How to take low-key photographs with a digital camera

29 January, 2013

Low-key photography is a creative technique that brings instant drama to an image. It requires a good practice to master this technique involving both illumination and elimination. A low-key image is just one that contains predominantly dark tones in abundance.

A low-key picture is one that contains more monochromatic dark tones and colours and very less of white portions - just the opposite of a high-key image. However, both the high and low-key images convey atmosphere, feelings and moods.

Whereas a high-key image feels airy and light with white background, a low-key image is usually dramatic and full of mystery by creating contrasts through reduced lighting to make shadows and darkness as primary element of the composition.

To create a low-key image, all you need is your camera, one light source and a dark place with dark colour background. Make use of a fill light or reflector. At times, the light from a computer monitor, TV screen or LED torch on the subject in a darkened room can produce splendid low-key pictures.

As far as camera setting is concerned, use ISO 100 or as low as camera permits and adjust the aperture progressively high to low until there is no ambient light in the frame. Thus, the main precaution to be taken into account is no light should reach the dark or black background.

You may block off all light in and use a slit in a window as the light source to illuminate the subject. Try to keep the light from hitting the camera or the background while taking the photograph.