The art of dark (low-key) photography

Article by Ivy Attie.

Dark photography is a complex art to master. Also known as low-key photography, the light focuses on one subject while the rest of the surrounding is dark. It is a skill that requires a lot of learning and practice to achieve the desired results.

Photographers usually take such pictures in black and white, but there is no restriction, and you can also use colours. The subject is typically illuminated while darkness surrounds it. It is a very creative style of photography, and experimentation can result in some fantastic snapshots.

How to take a dark photograph

The key to taking these pictures is to use the correct camera settings and have suitable light sources and backgrounds. A single light source, whether natural or artificial, is sufficient. While some photographers prefer the daytime, dark photography can also take place during the nighttime. Using a tripod helps in keeping the camera stable for the shot.

The subject’s background needs to be dark; otherwise, one cannot achieve the intended outcome. When it comes to the settings, faster shutter speeds are ideal. ISO settings on the camera should be low as it helps in getting the perfect snapshot.

The exact shutter speed and ISO settings vary with the conditions as well as the intended results. The quality of the equipment being used also plays a role in the final settings. You will need to play around a little with the settings to ensure you have them ideally in place. Using the rule of thirds can help get the object’s placement just right.

Ideal uses dark photography

Dark photography creates a mystery surrounding the subject and leaves a solid impression. The eventual impact depends on how well the images are captured. There are several uses of low-key photography.

Artists

Many artists opt for such photos in their professional portfolios as they’re impactful. These pictures leave a strong impression and can be especially helpful in getting commercial assignments such as ads. Smartly taken low-key shots can also help cover any minor issues such as uneven skin tone, an added advantage.

Some advertisement campaigns also use dark photography to promote products. You need a powerful concept and excellent skills to pull them off since you only have a few pictures to leave an impression and convey the message to the consumers at the same time. Typically, dark photography looks great for printed ads such as posters, magazines, and even hoardings. These images can be purchased by advertisers in the form of licensed stock photos.

Family albums

Some dark photos also look good in family albums. It is vital to avoid going overboard and having all pictures taken in this particular manner, though. A few snaps, preferably taken at formal events and vacations, are ideal. These photos add a certain charm to the overall album.

A word of caution

Low-key photography can be very tricky, and you need to be patient to get the perfect snaps. You will every now and again need to use different computer software to make the pictures look perfect. There are many options to choose from, and you can avoid the hassle of going through the process.

The verdict

Dark photography is an excellent style of taking pictures. It is, however, a challenging endeavour and can be frustrating at times. You should have the right set of technical skills and the esthetic sense to execute this photography style flawlessly.