High key and high key mini are two photographic lighting techniques that differ primarily in the ratio between the key light and the fill light. Both techniques aim to create images with a bright, clean, low-contrast look by using a key light that is significantly brighter than the fill light. However, high key uses a larger difference between key and fill than high key mini.
In this article, we will break down the specifics of how these two techniques work, when you might want to use each one, and how to execute them properly. Understanding the nuances between high key vs. high key mini will give you more creative options as a photographer.
Defining Key and Fill Light
Before diving into the differences between high key and high key mini, it’s important to understand what key and fill lights are in general:
– Key light – The main light source that creates the primary illumination on your subject. This is usually placed at a 45 degree angle relative to the subject.
– Fill light – A secondary, less intense light source that fills in shadows created by the key. The fill light is placed directly opposite the key, on the other side of the camera.
The relative intensity between the key and fill determines the overall contrast of an image. A high key/fill ratio produces low contrast, while a low ratio creates high contrast.
What is High Key Lighting?
A high key lighting setup uses a key light that is significantly brighter than the fill light. Specifically, the key is usually 2-3 stops brighter.
This creates a low contrast image with bright highlights, light shadows, and an overall bright, airy look. The subject will have soft, defined shadows instead of harsh ones.
In a typical high key setup:
– The key light provides the main illumination on the subject. This is normally a hard light source like a strobe or flash.
– The fill light uses a lower intensity continuous light, reflector, or secondary strobe/flash. Its purpose is to open up shadows, not overpower the key.
– Background lights are usually added to ensure the entire scene has a bright, high key look.
Here are some examples of a high key lighting setup:
| Key Light | Fill Light |
|---|---|
| Strobe – f/8, 1/200 sec | Reflector |
| 500W tungsten key – f/5.6, 1/60 sec | 100W tungsten fill |
| Flash – f/5.6, 1/200 sec | Flash dialed down 2 stops |
What is High Key Mini?
High key mini follows the same principles as high key lighting – creating a bright, low-contrast look with a key and fill light.
However, it uses a smaller difference between the intensities of the key and fill, making it more like a 1-2 stop gap instead of 2-3 stops.
This results in a similar bright, airy look but with slightly more definition in the shadows. It meets somewhere in between high key and standard lighting.
Some examples of a high key mini setup:
| Key Light | Fill Light |
|---|---|
| Strobe – f/5.6, 1/200 sec | Reflector + 100W tungsten |
| 500W tungsten key – f/4, 1/125 sec | 250W tungsten fill |
| Flash – f/5.6, 1/200 sec | Flash dialed down 1 stop |
When to Use Each Technique
So when should you choose high key vs high key mini? Here are some general guidelines:
Use high key lighting for:
– Portraits – It creates a clean, flattering look for subjects. Works well for senior portraits, headshots, fashion, and glamour photography.
– Product shots – Highlights products in a bright, appealing way. Especially effective for shiny objects.
– A dreamy, angelic look – Suitable for fine art nudes, dancers, and surreal concepts.
– Highlighting bright colors – Vibrant colors will seem richer and more saturated.
Use high key mini for:
– Subjects with very light skin tones – Prevents them from getting washed out or overexposed.
– Outdoor/location shooting – More fill balances out ambient light so you retain some shadows/shape.
– A brighter take on low key lighting – Retains some low key drama while still being brighter.
– Times you want softer shadows – High key shadows can be too hard without any fill.
– Magazine-style portraits – Have a polished look with subtle shadow definition.
Executing Both Techniques
To pull off either high key or high key mini shots, follow these steps:
1. Choose your key light
This will be your brightest light source placed at a 45 degree angle to the subject. Options include:
– Strobes/flashes
– Hot lights like tungsten or LED panels
– Natural light from a window or reflector
Stick to hard light sources. The exceptions would be diffused strobes or huge softboxes.
2. Choose your fill light
This will be a secondary, lower intensity light source placed opposite your key. Options include:
– Reflectors
– Lower power strobes/flashes
– Continuous lights dialed down
– A weaker natural light source
Use a fill 1-3 stops below your key. 1-2 stops for high key mini, 2-3 for true high key.
3. Set exposure
Expose for your key light. This should give you a bright, airy image with open shadows.
High key photography requires overexposing slightly compared to normal exposure. Compensate +1 to +2 stops depending on the look you want.
4. Add background lights
Add lights, reflectors, or bounced flashes behind or around your subject to fill in the entire background evenly. This removes any darker tones.
5. Watch out for light modifiers
Avoid using hard light modifiers like grids, snoots, or reflectors on your key light. This will create defined shadows instead of the soft, airy shadows you want.
However, grids can help control spill from background lights. Reflectors also work nicely as fill.
Sample High Key vs. High Key Mini Photos
Here are some example shots showing the differences between high key and high key mini lighting:
High Key Portrait
Notice the very bright, low contrast look. The shadows are open and soft.
High Key Mini Portrait
Slightly more shadow definition in the hair and clothes, while retaining a bright look.
High Key Product Photo
The entire frame is bright and airy. Diffused reflections in the glass.
High Key Mini Product Photo
More noticeable shadows help show the shape and dimension of the product.
Achieving the Right Look In-Camera vs. Post-Processing
You can mimic a high key look by brightening photos in post-production. However, there are benefits to nailing the look in-camera with lighting:
– Retains maximal image quality and tonality – No loss of highlight/shadow detail
– Saves a lot of post-production time – Minimal editing needed
– Very difficult to simulate high key shadows in post – Ends up looking flat and fake
– Allows room for creative adjustments later – Can further brighten/stylize image
The best approach is getting a proper high key lighting setup first. This provides an excellent starting point that you can then tweak subtly in post as needed.
Takeaways
– High key uses a larger intensity gap between the key and fill lights (2-3 stops) compared to high key mini (1-2 stops).
– High key produces a brighter, lower contrast image with softer shadows.
– High key mini has slightly more defined shadows while retaining a mostly bright look.
– Choose high key for a dreamy, angelic effect and vivid colors. High key mini works better for very pale skin tones.
– Proper lighting is crucial for achieving a true high key look in-camera, rather than relying solely on post-processing.
Conclusion
Mastering different lighting techniques like high key and high key mini provides more creativity and control over your photography. Subtle changes in the key-fill balance and exposure can dramatically change the look and feel of the final image.
Now that you understand the nuances between these two bright, airy styles, you can choose which approach is right for your subjects and creative vision. Just remember to overexpose slightly and watch your light modifiers when first learning. With practice, you’ll be able to set up beautiful high key or high key mini shots with ease.
