Classification of portraits

Low-key photos and high-key photos have opposite tonal configurations. In a low-key photo, the black tones occupy a large area and the white tones occupy a small area. The tone of the whole picture is relatively thick and deep. This is a photography modeling technique in which the photographer consciously chooses large areas of black tones and small areas of white tones in black and white photography based on the characteristics of the subject, using strong tonal contrast to express the content and atmosphere of the work.

When taking low-key photos, you should pay attention to the following points: 1. In order to make the photos taken conform to the reality of life, the tone of the low-key photos must be determined according to the characteristics of the subject. For example, close-ups of coal miners, workers in front of blazing steel-making furnaces, people studying or working under the lamp at night, and the elderly can all be expressed in a low-key manner. This can make the characters in the picture deep, energetic, melancholy, and heavy, and gain a deeper understanding. portray.

2. For low-key photos, you should choose a black background so that the subject is completely set against the black tone. Only in this way, the small area of ??white is set off by the large area of ??black, and the outline of the main character in the picture, the facial features full of character and other decorations will be separated from the background under the action of light, making the spirit of the characters in the picture more vivid. Temperament is fully expressed.

3. The lighting used in low-key photos, to a certain extent, determines the success or failure of low-key photos. Because most low-key photos use large side light and side backlight, they highlight part of the subject's facial features and a certain part with obvious personality characteristics, giving people a distinct impression at first glance. Because the shot is taken with a large side light or side backlight, the subject has a clear outline and is separated from the background, showing the three-dimensionality and texture of the subject. However, the use of large side light and side backlight increases the white tone of the subject and the background. For contrast, when exposing, expose the bright part of the subject. Even if you don't use black cloth and dark colors as the background (of course you can't use white as the background), you can sometimes achieve a more ideal low-key photo effect. Photos with light tones. Most of the picture is in light tones, giving people a pure and bright feeling; but it does not exclude the use of a small amount of dark tones. Just the right touch of dark tones can often become the visual center of the picture. When shooting, front light or diffuse light is often used, which is suitable for subjects with white as the main tone.

The color tone of high-key photos is mainly white, generally white accounts for 75% to 95%. The light used in high-key photos generally uses soft light without strong directionality. In terms of exposure control, it is generally necessary to increase the exposure by 1 to 2 levels compared to the data measured on the 18% gray board. Make the density of the negative film larger. In other words, it is better to lose a little gradation in the highlight areas than to leave dispensable grays on the screen.

Choose a light-colored or white background. Light gray or white paper or cloth can be used as the background indoors. When shooting, pay attention to eliminating the shadows cast by strong light on the background to ensure a clean picture.

When shooting high-profile portraits indoors, it is better to use scattered light for lighting and shoot with even and smooth light. The light ratio should be as small as possible and controlled between 1.5:1 and 2:1. If it is not available, With such a light ratio, the shadow tone must be low-key and lack high-key meaning. The best way to reduce the light ratio is to use a reflective umbrella or reflector, so that the strong light is much reduced. When taking high-key photos under natural light, a clear sky with no shadows is ideal. When shooting in smooth light, with a bright sky as the background, the bright and refreshing mood of high-key photos will be fully displayed.

High-profile photos are popular among people for their bright tones, concise lines and bright atmosphere, especially their unique advantages in showing young women and children. The tone of most high-profile photos is mainly white and light gray, and the proportion of black and gray is generally less than 25%. High-key photos are divided into two types: soft high-key and hard high-key: the soft high-key picture has a very small tonal difference and can show the hierarchical structure of the subject in detail; the hard high-key picture has very few tonal levels and mainly relies on lines. Outline.

Technical requirements:

1. The lighting light must be soft and even. Generally, smooth light or soft box shooting is used to achieve a flat contrast effect. When taking a close-up portrait, the light ratio of the face should not exceed 1:2.

2. When taking portraits, the subject should wear white or light-colored clothing. When shooting natural scenes, you should also choose light-toned scenes. The tone and color of the subject and background should be as close as possible.