The assignment for the week of 7 – 13 December 2009 is “High Key.” The term "high key" describes an image with predominately light tones. The other noticeable feature of "high key" images is the relatively low contrast. In addition to the tone being bright, the low contrast results in almost even tonality across the scene. High key images are often used to produce a dreamy or ethereal mood. (By contrast, “low key” images emphasize the dark tones, and impart a dark, ominous feeling and are used to convey drama or tension.)
Scenes that lend themselves to high-key treatment are low contrast and evenly illuminated, for example a snow scene under flat light, or a landscape enveloped in fog. You will probably need to over-expose slightly from your camera's recommended exposure reading; however, take care not to "blow out" or clip significant areas of the scene. (You should attempt to keep the tonal ranges in the image primarily in the upper half of the RGB values.)
Naomi's
Bedroom Eyes image is a great example of a high key portrait.
Bedroom EyesPhotographed by Naomi
Please upload your images to the "High Key" album in the Weekly Assignments category of the gallery no-later-than midnight Mountain Time (GMT -07:00) on Sunday, 13 December 2009. I'll look forward to seeing your images.
Keith
