Latest Posts › Photography Forums › Weekly Photography Challenge › Weekend Photography Challenge #407 Low-Key / Hi-Key
- This topic has 124 replies, 21 voices, and was last updated 6y, 11mo ago by
Jane Dragon.
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AuthorPosts
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November 3, 2018 at 7:01 am #372982
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesFederico posted a really good article on Low-key photography last week, so I thought it was a good idea for the Weekend Challenge. Plus Hi-Key as well for some balance !
https://www.lightstalking.us/low-key-lighting/ by Federico Alegria
https://www.lightstalking.us/high-key-low-key-moderate-adjustments/ by Sheen Watkins
https://www.lightstalking.us/getting-started-with-low-key-portraiture/ by Dzvonko Petrovski
https://www.lightstalking.us/bite-size-tips-what-is-a-high-key-lighting-and-how-to-set-it-up/ by Dahlia Ambrose
https://www.lightstalking.us/16-radiant-examples-of-high-key-photography/ by Jason D Little
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November 3, 2018 at 9:09 am #372983
Anonymous
- Allows Edits:
@- Posts:285
No Achievements Yet!
Okay here is a stab at a high-key image. This is downtown Chicago, IL.
Mike-
November 4, 2018 at 12:16 am #373010
The treatment is interesting, Mike. Almost looks like infrared. Cool.
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November 4, 2018 at 4:09 pm #373062
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesDitto what Leame said!
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November 5, 2018 at 4:48 am #373166
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesA different angle on things Mike! I like the way the windows have sort of become the dominant element here. Ditto…cool.
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November 3, 2018 at 10:05 am #372986
Anonymous
- Allows Edits:
@- Posts:285
No Achievements Yet!
Here is my submission for a low-key image. Mike

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November 4, 2018 at 12:17 am #373011
Beautiful.
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November 4, 2018 at 11:40 am #373038
Mike, my immediate reaction was, “this must be a ’50’s movie star”. However you accomplished this look, it is beautiful.
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November 4, 2018 at 12:33 pm #373044
I agree with Gray, Mike. The eys really draw my focus – great portrait!
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November 4, 2018 at 1:06 pm #373053
Perfect lighting Mike! Well done!
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November 4, 2018 at 4:06 pm #373061
Anonymous
- Allows Edits:
@- Posts:285
No Achievements Yet!
Thanks guys, for all the comments. The model is my niece. I was trying to get a “film noir” look to the image. It’s always nice to get some positive feedback on my efforts.
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November 4, 2018 at 4:10 pm #373063
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesQuite mesmerising!
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November 5, 2018 at 4:50 am #373167
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesMy first thought was a young Judy Garland. You’ve captured that era very well. Beautiful model too!
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November 9, 2018 at 6:24 pm #374036
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesLovely !
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November 4, 2018 at 12:15 am #373009
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November 4, 2018 at 4:12 pm #373064
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesBoth beautiful Leanne!
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November 5, 2018 at 4:52 am #373168
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesLove these Leanne. The first one reminds me of one of those sketches dressmakers create. Like the folds of a skirt hanging down.
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November 5, 2018 at 8:06 pm #373285
Beautiful colors in both shots. First one beautifully delicate. The second beautifully saturated.
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November 8, 2018 at 1:33 am #373667
Thank you Diane, Graham and Dave!
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November 8, 2018 at 2:23 am #373671
These are wonderful shots.
I love freesias Leanne but are you sure these are old? Look at the image upside down.
(I posted this comment once before but apparently it got lost in cyberspace)-
November 9, 2018 at 11:54 am #373983
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November 9, 2018 at 6:27 pm #374038
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesLove both images Leanne. The colour palette of the sweet pea image is exquisite.
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November 4, 2018 at 2:18 am #373018
Hi Key Snowstorm…

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November 4, 2018 at 12:37 pm #373045
You’ve made this look like an illustration from an old book Tom. Very nice.
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November 4, 2018 at 4:13 pm #373065
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesI love photographing snowstorms, this is lovely Tom!
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November 4, 2018 at 5:23 pm #373083
“Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening”, surely Robert Frost had an image such as this in mind when he put pen to paper.
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November 5, 2018 at 4:54 am #373170
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesLove this too. I can almost feel like I’m there. This pic conveys the feel of the place so well.
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November 5, 2018 at 8:09 pm #373287
A beautiful spot well captured. Nice job Tom.
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November 9, 2018 at 6:29 pm #374039
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesA catching image Tom – almost gives the icy feeling of melting snow on the bare skin of the face.
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November 4, 2018 at 2:19 am #373019
Low Key 3 Glasses…

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November 4, 2018 at 1:07 pm #373054
Very nice image Tom!
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November 4, 2018 at 4:15 pm #373066
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesInteresting light in this shot Tom, it works well!
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November 5, 2018 at 4:57 am #373171
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesVery nice. Something about glass and light that always pleases the senses. I like the upward sweep of light to the right which adds some depth to the image.
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November 4, 2018 at 5:15 am #373022

Faded Rose-
November 4, 2018 at 1:08 pm #373055
Very interesting image! The Bokeh is strong with this one!
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November 6, 2018 at 8:07 am #373482
Maybe too strong, too visible ??
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November 4, 2018 at 5:44 pm #373085
Great color and focus. Definitely a noir feel to it.
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November 6, 2018 at 8:10 am #373483
Goes with the season (“Toussaint” – All Saints’ Day)
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November 6, 2018 at 4:02 pm #373513
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesGreat shot Andre, you’ve captured the texture on the rose well, and the bokeh add to the overall effect.
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November 4, 2018 at 8:04 am #373023

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November 5, 2018 at 5:00 am #373172
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesI’ve read that images like this can be quite challenging to capture but you’ve done a good job Andre.
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November 6, 2018 at 4:46 am #373449
Thank you!
I actually wanted to see what I could do with a white object on a white background, in a white light box… 😉
Now I wonder if it’s better with a slight shadow or without ?
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November 9, 2018 at 6:31 pm #374040
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesA very nice minimalistic image.
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November 4, 2018 at 8:38 am #373024
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? Yes-
November 4, 2018 at 12:43 pm #373047
Your two images are stunning, Elin. The first was a bit of a photographic mystery, which I just love! Great job.
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November 4, 2018 at 1:05 pm #373052
Really incredible images, ElinL! I love the low key image the best! The eye of the Big Horn, with the horn as a lead in line, is what nails it for me. Brilliant!
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November 5, 2018 at 5:08 am #373176
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesTotally awesome pics Elin. I too like the low key most with its horned demon feel. The wisps of hair in the shadows, what seems like a larger beast lurking in the BG and that eye! Terrific pic.
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November 5, 2018 at 11:06 am #373223
Great shots Elin!
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November 9, 2018 at 4:59 am #373918
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesThank you Bobbie
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November 9, 2018 at 4:59 am #373919
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesThank you Erik
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November 6, 2018 at 4:06 pm #373514
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesBoth stunning shots Elin, great textures in both, too!
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November 4, 2018 at 11:22 am #373037
High Key – makes me smile
Low key – makes me think
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November 4, 2018 at 12:39 pm #373046
Your hi-key portrait me me smile too Gray 🙂
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November 4, 2018 at 12:45 pm #373048
Lovely high key portrait Gray. I especially love the treatment. It looks like a cherished, faded photograph from days gone by.
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November 6, 2018 at 8:23 pm #373542
Thanks Leanne
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November 4, 2018 at 1:18 pm #373058
Powerful images Gary! Total contrast of the heights and depths of which the human race is capable.
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November 6, 2018 at 8:25 pm #373544
Thanks Bruce, that’s what I was going for.
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November 5, 2018 at 5:10 am #373177
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesBeautiful high key pic Gray and I’m still thinking about the low key image.
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November 6, 2018 at 8:27 pm #373546
Thank you Graham
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November 5, 2018 at 8:13 pm #373288
Your high key portrait has an angelic look to it. Nicely done.
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November 6, 2018 at 8:23 pm #373543
Thanks Dave
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November 6, 2018 at 4:09 pm #373515
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesLove the processing on the little girl, very angelic.
The memorial shot is very thought provoking, Gray. -
November 9, 2018 at 6:33 pm #374041
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesAgree with Diane´s words. The memorial is provoking.
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November 4, 2018 at 1:15 pm #373056
High-Key

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November 4, 2018 at 1:16 pm #373057
Low-Key

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November 5, 2018 at 8:17 pm #373289
Although completely different geographically both shots have a look of isolation. Both quite pleasing.
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November 6, 2018 at 10:21 pm #373551
Thank you Dave!
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November 9, 2018 at 6:35 pm #374042
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesBoth images are compelling Bruce. Where is the high-key image taken ?
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November 6, 2018 at 4:11 pm #373517
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesThese both look amazing when seen large Bruce, lots of detail, and both really good examples of the theme!
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November 6, 2018 at 10:21 pm #373552
Thanks Tersha!
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November 4, 2018 at 4:05 pm #373060
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? Yes-
November 4, 2018 at 4:59 pm #373070
Very nice Tersha!
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November 5, 2018 at 8:22 pm #373292
Dandelion seed heads make great photographic subjects. I’ve seen a lot but never tire of seeing more. Like snow flakes no two are alike. 🙂 Nice shot Tersha.
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November 9, 2018 at 6:36 pm #374043
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesLove your dandelion images Diane.
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November 19, 2018 at 5:05 am #375554
Amazing image! Dandelions and snowflakes are nice objects, they use to look alike but the difference is in every inch.
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November 4, 2018 at 7:27 pm #373091
Notice the beetle

Tetraopes tetrophthalmus
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November 4, 2018 at 10:16 pm #373128
Totally cool! I never would have noticed, had you not mentioned it. Looks like it’s hold up the flower.
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November 8, 2018 at 3:35 pm #373852
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesBig beetle, or small flowers Click? Cool shot.
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November 4, 2018 at 10:41 pm #373134
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesHigh Key – shot with mobile

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November 8, 2018 at 3:34 pm #373851
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesSimply beautiful!
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November 9, 2018 at 6:37 pm #374044
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesVery cool Graham – and lovely !
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November 9, 2018 at 6:50 pm #374048
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesThank you Diane and Elin. Wish I’d healed out the little badge now…its a bit of an eye snag.
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November 4, 2018 at 10:54 pm #373139
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesLow Key

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November 5, 2018 at 8:25 pm #373296
I like this. The low key treatment works wonderfully here.
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November 6, 2018 at 4:51 am #373453
This cat really has something mysterious… we do not guess what he can think
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November 8, 2018 at 3:33 pm #373850
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesA deep thinker Graham! Good low-key.
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November 9, 2018 at 6:38 pm #374045
ElinLParticipant- elinlaxdal1
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/40843248@N07/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@elax- Posts:4977
Allows Edits? YesA hypnotising look… irresistible 🙂
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November 9, 2018 at 6:51 pm #374049
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesThank you Dave, Andre, Diane & Elin.
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November 5, 2018 at 2:05 am #373160
chris pookParticipant- https://www.instagram.com/christopher.pook/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/pookies_pics/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@chrispook- Posts:3263
Allows Edits? Yes -
November 5, 2018 at 5:43 am #373178
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November 5, 2018 at 5:52 am #373179
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November 5, 2018 at 10:27 am #373214
Wonderful images here. High key/low key is something I’ve not pursued or hardly thought about to be honest. I am definitely interested now though. Thank you all. 🙂
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November 5, 2018 at 2:51 pm #373234
LAMP POST.
Canon 5D Mk iv edited in Snapseed/iPad. Trying to keep my hand in while traveling. Took this for a few different reasons. The building is scheduled for demolition

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November 9, 2018 at 6:57 pm #374050
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesNow I’m jealous…a 5D Mk IV! What a wonderfully geometric image Rob. What’s really interesting is the skewed symmetry of the round windows which are off-centre. I wonder if this was the designer’s intent or if structural needs dictated it? Such a shame it is to be demolished.
PS: yes, every inch of my being wants to straighten that lamp post 🙂
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November 5, 2018 at 3:17 pm #373241
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? Yes-
November 8, 2018 at 2:28 am #373674
Diane, for me, the low-key, the light and dark, all work to give this image a feeling of deep winter outside and a cozy place by a fire inside.
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November 9, 2018 at 7:03 pm #374053
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesNice one Diane. In a similar way to Bobbie, this pic gives has a Christmas feel to me. With a bit of tinsel I would’ve been into the egg-nog 🙂
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November 5, 2018 at 3:55 pm #373245
Pioneer Cemetery (high key)

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November 5, 2018 at 8:33 pm #373299
An older photo re-worked just a tad to make it more appropriate for the challenge. Still looking for a high key candidate. Either in my files or out in the world.

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November 6, 2018 at 5:17 am #373462

With Nik Silver Efex
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November 6, 2018 at 10:40 am #373489
How about high key desert stone?

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November 8, 2018 at 3:25 pm #373845
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? YesGood detail John, I can just imagine this stone in the baking hot, very bright sunshine!
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November 9, 2018 at 7:13 pm #374054
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesI can almost, just about see the face of the sphinx in this pic John in the upper RH quadrant. Bit of dodge and burn and it would really stand out I reckon.
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November 8, 2018 at 8:30 am #373728
TRANQUILITY

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November 8, 2018 at 1:09 pm #373828
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November 9, 2018 at 7:17 pm #374055
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesI really like this Bobbie. Hard-core street if you ask me. I guess its high-key although the light/dark ratio is kind of balanced rather than leaning in the lighter direction? Dunno, perhaps a white vignette to lower the darker shades at the edges?
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November 10, 2018 at 2:22 am #374087
Thanks Graham. I’ll try your suggestion. Other things I tried “undark” the dark didn’t really work.
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November 8, 2018 at 1:13 pm #373832
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November 9, 2018 at 7:20 pm #374056
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesI t certainly is a little noisy Bobbie but I like it. He almost looks like he’s made of stone because of the noise. What is that light object he appears to be holding?
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November 10, 2018 at 2:30 am #374088
He’s holding a large glow stick. There was almost no light in the room except for a few candles and the glow sticks and necklaces other guests were wearing or holding (very evident in the original image). There were a lot of people around and most of the reediting I did here was to try to tone down or remove those small isolated light points which were very distracting
(I like your new picture Graham)
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November 8, 2018 at 3:39 pm #373855
TershaKeymaster- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@tersha- Posts:18386
Allows Edits? Yes-
November 9, 2018 at 7:21 pm #374057
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesBeautiful Diane. The light blue cast in the BG really compliments the purple flower. It has ‘delicate’ written all over it.
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November 8, 2018 at 9:14 pm #373884
Ann Braun WheatleyParticipant- Allows Edits: Yes
@skyriani- Posts:156
No Achievements Yet!
Allows Edits? YesWhat I do too much of…

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November 8, 2018 at 9:26 pm #373888
Graham HartParticipant- https://flickr.com/photos/139028632@N03/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@diripics- Posts:5503
Allows Edits? YesDon’t we all Ann! Nice Low Key effect. Did the laptop screen play any part in the lighting or was it all coming from the RH side?
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November 9, 2018 at 2:44 am #373909
Ann Braun WheatleyParticipant- Allows Edits: Yes
@skyriani- Posts:156
No Achievements Yet!
Allows Edits? YesI did this self-portrait for the photography course I’m taking. I used a small LED lamp to help achieve this effect, so the light came partly from the Mac screen and partly from the lamp, Graham.
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