When we begin photography, our goal is usually to make a picture that looks like our subject. This generally includes an exposure that replicates the subject's brightness. But how light or dark your image turns out can be a creative choice to convey a particular feeling.
One such technique is deliberately overexposing the subject or scene to produce a feeling of bright, enveloping light. This results in what's called a "high key" photograph or look. Such pictures frequently have a white background and a light colored subject to start with. Then the exposure is pushed brighter than normal. There is often very little or no black or dark shadow. Common subjects for a high key look include flowers and portraits of children and women.
Learn how exposure can be a creative tool instead of just a record of your subject in Creative Camera Techniques beginning October 2, 2018, in Missoula, Montana. Click here to register.
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| ISO 400, 1/100 second, f/11, +1.5 exposure compensation Sunlight through a diffuser with a white background |
One such technique is deliberately overexposing the subject or scene to produce a feeling of bright, enveloping light. This results in what's called a "high key" photograph or look. Such pictures frequently have a white background and a light colored subject to start with. Then the exposure is pushed brighter than normal. There is often very little or no black or dark shadow. Common subjects for a high key look include flowers and portraits of children and women.
Learn how exposure can be a creative tool instead of just a record of your subject in Creative Camera Techniques beginning October 2, 2018, in Missoula, Montana. Click here to register.