2. Types
Images can vary in overall brightness, which is used to
support the underlying emotion of the scene. High-key lighting
means an overall brighter picture, while low-key lighting
means an overall darker picture. Mid-key lighting falls in the
middle, having an average brightness.
The dramatic content of the scene dictates its brightness.
Generally, you will find that high-key lighting is favoured for
upbeat scenes, and low-key lighting is the choice for slow or
taut dramatic action.
3. Uses
Although high-key and low-key refer to a picture's overall
brightness, parts of the frame can be illuminated differently to
affect attention or composition. For example, parts of a low-
key image can be brightened to facilitate perception, while
parts of a high-key image can be darkened to create a more
interesting composition.
