HOW TO CAPTURE HIGH-KEY SHOTS

Push highlights for a skewed distribution of tonal values

1

USE A TRIPOD As you will likely be using lengthened exposures to create a brighter feel, it is essential that you support your camera to minimise blur. It is especially important to use a heavy-duty model if you’re shooting near moving water.

2

METER FROM THE SHADOWS

The characteristic feature of high-key images is the low-density shadows. While this may be created using flash in a studio, we can produce a similar look by getting the camera to shift all tones ‘to the right’ – towards the highlights.

3

OBSERVE CLIPPING Turn on the highlight alerts on your camera to visualise blown highlight detail. Try to keep this to a minimum if possible, though in some cases this is desirable for a bleached look. Ensure that no clipping occurs over key subject areas in either instance.

4

PUSH TO THE EXTREMES Increase exposure until you reach the point where you would usually stop when exposing ‘to the right’, then increase shutter speed or aperture further until the brightest highlights clip. As long as these are in negative space, the effect will seem desirable.

5

ADJUST FRAMING If using blown highlights as a feature – in some cases this can be widespread, depending on location and subject – vary the composition to experiment with the balance of tones. Use a blown sky as a background element, for example, mimicking the classic studio look.

6

WATCH THE MIDTONES The aim of high-key photography is to control the density of the shadows, so be mindful of what is happening to the midtones. If they’re pushed too far towards the highlights, they can lose impact and contribute towards a flat image – use negative exposure compensation if needed.