramatic portrait, the decision of making it a High Key, Low Key or "just" a regular image has great impact about the mood that this picture will convey. While High Key images are considered happy and will show your subject as a tooth-paste poster; Low Key portraits are dramatic and convey a lot of atmosphere and tension.

High Key

When looking at a High Key picture, you notice two things right away. (Other than the happy-happy-joy-joy mood of the picture) The first thing is that the picture is bright. To create a high key image you need to set your exposure levels to high values. Don't over expose.

F6.3 . 1/160 ISO 100

F8 . 1/160 ISO 100

Notice is the lack of shadows in the picture. The shadows cast by the model (or subject) are suppressed by lighting in the scene.

The other noticeable feature of High Key images is the lack of contrast. In addition for the tone being bright,  notice that it is almost even across the scene. This is achieved by carefully setting the lighting of the picture.


Picture of the set up below:-

Model stands in front of white background

 Low Key Images

 In Low Key images the tone is darker, and the controlling color is usually black. There will be lots of dark areas in the picture. It is very common for Low Key images to give special attention to contour lines, emphasizing them with highlights.

F5.6 ,1/8sec , ISO 100

Low Key images are also notable for a great deal of contrast that they display.  A light surrounding the subject illuminating only the contour of the shape. So the contrast is between dark shape and bright contour.

 Set Up

One Red head light with 2 Black poly boards in front. The boards pulled out to reveal a shaft of light. Model- just part of the face illuminated. A tripod needed, F8 (adjust if needed) Shutter speed 1/8sec.

High Key, Low Key and mood - usually, High Key images are considered happy. They convey positive emotions, while Low Key images are darker and present drama or tension.