High Key???

[RachaelRenaesPhotos]

High key means a very low lighting ratio between the background and the subject. High key is often shot on a white background.
So, high key is as much about lighting the background as it is about lighting the subject, which is why high key can't be done very effectively without quite a bit of supplemental lighting.

Lighting ratio in photography refers to the amount of key light (the main source of light from which shadows fall) to the fill light (the light that fills in the shadow areas). The higher the lighting ratio, the higher the contrast of the image; the lower the ratio, the lower the contrast. Since the lighting ratio is the ratio of the light levels on the brightest lit to the least lit parts of the subject, and the brightest lit are lit by both key (K) and fill (F), therefore the lighting ratio is sometimes expressed as (K+F):F although for contrast ratios of 4:1 or more (high lighting ratio), then K:F is sufficiently accurate.

Being able to consistently make high quality available light photographs requires photographic lighting technique knowledge. The use of a key light, fill, accent light, rim light, side light, etc is still required. Your key light can be the Sun or the sky if you are using open shade, and your fill can be from a reflector, but the available light photographer has a lot less control over the placement, color temperature, quality, and intensity of the light used.

Doug Box's Available Light Photography: Techniques for Digital Photographers
Available Light: Photographic Techniques for Using Existing Light Sources
Lighting Techniques for High Key Portrait Photography

Online resources: High key and Low key lighting tutorial
The Complete Beginner?s Guide to Shooting High Key
simple high key lighting photography tips

This helped so much, I will get on the links and read every single one of them! thank you :thumbsup:

 

[RachaelRenaesPhotos]

That is not her... this is her: https://www.facebook.com/rachael.renaes.photography

I'm no weatherman, but I predict some flaming coming in the near future.

Hahaha, lets fight about how my name is spelt! And to the nice man who linked my photography page, thank you its much appreciated! Maybe people will get on there and give me some advice :thumbsup:

 

[RachaelRenaesPhotos]

Stop being a "natural light" photographer and become a photograhper. Learn how to use and control "man-made" light sources. Sorry, but it really is that simple.

I've always been confused when photographers call themselves "natural light" photographers, because if they are indoors, they use the lighting from lamps, etc.

I think what they really mean to say is "I'm a 'I'm scared to use external flashes, strobes, and studio lighting because I don't understand it' type of photographer."

I agree. You're not going to get high key photography without some source of man manipulated light source. Even if you use the sun as a backlight, you're still going to need fill flash.

I'm getting really sick of the judgmental, non-helpful replies to a question from a beginner in the Beginner's forum! She didn't post this question in the Professional forum, and she's not shooting her first wedding with a camera she was given last week. What, now you all have to roam the internet to see her photos before you decide whether or not she's a good enough "beginner" to answer her question? :er:

Lay off or get out of the Beginner's forum if that's all you have to offer. :thumbdown:

I absolutely love this

 

[RachaelRenaesPhotos]

...ETA: Flash is just a tool, yelling at someone for not knowing how to use it isn't very productive or mature.

I don't think anyone was yelling, and I would suggest that the OP's use of the term "natural light photographer" is one which is normally used as a cover by those who don't know or want to learn how to use flash. Saying, "I'm not familiar with the use of flash and want to learn how to shoot high key" is going to yield VASTLY different responses.

I don't mind learning how to use a flash. And I said that because anytime I started a thread somebody asked what kind of light I use. I have never used a flash, no, but I am eager to learn!

 

[RachaelRenaesPhotos]

Stop being a "natural light" photographer and become a photograhper. Learn how to use and control "man-made" light sources. Sorry, but it really is that simple.

I've always been confused when photographers call themselves "natural light" photographers, because if they are indoors, they use the lighting from lamps, etc.

I think what they really mean to say is "I'm a 'I'm scared to use external flashes, strobes, and studio lighting because I don't understand it' type of photographer."

I agree. You're not going to get high key photography without some source of man manipulated light source. Even if you use the sun as a backlight, you're still going to need fill flash.

If i'm indoors I use window light. Completely natural. I'm definitely not afraid by any means to use any of what you listed. I say that because I use the sun as my light source. I am however eager to learn. So please don't assume things. But thank you for your ending piece of info. I'll use it :thumbsup:

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Is this you? Rachel Renee Photography - Fashion Photography, NYC

That is not her... this is her: https://www.facebook.com/rachael.renaes.photography

TY

 

[tirediron]

Stop being a "natural light" photographer and become a photograhper. Learn how to use and control "man-made" light sources. Sorry, but it really is that simple.

It appears that my rather direct comment early in the thread has offended some. When I made this comment, I was not aware of the fact that the OP was as young as she was; (it was my erroneous impression that she was in fact a university/college student charging for work), and for that I apologize, and will temper my earlier statement with the following: Embrace all aspects of photography, especially those which have to do with the control of light in any form. The use of [so-called] natural light is indeed an area where one should be proficient, but even more important is understanding how to use light from all sources.

 

[AaronLLockhart]

Stop being a "natural light" photographer and become a photograhper. Learn how to use and control "man-made" light sources. Sorry, but it really is that simple.

I've always been confused when photographers call themselves "natural light" photographers, because if they are indoors, they use the lighting from lamps, etc.

I think what they really mean to say is "I'm a 'I'm scared to use external flashes, strobes, and studio lighting because I don't understand it' type of photographer."

I agree. You're not going to get high key photography without some source of man manipulated light source. Even if you use the sun as a backlight, you're still going to need fill flash.

If i'm indoors I use window light. Completely natural. I'm definitely not afraid by any means to use any of what you listed. I say that because I use the sun as my light source. I am however eager to learn. So please don't assume things. But thank you for your ending piece of info. I'll use it :thumbsup:

I'm glad you're willing to learn.

I was just implying that I don't like the term "Natural light photographer," because even "natural light photographers" get put into circumstances where you are using anything but "natural light." Therefore, you're not ONLY a "natural light photographer." You're simply a photographer.

That's all.

 

[RachaelRenaesPhotos]

Once again, you ASSUMED things. Just stop. I went with my cousin to a wedding with me and SHE took all of those for your info, I helped her pose and what not. She asked me to edit them in photoshop since she didn't have it. So again, I use natural light. that is all. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.379152598824783.87979.137868819619830&type=3

 

[pixmedic]

 

[AaronLLockhart]

Once again, you ASSUMED things. Just stop. I went with my cousin to a wedding with me and SHE took all of those for your info, I helped her pose and what not. She asked me to edit them in photoshop since she didn't have it. So again, I use natural light. that is all. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.379152598824783.87979.137868819619830&type=3

Of course I assumed they were your photographs, they are in YOUR portfolio. every single person that sees those images assumes they are yours.

Why would you be using photographs that your cousin shot in your portfolio?

 

[RachaelRenaesPhotos]

Once again, you ASSUMED things. Just stop. I went with my cousin to a wedding with me and SHE took all of those for your info, I helped her pose and what not. She asked me to edit them in photoshop since she didn't have it. So again, I use natural light. that is all. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.379152598824783.87979.137868819619830&type=3

Of course I assumed they were your photographs, they are in YOUR portfolio. every single person that sees those images assumes they are yours.

Why would you be using photographs that your cousin shot in your portfolio?

I gave her the credit when I made the CD and I gave her credit in the album so I'm pretty sure people don't think they are mine. I don't know how to recreate her watermark so I used mine so they weren't passed off as some random strangers work. They are on Facebook because the bride asked them to be. But I'm not going to argue about this. All I asked was how to create high key images but instead I'm arguing about a never ending subject. I have never used a flash but I will soon try to learn how. Thank you for your advice, but I'm not replying to anything more you say.