16 Radiant Examples of High Key Photography

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High key photography, when done properly, can yield some spectacular results. Originally developed, in part, as a means of overcoming the fact that early film and television were severely limited in their ability to handle high contrast situations, the technique was soon adopted by photographers as yet another creative way to express mood — typically a happy or energetic mood.

While the high key look can be achieved in Photoshop, purists will insist on doing it the “right” way: using multiple light sources, bumping up exposure a bit, etc. True high key photography is not about overexposure; it is, rather, about bright, nondirectional lighting and a lack of contrast and shadows. Naturally, there is some degree of stylistic subjectivity to account for and not every photo that fancies itself a high key image will match the criteria for high key imagery point for point. Sometimes that’s okay.

Here are 16 radiant examples of high key imagery.

High-key Tabletop
Photo by Dennis SkleyBaby -- High Key
Photo by PHOTO BOOTHE
Photo by Roberto Taddeo
Photo by Jason Devaun

ghost station
Photo by Matthias Rhomberg

High Key Leaf 4
Photo by Dan Wiedbrauk

Photo by Raphael Goetter

eneloop
Photo by Matthias Rhomberg

Not a Hypnotoad
Photo by Matt Reinbold

Aufgegabelt 341/365
Photo by Olli Henze

high key
Photo by Arend

Photo by Agnes

high light?
Photo by rosmary

About Author

Jason Little is a photographer, author and stock shooter. You can see Jason’s photography on his Website or his Instagram feed.

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