"Lately I’ve been struck with how I really love what you can’t see in a photograph. An actual physical darkness. And it’s very thrilling for me to see darkness again."
- Diane Arbus

I've noticed that a lot of my recent photos have been predominantly dark tones. While I'm not entirely sure what that quotation actually means, the idea of seeing in darkness appeals to me.

Getting the exposure right for a low-key image requires skill and practice. This is a good time to demonstrate both. This is the thread for your successes, examples, and tips.

here is one of the most famous low key pictures in history, edward weston's bell pepper, clearly demonstrating the concept of low key:




this older picture of mine of a flower dangling over a pond is a nice example of how color pictures can be low key pictures:




And finally, this is a recent one, that I personally find has a very clear and strong message. The exposure reveals just enough to tell a person's story, without givng away his identity.... but as always, some people just don't like it:



I love low key pictures, hope to see some great stuff here!
thanks matthew for another great assignment,

uli

Very nice work, Wulinka - especially the last one.

I'm looking forward to seeing some more examples of low key images from everybody. Its something I have not experimented with very much.

This is a common carved timber statue I bought in Bali. He is hiding his face on his hands and crossed legs.

Smarti, that's a fantastic photo. The low-key treatment is just perfect. It's an especially interesting image to see after looking at edward weston's bell pepper.

Uli, that last photo is one of the best 'social realism' documentary photos I've seen. Anywhere.

I guess I'll post some too, although those are tough to follow.


#1 - campfire




#2 - zeen




#3 - merge

Great photos Matthew...#2 is my fav - #1 also a delight

Thanks, Toad, although I have to be honest and admit that I don't think #2 is particularly good. It was taken in the same abandoned building that supplied many of my "broken" photos, and it probably an 8 or 10 second exposure.

Taken yesterday for this assignment...



...it qualifies for "moving camera," too. Maybe there will be a multi-assignment assignment some day.

I am not sure if this photograph fits the criteria - however, here it is