More Low Key Lighting

Here is another low key lighting setup that builds on the setup in the previous post. This time we used the overhead speedlight with a snoot and a grid and we added a speedlight on the side with a cheap small soft box. This was done because we threw in an umbrella and if we just used the overhead light, it would likely block out most of the light. By adding the light on the side, we are able to still light our subject while still getting that overhead light.

To be perfectly honest, most light that appears to have a single light overhead usually has a second equal or weaker light down lower off to the side or up front to help soften or outright remove those downward shadows the eye sockets, forehead, and nose produce from an overhead light. Emphasis on the “most,” sometimes those shadows are what you are going for and in those cases you obviously wouldn’t use that lower light.

This time our model was dress up a bit more and despite her begging me for this photo session she wasn’t interested in smiling. So, I went for a serious look and rolled with that. She and I both liked the end result.

Low Key Lighting

Some low-key lighting practice work here. It is a style I enjoy playing around with though I am far from mastering this technique. In this setup I was using a single speed light aimed down. I used a snoot for some and no snoot for others. I also generally prefer this style in black and white, but I included a few in color.

The things to consider with low key lighting are obvious and not obvious at all. For starters, you have to consider shadow and light, those will be the two main factors in your photos. Where you put the shadows and where your put the light will impact how your picture connects with the person viewing it. But you also have to consider smaller details. For example: what color will you make the light? Or what background, even if lacks visibility, will you use. What clothing is involved? Seated or standing? Leaning forward or sitting back?

Low key lighting reduces what can be seen in the photo and in doing so it ups the importance or value of what can be seen and in doing so means you need to consider what is being seen when you are setting up your shot.

Anyway, in case I forget, Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow.