Flavor of the Month - Low Key Lighting Self Portrait

[tommyboy]

Crazy spot reflection just above collar on neck. Otherwise a nice low key.

 

[Vtec44]

Most of the time, when someone thinks they have high key or low key, they are just over or under exposed shots.

That's definitely not what I typically consider low key lighting. Personally, I tend to see high contrast lighting with lots of shadows and a lot of areas fade completely into the background as low key. The portrait seems to have rim lights on both sides and well lid from the front, with only the area under the left side of the hat fades nicely into darkness. I guess it's a matter of personal preference.