In this class you will learn the process of shooting a low key portrait. We will discuss the elements that go together to produce a low key result including background, subject tones and lighting.

There are “degrees” of low key just as there are “degrees” of high key. Some photographers prefer a very dark image, others prefer a less dark result. It is purely up to you.

Most subjects can be given the low key treatment. It will work with landscape, still life, product, portrait and street photography. I shoot mostly people so many of the examples in this class are people shots.

When shooting low key, your camera’s histogram will appear a bit different from the usual shape. The left hand side of the graph will predominate with just a small amount of tones reaching the highlight end of the graph.

The reasons why we shoot low key are generally to impart a degree of drama to our image. Low key is a great medium for expressing emotion in a photograph.

Lighting and contrast control are most important in this style as you will see in our three studio sessions with our model “Cassidy”.

It is also very possible to produce low key images outdoors. You just need to recognise or seek the kind of hard light that works so well with this genre. Look for dark backgrounds with sunlit elements in the foreground and be careful with your exposure.