Low and High Key lighting
The term Key in photography refers to the overall tone of the final photograph. The tone of a photograph is defined by a ratio of black, white and grey levels. Our eye is able to distinguish between 300 levels from white to black. In black and white photography there are 30 color levels, if it is a long tonal scale; and 10 tones if it is a short scale.
A moderate quantity of colors sometimes makes an image more expressive, as exclusion of intermediate tones allows a photographer to get rid of minor details. That is why high or low key images often make a stronger impression.
Light tones are associated with tranquility, joy and pleasure, while dark hues create an effect of expressiveness, vigilance and drama. Photographers often use a dominant key for portraits and landscapes to achieve expressiveness.
Low Key
Low-key lighting is a style of lighting in photography that attempts to create a chiaroscuro effect. Photographs of this style are characterized by the majority of dark elements, which are sometimes all black. Most details are clearly seen: light spots of an image are bright and clear, while its intermediate tones are not prominent.
The presence of bright elements is essential for low key photography. Besides, all details in a shot should not differ in brightness from each other. The only exception are tonal accents, which are necessary components of the style. It is advisable to use side lighting. Low Key is often used in night landscape photographs, which include any light source within a frame.
High Key
High Key lighting is a style in photography that aims to reduce the contrast ratio present in the scene. It is used to create a light mood. High-key lighting is harsh and has little contrast. For this style light grey and white colors make the most part of an image. But at the same time some black elements should always be present in such photos. They create tonal accents, which are essential for this style.
Contrast ratio of a photo is not only determined by lighting, but by the subject as well, that is why it should be of light colors. It is impossible to take a high key photo of a dark subjects on a dark background. Snow landscapes, water surfaces, portraits make good high key images.
Another recommendation for high key photography – make sure that objects are well and evenly lit. If the lighting is bad, some elements of a composition may seem dark on a photo. Use a defused soft light for studio portraits, it will help to avoid deep shades.
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