Today I come with a dose of inspiration. Of those that are shot into the vein, so that enlighten your imagination. And never better said, because it is an inspiration related to lighting. I bring you a gallery in low key. What is that? As soon as you see the photos you will understand without explanation, but I will tell you briefly. First, I would like to leave you with this mega guide on lighting in photography so that you can solve all your doubts and discover the tricks that will help you master the light in your images.
What is low key?
Low key is a photographic technique based on lighting where dark tones predominate, although the rest of the tones are also present, even the lightest. This is achieved with dark backgrounds and with the scene in the dark except for a specific area that is illuminated. The beauty of this technique is that, in addition to being visually attractive, it also serves to arouse emotions in the viewer. It is a technique that impacts, visually and emotionally. A low-key photograph does not leave you indifferent. Reduce the scene to the minimum expression. And all, through the light.
To find out more and, above all, how to achieve it, read this article where Mario explains it step by step. And if your thing is mobile photography, don’t give up, you can also experience it in low key with a Smartphone. Let nothing stop you!
And now yes, here comes the inspiration.
female portraits
Although the low key is used more in male portraits, because of what it evokes and represents, you can also make female portraits with this technique. It all depends on what you want to communicate. If you are looking to convey sweetness it will not be the best option, but what if you want to show strength, courage, sadness, mystery…? Here an example:
male portraits
And, of course, also the masculine ones. Dramatic portraits, full of strength and even aggressive depending on the model and his attitude.
Animals
Put to portray, if you feel more feeling with animals than with people, for whatever reason, you can apply part of the knowledge of portraiture with animals. Your pet may be more available than your friends or family ;). Either way, you can get amazing low-key animal photos. At home…
Freddie Marriage
… or in the middle of nature.
Thrill
We have mentioned it many times on the blog, the low key technique helps us when it comes to arousing emotions. In this photograph you will see how it also helps to enhance them. If you look closely at the portrait, you will see that the mouth wants to smile while the eyes scream sadness. The eyes are the mirror of the soul, so I think it’s a good idea to make this portrait in a low key. It is much more honest. In low key we would have paid more attention to the smile and it could have seemed like a sweet expression, or submissive, something well seen and applauded in many places. However, this key is more on the spot ;).
Tell stories
When telling a story, low key can help you focus on what’s going on, create an appropriate setting, etc.
protagonist light
The illuminated part of a low-key photograph does not have to be a subject, an animal or an object. The light itself can be the leading motif. A fantastic exercise both to learn to manage light and to awaken creativity.
Smoke
And… speaking of exercises… have you practiced smoke photography? Why not try now? Here I tell you how to achieve it step by step.
Creativity
There are many types of smoke, just like the creative ideas of each one… Here is an example of creativity in a low key, very inspiring.
Mystery
If creating mystery and even fear is your thing, here’s some low-key inspiration. Two different images that can give you ideas.
Naked
Feminine or masculine, the low key in nudes is always a hit. Subtle, elegant images that insinuate and draw silhouettes. They hide more than they show, highlighting the beauty of the body without crossing the line of the vulgar.
flowers and macro
True, high key is highly recommended for floral motifs, but back to the same thing, what do you want to convey? You can also use low key with flowers and macro to get stunning photos like this one.
Love
If the typical couple photos bore you and you want to achieve something more creative and original, try doing it in a low key. Because love is not always sweet or tender…
And here’s the inspiration. I hope you have an overwhelming desire to go get your camera and practice with the low key or… just practice. With that I would be satisfied.
Remember that here you have how to achieve low (and high) key step by step and if you have been left wanting more, you can stroll through this challenge or this one in black and white.
If you liked it, help me inspire more photographers. Share it on your favorite social network. Thanks and see you soon.