Project 52 - Week 46: High Key

I am no stranger to high key images.  I like the drama of a high key image. However, not every image will work when shot and processed using this method. 

Essentially you should look for a solid, light backdrop.  White seamless paper or a white wall will do the trick, or, as you can see in this image just below, snow works very well.  This image of Burton was shot in the snows of last winter.  The shot is overexposed, on purpose, to blow out the shadows and eliminate some of the contrast.  Since Burton is mostly white, the outlines of his body blended into the very bright snow as well once I overexposed the shot.

Once again, I used the process to design a card with the image of a shelter cat.  The cat was positioned against a white wall in a community cat room where the bank of windows caused sunlight to fill the space.  I used only that light reflected off the white walls to create this image, which, once again, I overexposed.

In both of these situations, I had ideal settings and animal colors (black and white) to produce a dramatic high key image.  Now onto this past weekend, and an image shot in less than ideal conditions.

Sassy, a visiting setter who came to stay with us on Sunday for the day, was my subject.  She is eight years old and a lovely girl.  The day was a bit overcast, but there were breaks in the clouds when sunshine came through.  The background is our patio, which I have completely washed out in post processing.  I used an open shutter on a 50mm 1.8 lens.  I then used my levels and contrast adjustments to tweak the image into high key.  There are  a few shadows below her chin and to the left, but the image is still dramatic and qualifies as high key.

There are only a few of us working the theme this week, so head to Cincinnati pet photographer, Suzi Pix Photography
to catch her high key images!