High Key/Low Key Photography

Silhouette of a woman
Photo by Bob Ihrig

Low Key Photography

Low-key photography is a style characterized by its use of shadow and darkness, creating images that are predominantly dark with limited lighting. This style often conveys a sense of mystery, moodiness, or drama. The contrast between the light and dark areas is typically high, and the lighting is carefully controlled to highlight only specific parts of the subject. Here are some suggestions for low-key photography in nature:

For low-key photography, the aim is to use minimal lighting strategically to illuminate only certain parts of the subject while keeping the majority of the scene in shadow. This often involves using spotlights or off-camera flashes and experimenting with different angles and intensities of light. The use of dark backgrounds and the avoidance of reflective surfaces also helps to achieve the low-key effect. 

Horses grazing in front of a barn
Photo by Bob Ihrig

High Key Photography

High-key photography is a style that involves using a lot of light to create a bright and airy image, with minimal shadows and low contrast. It often results in a photo that feels light, ethereal, and optimistic. This style is characterized by a dominance of light tones and reduced darker tones. Here are some suggestions for high-key photography in nature:

Banner photo by Julie Wright