Low key refers to a style of photography
that utilizes predominantly dark tones to create a dramatic looking image.
Where high key lighting seeks to over light the subject to the point of reduced
contrast, low key lighting intensifies the contrast in an image through
intensely reduced lighting.
The key here is not just to produce a
dark image but to use lighting very selectively so that only specific portions
of the image are illuminated. Normally as a photographer, you spend your time
trying to avoid harsh shadows, especially on faces and around the subject's
eyes. For this reason, shooting low key can actually be a fun change of pace.
Instead of avoiding intense shadows,
you'll have to consider them as the primary element of the composition; one
that defines the mood of the entire photograph. The trick then becomes
manipulating your lighting and the positioning of your subject so that the
shadows fall in just the right spots to create the look you want.
If you have your own photo studio, there
are lots of ways to setup low key shots that will give you fantastic results.
First, make sure you have a large black backdrop. As a general rule, try to
avoid hitting with any lights in such a way that it shows texture, wrinkles,
etc.
You can definitely have a low key
portrait with other types of backdrops, but this will help you achieve that
classy solid black look that comes to mind when you think of low key
photography.
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