High key and low key photography are lighting techniques used in photography to achieve a specific mood or aesthetic in an image. Both types of photography play with heightened shadows or whites.

For high key photography, the lighting in an image is with mostly white or light tones, with very few dark or shadowed areas. This creates a bright and airy look, and can be used to convey a sense of happiness or positivity. In portrait or product photography, high key lighting is often used to create a clean and fresh look.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, low key photography refers to an image with mostly dark tones and shadows, with very few light or white areas. This creates a moody and dramatic look, and can be used to convey a sense of mystery or tension. For portrait or still life photography, photographers often use low key lighting to create a more moody and atmospheric look.

Both high key and low key lighting techniques can be achieved through the use of lighting equipment, and post-processing techniques. While both genres are not incredibly difficult to achieve, we’ve made a list of content with some tips and tricks so you can nail both low key photography or high key photography! Read more for three free guides to help you achieve moody or light images.

1) High Key Photography

High key photography is defined as an image that contains very little in the way of shadows or dark tones. In this free guide, Stacey Hill walks you through the steps in order to avoid over exposing your shots and achieve that bright image, including some considerations to keep while shooting for post-processing. Download now →

2) Low Key Photography

Low key photographs use heaps of blacks and dark shadows to achieve contrasts and a dark and moody image. You’ll learn where it’s best to apply this style and what technical things to keep in mind to not under expose the image. You’ll also learn a few tips on how to handle the editing process in this guide. Download now →

3) Metering and Exposure

As mentioned before, high and low key photography rely heavily on skillfully under or over exposing an image. To achieve this you need to know how to work metering and exposure. Kent DuFault walks you through the basics of handling these two, often overlooked, aspects of your photography in order to achieve the image you want. Download now →

Further Reading

If you want more creative photography challenges, check out Photzy’s Action Cards Stretch Goals Set here. These fantastically designed and printable project sheets are a great way for you to expand your creative skillset as a photographer. Get them now.