High-Key VS Low-Key Lighting Explained Simply by Lindsay Adler

Curious about high key lighting vs low key lighting? Learn more on the CreativeLive blog.

Fashion Photographer Lindsay Adler has spent a lot of time teaching in the halls of CreativeLive. During her class The Highs and Lows of Lighting: Controlling Mood with Lightone topic she covered was understanding what the differences are between high-key and low-key lighting.

In the snippet of her entire class (video below) she breaks down not only what high-key and low-key lighting are, but also how they can be applied for just the right effect and mood.

Low-Key

Curious about high key lighting vs low key lighting? This is low key, learn more on the CreativeLive blog.
Photos by Lindsay Adler Photography

Low-Key is predominantly darker tones. There’s more shadows to the image. There’s more true blacks.”


Your success or failure as a photographer depends on your understanding of lightLearn More


High-Key

Curious about high key lighting vs low key lighting? This is high key, learn more on the CreativeLive blog.
Photos by Lindsay Adler Photography

“With High-Key, it’s lighter tones, it’s brighter, and minimal shadows.”

In The Highs and Lows of Lighting: Controlling Mood with Light, Lindsay gives you more than just a description. She dives in how to achieve this effect with your lighting setup, how she directs a her model to further accentuate the light, and how YOU can use these techniques make images that will leave your clients picking their jaws up off the floor.

The refresher for you out there at home with lighting styles and a easy to understand and replicate resource for those just getting into lighting techniques. So click on that play button and be ready to jot down some notes.


Your success or failure as a photographer depends on your understanding of lightLearn More


Casey Cosley

As a Seattle-based photographer, I incorporate the culture and style of the city into the sense and attitude of my work. I deliver a stunning and vibrant body of work for my clients, and am available for commercial & editorial travel and/or location photo assignments worldwide. Check out my work on Instagram.