Photo How To

Friends or mentors have likely broached the concept of "low key photography," but you're uncertain what the term really means or how to capture images with a dramatic look that can be easily achieved if you know a few basic tricks. This straightforward primer discusses everything you need to know for getting the job done with simple gear.

The tutorial was created by the My Photo Journey YouTube channel— a popular how-to resource for shooters who want to step outside their comfort zone and try something new—and this 16-minute lesson surely fits the bill. You can make low key photographs indoors or out with gear you already own, so take a close and give this unique stye a try today.

This unique technique is demonstrated indoors with a makeshift setup that's about as easy as it gets. There's small candle atop a little table for illumination, a black cloth bag for the backdrop, and an entry-level Canon EOS Rebel XT as the weapon of choice.

Here's how our unnamed instructor describes his goal for today: "This is my version of a basic tutorial tailored for both beginners and advanced photographers. I'll share my tips, tricks and techniques to help you master the art of low key photography." It will help to have a camera in your hand while learning the process involved.

The comprehensive video covers everything from setting up a scene to the necessary camera settings that will deliver attention-grabbing low key exposures without guesswork. The video concludes with a detailed step-by-step Lightroom workflow for making your dramatic images even better.

Once you've finished watching, be sure to check out the My Photo Journey YouTube channel for more outside-the-box lessons. You'll even find a video dedicated to high key photography which, as the name suggests, is the opposite of what today's tutorial is all about.

We also suggest watching a tutorial fe featured recently from another accomplished pro who demonstrates why a Circular Polarizing Filter is a MUST HAVE accessory for everyone who shoots photographs outdoors.