Page 18 - Silver Lakes September 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Helmeted Guinea fowl
TAKING LOW KEY SHOTS

By Albert Roos

hotography is all about light. If light source. This is what he prefers: “Using the image and slower speeds will lighten
there is no light, there is no photo. my camera in manual mode, I set my ISO the image. Remember, the idea is to find
PWhen it comes down to the basics as high as I’m willing to go to maintain a a balance between lighting your subject
of photography there are many ways to good quality image (for the most part and maintaining a dark background as far
capture light, especially with the new 2000-2500 ISO will be adequate). I then as possible.”
cameras on the market today. One of these choose as wide-open an aperture as
methods is called Low Key photography. It possible to allow in as much light as I can; The other notable way to capture Low
is a form of photography that may or may somewhere between f/4.0 and f.5.6 is ideal. Key photos is by using natural light. This
not appeal to you, but it is always good Then the only setting that should change is the method I use most. When using
practice to understand it and to be able and that you need to be concerned about natural light, it is important to remember
to replicate the techniques of the different is your shutter speed – you are going to that you cannot capture Low Key images
forms of photography, in order to improve use this to regulate the exposure of your in all lighting conditions. For this to work,
your own understanding and skills set. image. Faster shutter speeds will darken you need your subject in the light with a
Let me define the term Low Key
Photography, first. As per Wikipedia –

“Low Key photography is a genre of
photography consisting of shooting dark-
coloured scenes and emphasising natural
or artificial light only on specific areas in
the frame. This photographic style is usually
used to create a mysterious atmosphere, that
only suggests various shapes, often graphic,
letting the viewer experience the photograph
through subjective interpretation.”
As always, there is more than one way
to achieve the desired effect of a Low
Key photo. This is based on the camera
equipment available to you, combined
with locations that you have access to, as
well as your personal preferences.
Well-known photographer Brendon
Cramer likes to shoot Low Key shots at
night using a flash or a spotlight for his
Nyala Ewe

16 INTRA MUROS SEPTEMBER 2021