Low-key light is a term used in motion picture and still photography. The phrase refers to a key light. A standard set-up for lights includes a key light, a back light and a fill light. When the key light is high, the image is bright and the subject of the image is fully illuminated. When the key is lowered or removed altogether, the image is darker, with amble shade on the subject.
Lower the Key Light
The key light is the main light source in cinematography and portrait photography. Generally, it is placed at a 45-degree angle off the right side of the camera, although it can be on the left. To obtain the low-key effect in your portrait, lower the intensity of the key light. When using a light kit, use the weakest light in the kit as your key light. This might be the light you would normally use as a fill.
Move the Key Light
One method to use in low-key portrait photography is to move the key light from its traditional position of 45 degrees off the camera. By placing the key light directly to the side of the subject and removing all other light, you will achieve a low-key effect. One side of the subject's face will be essentially in shadow. This can be an unflattering angle for some people but can be great for young children or for someone who really wants to proudly show the lines and wrinkles in their face.
Close the Barn Doors
In a light kit, the key light will have four metal flaps surrounding it, commonly called "barn doors." If you close the barn doors, that is, fold them over the light source, this will decrease the pool of light generated from your key light. You can experiment with the barn doors, even focusing the light to a very small source to achieve a low-key effect. Remember to follow all instructions on your light kit regarding the use of the barn doors. They get extremely hot, so keep your gloves handy.
Use Only Fill or Back Light
An extreme way to achieve a low-key effect is to eliminate the key light altogether. By only using a fill light and back light in your portrait, the subject will be almost completely in shadow. The only features illuminated will be those where you focus the fill light. This can be highly effective when you use a reflector behind the subject to bounce the fill light. A common place to point the fill light in this set-up is the subject's eyes. If you only use the back light, you will achieve a silhouette effect.
Low-key light is a term used in motion picture and still photography. The phrase refers to a key light. A standard set-up for lights includes a key light, a back light and a fill light. When the key light is high, the image is bright and the subject of the image is fully illuminated. When the key is lowered or removed altogether, the image is darker, with amble shade on the subject.
Lower the Key Light
The key light is the main light source in cinematography and portrait photography. Generally, it is placed at a 45-degree angle off the right side of the camera, although it can be on the left. To obtain the low-key effect in your portrait, lower the intensity of the key light. When using a light kit, use the weakest light in the kit as your key light. This might be the light you would normally use as a fill.
Move the Key Light
One method to use in low-key portrait photography is to move the key light from its traditional position of 45 degrees off the camera. By placing the key light directly to the side of the subject and removing all other light, you will achieve a low-key effect. One side of the subject's face will be essentially in shadow. This can be an unflattering angle for some people but can be great for young children or for someone who really wants to proudly show the lines and wrinkles in their face.
Close the Barn Doors
In a light kit, the key light will have four metal flaps surrounding it, commonly called "barn doors." If you close the barn doors, that is, fold them over the light source, this will decrease the pool of light generated from your key light. You can experiment with the barn doors, even focusing the light to a very small source to achieve a low-key effect. Remember to follow all instructions on your light kit regarding the use of the barn doors. They get extremely hot, so keep your gloves handy.
Use Only Fill or Back Light
An extreme way to achieve a low-key effect is to eliminate the key light altogether. By only using a fill light and back light in your portrait, the subject will be almost completely in shadow. The only features illuminated will be those where you focus the fill light. This can be highly effective when you use a reflector behind the subject to bounce the fill light. A common place to point the fill light in this set-up is the subject's eyes. If you only use the back light, you will achieve a silhouette effect.
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