High Key & Low Key

Ever heard of High Key and Low Key images? Here's some explanation for you on what is High Key and what is Low Key. There's also tips on how to do the setup for both types of shots.

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. Let's explore those two dramatic lighting alternatives. High Key images are considered happy. They convey positive emotions, while Low Key images are darker and present drama or tension.

When looking at a High Key picture, you will probably notice two things right away. The first thing is that the picture is bright. Yes - to create a high key image you need to set your exposure levels to high values.

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

A third feature, that need closer attention to notice is the lack of shadows in the picture. The shadows cast by the model (or subject) are suppressed by the lighting in the scene.

In Low Key images the tone is darker, and the controlling colour 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.

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

Lighting Setup for High Key

• Subject (portrait) typically wears a brighter colour (white or light colours)
• White or light coloured backdrop is used
• Background is metered to be at least a stop or up to 3- stops higher than the Key Light

The basic High Key portraiture lighting setup is as above. You will need to brighten up the background so that it will be easier to do High Key shots. Example of High Key images can be found here.

Lighting Setup for Low Key

• Subject (portrait) typically wears a darker colour although not always necessary.
• Black or dark coloured backdrop is used
• Background is metered to be at least a stop or up to 3- stops lower than the Key Light

The basic Low Key portraiture lighting setup is as above. A black or dark colour background will make it easier to shoot Low Key images. Below are some examples of Low Key images.

It is also actually possible to do a Low Key shot using white background. Although the background won't be perfect pitch black, at least you will still be able to get a dark grey as the background. The tip for achieving this is to make sure your key light and fill light wont reach your background. You should make sure the fall off of the light is fast and not much spill occurs.