Lighting Techniques for Low Key Portrait Photography (Paperback)

by Norman Phillips (Author) "When discussing the key in which a photographic portrait is created, we are referring to the overall tonal brightness (or lack thereof)..." (more)
Key Phrases: key portrait photography, low key background, low key portrait, Dennis Craft, Jeff Lubin, Edda Taylor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Photographers learn from a master the impact and drama that can be created through the precise creation of low key portraits-portraits in which the tonal range is primarily dark. While the low key technique lends a classic, artistic, subdued mood to images that may seem relaxed and effortless, creating this style presents significant challenges for the photographer, all of which are addressed in this book. Guidelines for selecting the best lighting equipment and light modifiers for efficiently creating low key portraits are detailed, as are the most effective techniques for measuring the light in the scene for correct exposure. Photographers of all levels learn to consider the impact of creating images in a controlled key.

About the Author
Norman Phillips is the recipient of more than 150 awards, including the Accolade of Outstanding Photographic Excellence in Recognition of Contribution to the Industry. He is the author of Lighting Techniques for High Key Portrait Photography, as well as a regular contributor to Rangefinder. He lives in Highland Park, Illinois.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584281200
• ISBN-13: 978-1584281207
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #405,732 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Creativity in Posing and Lighting, April 14, 2005

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Just a few moments with this book clearly shows why Norman Phillips has won so many awards. This is a fantastic collection of portraits shot with low light to illustrate just what is possible when you know what you are doing. And the discussion (including light placement drawings) describe what Mr. Phillips was doing when he took the picture.

I think the section on photographing children (the biggest market for portrait photography) is worth the cost of the book all by itself. The originality he shows in making a truly memorable picture of the kids is just great. I never imagined some of the things he shows as a way of getting the best out of the kids.

Second to the kids section is the wedding photography section. Here as well he shows an originality in posing as well as in lighting.

All in all, this is an excellent book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great beginner's guide, May 27, 2007

By	Jeremiah Nueve (San Francisco) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The text is of great quality. Content is superb. It's a good guide for beginners who would like to achieve remarkable low key photos. It provides details on how to set up background, what clients need to wear, and lastly lighting setup. I have read other photography books and by far this is one that I can easily understand and apply. Overall I would highly recommend this to others.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good information, but dated style, April 30, 2007

By	Garry K. Tan - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This guide is a well-illustrated look at tried and true practices of portrait photography. That being said, the photos themselves seemed dated and almost Sears-portrait-esque. They are technically sound but do not push the stylistic envelope.

If you're looking for a good explanation of standard practices, this will fit your bill.

I personally was looking for something more along the lines of Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography, but with in-depth explanation of techniques instead of just examples. That book is highly recommended for more creative examples of portrait lighting.