Two stylistic devices with a big impact
In photography, high key and low key shots are among the most exciting lighting styles when it comes to conveying emotions and controlling the impact of an image. Both techniques play with extreme brightness ranges, but lead to completely different results.
High key – bright, soft and friendly
Features
- Predominantly bright tones
- Little or no deep shadows
- Soft, diffuse light
- Often low contrast
Effect
High-key images appear light, positive, pure and optimistic. They convey a friendly mood and often make subjects appear delicate and gentle.
Typical applications
- Portrait photography (e.g. baby photos)
- Beauty and fashion
- Product photography (e.g. bright, clean product shots)
Technical notes
- Bright background (e.g. white)
- Use large light sources
- Feel free to correct the exposure slightly upwards
- Reduce contrast in post-processing
Low key – dark, high contrast and dramatic
Characteristics
- Predominantly dark tones
- Deep, hard shadows
- Strongly directed, selective light
- High contrast between light and dark
Effect
Low-key photography has a mysterious, dramatic, powerful and often emotionally intense effect. The minimal light draws the eye to individual areas of the image and emphasises shapes and structures.
Typical applications
- Artistic portraits
- Music and theatre photography
- Sports photography
- Still lifes with strong emphasis on form
Technical notes
- Dark background (e.g. black)
- Use light sparingly and selectively
- Avoid stray light (light surfaces reflect light)
- Correct exposure downwards
- Increase contrast in post-processing
