It seems that over the years there is something that never ceases to amaze me in photography; the power of light to completely transform an image. Have you ever experimented, for example, with the high key in a photograph? Doesn’t it ring a bell? Surely when you see the images that I have selected as inspiration, you will know exactly what I mean.
But first, let’s go with some general notes to put you in a situation.
What is high key?
When you look at a high-key image, what you see is light, lots of light and a dominant white. They seem very complicated professional lighting scenes, but the truth is that they are relatively easy to achieve.
High key is based on white backgrounds and even lighting (no shadows), resulting in a clear image with positive connotations such as peace, purity, happiness, or life.
If you look at the histogram of a high-key image, most of the information should be located on the right of the histogram; in the light zone. Although, beware, that it has a lot of light, does not mean that the image should be burned or overexposed.
A good high key technique, must keep the information in the lightsthat is, not to go outside the histogram or, what is the same, it should not (in principle) be overexposed.
What do I need to get a high key photo?
- A light background, preferably white.
- Preferably work in RAW.
- A perfectly evenly lit subject or object: for sufficient light, try shooting outdoors, near a window with a curtain as a diffuser, with a softbox, a continuous light source, open the iris, raise the ISO… Here’s how to do it step by step, don’t be scared 😉 .
- Control white balance to avoid color cast.
oh And great news, you don’t need a SLR to unleash your imagination and start practicing with this technique. Here are a few tips for high-key photography with your mobile phone.
And now yes, I am going to show you what you can achieve with this wonderful (and simple) photographic technique (more photographic techniques in this guide). Open your eyes wide and let inspiration seep into your photographic self 🙂 .
What did you think? I suppose you have noticed the themes that best accompany this type of photography, right? Childhood, macro photography, flowers, objects, snowy landscapes, portraits…
Haven’t you had a crazy desire to get one of these beautiful images? He left you, because he did to me ;-). But first, remember that sharing is the best way we can reach everyone who needs it. Thank you and see you next time.