Low Key Lighting

For those that do NOT know what Low Key lighting is continue reading this post and give it a try. For those that DO know what Low Key Lighting is, read on and fill in the gaps or tell me your tips tricks that might be used by those of us that are just starting with it.

Low Key Lighting is something almost anyone can do. It does not require a studio mono light or umbrellas or anything other than your DSLR and an off camera flash.

Put your DSLR on Manual Mode [M].
Set your shutter speed to 125, or 250 if your DSLR allows you to set it that high for flash use. If you dont know, see your camera manual.
Set your ISO to 100 or 200
Set the Aperture to 8
*Do NOT use your flash yet.
Release your shutter.
Is the image completely Black? If yes, fine, skip ahead, if NO, increase your aperture to 11 and/or decrease your ISO. take another shot until your getting a completely black image.

Now, the first time i tried this a few days ago, i was using Vivatar 285H with an XS Photoflex softbox attached to the flash.

Also, make sure your subject is at least 4 - 6 feet from anything behind it/them as the flash will expose anything too close also and the only thing we want to expose is the subject.

Once you have a completely black image then turn on your flash. Set it to manual and 1/2 or Full power. If you are able to use your flash off camera, hold it at least 1 ft or slightly more above the camera but aimed at the subject and 45* degrees to the left or right of the camera. Take a shot.

If under exposed, either move the flash closer to the subject or increase ISO to 200 or 400 etc..
If over exposed, you can turn the flash power down to 1/2 etc..

Things i havent tried yet is a hair light or rim light