Low key lighting - Work diary

Evaluation
I found this shoot interesting and largely successful due to fact that I enjoy the effect which can be created from the partial lighting and directed shadows with this effect.  I particularly enjoyed editing the images as I was able to use duotone effects in order to create a differently coloured effect with the same tonal contrast as a black and white image, I also enjoyed creating the tonal contrast by editing the images to a black and white state.

Favourite image

1/125, F16, ISO 200

This is my favourite image from this shoot as I enjoyed the way in which the purple duotone effect on the image created an interesting tonal range as well as adding a surreal effect to the subjects appearance and skin tone.  I also feel that the fact that parts of the subjects face cannot be seen as a result of the 3/4 pose and heavy shadows as a result of the low-key lighting which adds a sense of mystery to the image.

Least favourite image

1/125, F16, ISO 200

This is my least favourite image due to the fact that I feel that the tonal range in this image is too low and that the image does not have a large sense of contrast.  The lack of contrast in the image makes it appear somewhat dull.

Progression
If I were to revisit this topic I would consider experimenting with a wider range of duo tone colours as well as creating black and white images with a stronger sense of contrast.

Aspirations 
Below are a selection of images using low-key lighting which is find interesting and would aspire to recreate if I returned to this topic.

Low key lighting- Image bank

I like this image because of the central positioning of the hand as this forces the viewer to focus on it, the viewer is further drawn to the image as a result of the only lighting in the photo being aimed on the hand's surface.

This image appeals to me as the low key lighting of the skulls creates an eerie sense of mystery due to the fact that the skulls can only be partially seen as a result of the light being directed to create shadows and highlights on the image.

The stark tonal contrast of the white flower and the black background in this image captures the viewers eye and draws them into the photo.

This image appeals to me as it demonstrates the use of colour in low key lighting.  The employment of colour is interesting as it gives the image a sense of vitality that is absent in several of the black and white images.  The positioning of the rose in the right centre third of the image works to draw the viewers eye to the rose and complies to the rule of thirds.

This image appeals to me due to the tonal range between the black and white of the image as well as the sense of mystery as the entirety of the subject's face can not be seen as a result of the directed path of light and subsequent shadows.

Low key lighting- Definition post

Dictionary definition-  a style of lighting for photography, film or television. It is a necessary element in creating a chiaroscuro effect. Traditional photographic lighting, three-point lightinguses a key light, a fill light, and a back light for illumination.
Personal definition- a mode of lighting using a snoot which directs light in a certain way to obscure parts of an image.

Low key lighting- Straight images

Low key lighting- Contact sheet

Low key lighting- Studio photography

Camera settings:
1/125, f16, ISO 200
Equipment:
-Snoot, directs the path of light.













-Honey comb, directs the path of light to a lesser extent.

-Reflector dish, reflects light for maximum illumination.