Traditionally, photographers created the high key effect using lighting to reduce contrast in the final image. Using different Photoshop tools, you can apply the high key effect to your color or black and white photographs. A photograph that is properly exposed will be the best choice for creating the effect. High key images reduce imperfections in skin, so it's a popular technique for fashion and portrait photography.
Effect Description
- Bright highlights and mid-tones typify high key images. As a result, the images have little contrast and no severe shadows. However, a sufficient amount of shadows remain to delineate the photo’s subject. In addition, the majority of high key images have a white background. In portraits, the effect downplays the skin and hair, but emphasizes the eyes. This vivid lighting effect is appropriate for cheery pictures such as babies or weddings.
Image Preparation
- Before attempting to create the high key effect in Photoshop, copy the layer you want to edit and make tonal adjustments to this duplicate layer. This action preserves the details of the image. After you make your alterations, you can use a layer mask on the duplicate layer to replace details in the image. If you wish to convert your image to black and white, use the “Hue/Saturation” command to desaturate the layer.
Diffuse Glow Filter
- The Diffuse Glow filter resembles high key lighting and is a simple way to achieve the effect. You will find this filter located in the group of “Distort” filters. Reduce the “Graininess” setting to zero, since photos with the high key effect appear soft and smooth. Adjust the “Glow” and “Clear” settings to modify the filter. After you apply the filter to your duplicate layer, use a layer mask to remove the filters effects from particular parts of the picture, such as the eyes.
Screen Layer Mode
- Applying the Screen layer mode lightens an entire layer, except for the deepest shadows. Using this mode for your duplicate layer automatically creates a brighter image with less contrast, and can be a good starting place for making the high key effect. You can brighten certain parts of an image by selecting it, making a new layer and changing its mode to “Screen.” If you want to select just the highlights of your image, use the “Color Range” command.
Other Tools
- Use the Burn tool to darken specific parts of the image and add detail, or choose the Dodge tool to increase the highlights. Both of these tools can create intense results, so reduce the “Exposure” setting in the Options bar to make gradual changes. Each tool’s “Range” can be set to affect the shadows, highlights or midtones of the photograph. Choose a soft round brush tip so the tonal variations blend with your image. The “Levels” or “Brightness/Contrast” image adjustments are useful for modifying the tone and contrast of your entire picture. “Gaussian Blur” is a useful filter for the high key effect because it softens your image.
