How to take a low-key photo?

The tones of low-key photos are mostly dark gray, light black and black tones, and light tones occupy a small position. The tone of the whole picture is thick and deep. Low-key can be divided into soft low-key and hard low-key: soft low-key shows the rich layers and texture of the subject with a small gap, while hard low-key highlights the outline of the subject with a large light ratio.

Attention should be paid to when shooting:

1. The soft and low-key image is reduced, but the contrast between tones is very small. It expresses the level and texture of the subject with close tones and fine lines. The light ratio of soft and low-key images is mostly controlled between 1:4. Hard and low-key pictures have a strong contrast between light and dark, and the light ratio is mostly controlled between 1:8.

2. Use photometry or semi-backlight when shooting low-key photos, and choose a dark background.

3. When shooting a low-key portrait, the color of the costume should be darker. When shooting low-key natural scenery, you also need to choose deep-tone scenery. The color of the foil is also darker, which is in harmony with the low-key of the main body.

4. Exposure should be sufficient to ensure that there are enough layers in the shadow. Chronic developer should be used when developing, D76 developer can be diluted with two or three times of water, and then the development time should be appropriately extended.

5. Low-key photos have a strong tone throughout the picture, but it is best to have a white tone. Even if the area is small, this white tone can make the whole picture come alive.