The low key is a photographic technique based on lighting in which dark tones predominate, although even lighter colors also appear. To achieve this technique, dark backgrounds are used and the scene is dark except for a specific area that remains illuminated.
It is therefore a strategy that the photographer takes using the minimum amount of light and directing it only to the areas that interest him.
The main characteristic of this type of photograph taken in low key is to be able to increase the contrast and work with shadows. With this, it is possible to direct the public’s attention to a specific point. To achieve this objective, it will be necessary to execute an impeccable lighting job to eliminate as many secondary elements.
The aspects that are achieved when working in a low key are those that represent mystery, drama, nostalgia…, reaching the audience’s mood.
To work with this key, you do not need too much instruments, the main thing will be with a camera and its proper objective. On the other hand, the lighting may be natural or the one that offers a continuous light or a flash. The center of attention must receive a light intensity of at least two stops more than the environment of the scene. Finally, to achieve a greater contrast, we can choose dark or black colored fabrics on backgrounds of the same characteristics.
In advertisements it is common to brighten liquids from behind against a dark environment. This can be done by cutting out a hole in black paper as a background and placing the light source there or discreetly coupling it within the decoration itself.