High Key and Low key

Examples:

I really enjoy both low and high key lighting. However, you can clearly see that the difference between them both is significant. High-key really focuses on the highlights, not making a lot of contrast between the foreground, main focus and the background. Contrasting to this, low-key does the exact opposite. Concentrating on making the shadows and contrast of the image exceptionally dark.

As both these lighting techniques are on both ends of the spectrum in terms of differences, they evidently give a completely different feel to an image when applied. High-key really gives a bright and clean feel. This is because the shadows are very low but enough to shape the subject, for example, a face if shooting portraits. High-key lighting is mainly used to shoot portraits as it softens features and creates a very soft image and is very forgiving. Its also very popular with sit-coms or TV series.

On the other hand, Low-key lighting creates a very mysterious and dark feel however, if used correctly, could give a 'throw back' type of image. By this I mean 'The Beatles' Portrait. The Beatles used low-key lighting to create the type of look, which we now call 'Tumblr/Hipster'. Low-key lighting uses as much contrast as possible while still complimenting the subject. When doing low-key lighting in the studio, you can't get the best possible contrast and darkness by just turning the hair light and having just one light source, as the background is white. As it's white, it'll act as its own filter. Therefore, By moving the light source closer to a part of the subject, it really darkens the other area's of the image.

High-key is great for high end fashion shoots as the lights really capture the bright vibrant colours in the clothing or make-up. However, for the more urban clothing stores such as 'urban outfitters' the low-light really captures the essence and the era of the clothing.

Extra Examples:

High-key-

Low Light: