High and low key images are exactly what they’re named - photos whose primary tones are high in value meaning they’re predominately white, or low in value meaning predominately dark. This is not to be confused with images that are over exposed or under exposed. They, too, are exactly what they’re named with the added label of an “oops.”

Many photographers mistakingly label an over or under exposed image as high or low key. Don’t fall into this trap and make the same error. The primary reason for the misunderstanding is many high key images intentionally have some over exposure so those who don’t know the definition draw a conclusion and think that any overexposed image can be labeled high key. The same holds true for low key with the difference being under exposure.

Hi Key Image © Russ Burden

The main reason for making high or low key photos is to evoke a mood. High key images are often associated with all things peaceful, quiet, happy, and pure. The light and airy look portrayed in a high key image brings out these emotions. A studio lit bride comes to mind wherein a white background is bombarded with light. This gives the look of the bride floating on a sea of clouds. Conversely, a low key image takes on a dark mood wherein an ominous, tense and dramatic feel is portrayed.

To create high and low key images, subjects should be bright or dress appropriately for the effect. For example, high key subjects should be brighter in tone than middle gray, preferably even brighter than that. The reason being is the photographer needs to push all values to higher tones to attain the effect. If a subject is dressed in both medium and bright tones, if the medium tones are pushed to the high limit, it stands to reason that all detail will be lost in the already bright tones and the photo will not be successful. Additionally, try to surround the subject with a very bright background. A brightly lit subject against too dark a background does not produce a high key image. If the goal is to produce a low key photo, think dark tones against a dark background and light it as such to provide separation between the two. This often necessitates some sort of backlight. If the subject and background merge, the viewer will be left scratching his head wondering where the subject begins.

Low Key Image © Russ Burden

High key images tend to be low in contrast. They not only have a predominance of very light tones, those tones are very even across the entire photo. While an occasional dark tone can be found, it takes up very little image real estate. There are no dark shadows and those that exist are open and bright. Low key images often have a greater contrast range necessitated by the fact a background light is necessary to separate the subject. This doesn’t always hold true as many low key images do lack contrast depending on the subject matter.

To learn more about this topic, join me on one of my Photographic Nature Tours. Visit russburdenphotography.com and click on the NATURE TOURS button for more information. Also, pick up a copy of my book, Amphoto’s Complete Book of Photography. You can purchase a signed copy directly from me or visit your local book store or Amazon. Contact me at rburden@ecentral.com to order your signed copy.