Low-key vs. Available Light or … that is so wanted …
Lately I have noticed photographs of photographers who describe completely underexposed pictures as available light or low-key recordings. To which the pictures are so dark, I often get the answer, “that is so wanted”.
Ok, that can be good. What I do not understand, however, is that completely underexposed (dark) images in any form should be appealing or so wanted.
For me, Available Light photography is as the name implies, photography with available and available light. The purpose behind this is to capture the existing light mood and not distort it by artificial light. The fact that this is not easy is likely to be clear, high ISO figures, small apertures, long exposure times and light-strong lenses are a prerequisite.
Available Light goes in my opinion also only on site and not in the studio … or better expressed …. it only acts when you spot, for example at an event, at the camp fire or at night on the Christmas market photographed, is in the studio Such a mood is difficult to realize.
In contrast, low-key photography is a completely different area and has nothing to do with available light.
Mainly, low-key is applied in black-and-white photography. It is distinguished by predominant dark to black areas. Low-key photos are specifically under-exposed. The viewer’s gaze is directed at the main motif by means of selective light. The most common is low-key recording in nude photography.
This technique I find is great to implement in the studio.
In this sense a nice week
Fotopedi