PRO PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE HOME STUDIO PART 10 - NAILING LOW KEY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
PSH - LIVE - JAN.5, 2016 - 7PM EASTERN
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PRO LIGHTING PART NINE - NAILING LOW KEY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY – JAN. 5, 2016
One of the real advantages of studio photography is the ability to do easy low key portraits. The reason is simple. It's just too hard to do in available light or outdoors.
So in the interest of distancing our business from all the others, we'll offer some "Low Key Portrait Specials" from time to time during the year. It's a look that will separate you from the competition.
Remember, low key photography is generally defined as all or most tonal values below 18% neutral grey. High Key photography is the opposite of course, with tonal values mostly above 18% neutral grey.
So imagine a subject in dark or black clothing, against a black or very dark background, with dark hair. We have to light this in a way that we can keep definition and separation in all the dark tones.
I also believe that there are two ways to go with this sort of lighting.
- Classical portraiture where the subject is in full color and nicely lit
- Dramatic portraiture where the dramatic low key lighting sets a mood
The Mood Portrait
These dramatic low key portraits is where your imagination can really let loose. Start with selecting a mood. Melancholy, sad, anticipation, happy, strong, demure etc. etc., then research for some inspiration.
Find the kind of image your looking for, then decide how you want to dress your model, develop your set, and decide on what lighting equipment you're going to use.
Decide on props. Perhaps something that ties into something about the subject's life. A musical instrument - sports accessory - tool of their trade and so on.
There are also many ways of selling this type of photography beyond producing just a portrait for their home. If it's about their profession, they may need it for business cards, LinkedIN, etc. etc.
So let your imagination go and dream up some low key portraits that stuns your competition 🙂
Kerry
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