Low key

Dark tones extend broadly while light areas appear as limited focal points.

Visual traits

• Deep shadows
• Broad dark areas
• Limited light areas

Expected changes

• Dark areas are more likely to spread
• Light areas are more likely to localize

Definition

Low key constructs most of an image in dark values and treats light areas as limited focal points. It does not include a night setting, particular light source, exposure setting, or sad emotion.

In more detail

Small light areas within deep shadow draw form and attention toward restricted bright places. Any hue may be used, and contrast may be strong or gentle. It is distinct from high key, where light values occupy most of the image.

Includes

• Images mostly occupied by dark values
• Limited light areas

Excludes

• High key dominated by light values
• Hue-centered palette
• Night as narrative setting

What this does not imply

• Night
• fear
• or sadness
• High contrast
• A particular light fixture

Variability

Amount of light area and contrast can be adjusted separately.

Usage

• Make dark values the main image area

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify contrast separately

Typical uses

• Construct an image in dark values
• Draw focus to limited light areas

Possible failure modes

• Black clipping loses form
• The result becomes high key
• Only hue changes