Working on studio lighting for low-key photography has been a challenge. Not having a true studio setup and working with limited space can exacerbate this.
Low-Key photography generally refers to a dark background and a dark more moody scene. Working with just one, off camera, flash and adjusting the subjects distance to the background (further subject is from background the more the light falls off, turning any color background dark gray to black).
Then positioning your light source (single flash in this shoot) to get the subject lit how you envision the finished product and adjusting the flash output to achieve the desired look.
Here are two shots of my grandson from a recent practice session. Both settings were the same:
Hand held Canon 6D, Sigma 70-200mm, iso 100, 1/200, f/18 @ 80mm, Canon Speedlight 580 EX II @ 1/4 power w/opaque modifier, approximately 2' to subjects right shoulder.
This can be a frustrating (large) learning curve, but well worth the effort to get photos like these.Have a great rest of the week and don't forget your camera(s).
Mahalo,
Aaron
