High key

Light areas extend broadly while shadows appear shallow and light.

Visual traits

• Broad light areas
• Shallow shadows
• Light tonal range

Expected changes

• Light areas are more likely to increase
• Dark areas are more likely to become shallow

Definition

High key constructs most of an image in light values while keeping dark areas sparse or shallow. It does not include light-source position, exposure setting, a white subject, or a particular emotion.

In more detail

Forms separate through gentle differences within a broad field of white to light gray. Any hue may be used, and low contrast is not required. It is distinct from low-key treatment dominated by deep shadow.

Includes

• Images mostly occupied by light values
• Restrained dark areas

Excludes

• Low-key images dominated by dark values
• Hue-centered palette
• Specification of exposure setting

What this does not imply

• Only white
• Low contrast
• A particular fixture or exposure

Variability

Hue and separation within light values can be adjusted separately.

Usage

• Restrain deep shadows

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify hue separately

Typical uses

• Create a bright open image
• Show form with restrained shadow

Possible failure modes

• Clipping loses form in white
• Deep shadows dominate
• Only hue changes