← Encyclopedia Skill

Low-key Lighting

What: Lighting where shadow dominates light at a high ratio to build drama.

Why: A high lighting ratio charges the image with tension and mystery and isolates the subject.

How: Use one side light source and expose for the lit part so the rest sinks into shadow.

Common mistake: Raising exposure to show detail, so the drama is lost.

Exercise: Shoot a portrait with one window light in a dark room, exposing for the face only.