The high-key portrait is a classic look that has retained its popularity over many decades, but it requires good knowledge of lighting to execute it properly. If you are new to portrait lighting and wondering how to create the high-key look, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you everything you need to know.
Coming to you from Gavin Hoey with Adorama TV, this awesome video tutorial will show you how to light a high-key portrait. High-key lighting generally encompasses setups with smaller lighting ratios and corresponding light powers that create softer shadows and a bright, upbeat look with most tones toward the right side of the histogram. This does not necessarily mean you have to blow out the background (though the pure white background is the classic look most photographers probably think of). The nice thing about high-key lighting is that when you get it right, you generally do not have to do much post-processing. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Hoey.
If you would like to continue learning how to light for portraits, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face:
Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley," which is currently on sale along with the rest of our Fstoppers tutorials.
