High key photography uses unnaturally
bright lighting to blow out most or all harsh shadows in an image. High key
methods were originally developed as a solution to screens that couldn't
properly display high contrast ratios, but has developed into more of a
stylistic choice.
High key images usually convey a
positive or upbeat tone. This method is perfect for a subject that is funny,
lighthearted or beautiful.
You see high key used regularly for
model photography, flowers and other subjects that are relatively feminine in
nature. Another area perfect for high key is product photography. Practically
speaking, the bright nature of the photo really highlights the product and can
make for some great attention-grabbing contrast. Psychologically speaking, a
product shown on white tends to suggest that it is high quality or upscale in
nature.
Lighting Setup
Once you've got some decent lights,
you'll need to set up your studio environment. Don't mistake the information
below as the single right way to shoot high key photography. There are tons of
places and ways to get a good high key shot, this is just to give you a good
idea of one of the most popular methods of achieving the effect.
Ideally you'll have at least three
lights, four if you've got the equipment. You'll also need a seamless white
backdrop of some kind. Many professionals mount a 9 ft wide roll of paper high
on stands, then roll it down across the background and onto the floor of the
shot. If you're on a budget or in a hurry you can try using a sheet (watch for
wrinkles) or an empty wall.
Position your subject in the center of
the backdrop and make sure to keep the shot's frame within the bounds of the
paper so no gaps are showing. Next setup a key light and a fill light. The key
light is off to one side and is your main source of light on the subject. Make
sure the lighting on the subject is fairly flat. As strange as that sounds,
remember that you're not going for contrast here but brightness throughout.
Having your key light to one side will
likely produce harsh shadows on the opposite side of the subject. Here you
setup a less bright fill light to smooth out some of those areas. Shooting with
only these two lights will produce a gray, shadow-filled background. Since
we're going for solid white, you need to eliminate these shadows by using one
or two lights angled and pointed at your backdrop.
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