How to Shoot — Episode 9: Low-Key Portrait Free Preview
- ON1 Photo RAW
- 18:09
- Beginner
In this video I demonstrate how to create a low-key portrait — from planning, to execution, to post production in On1 Photo RAW. Along the way I’ll talk about what I consider when creating any photograph including what is often referred to as the Depictive Space — that is, what is in the frame, how it’s lit, and how it’s shot and the Mental Space — that is, how someone who is looking at our image, perceives it. Finally, I process the image, using the portrait tools that are available in ON1 Photo RAW.
Skill Level
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10 Comments
James DavisApril 8, 2020
Great Tutorial.
Newbie question
How do you remove or avoid the reflection of the light on the eyes?
Is there a tutorial you can direct me to?
Thanks,
JD
Anthony MorgantiApril 8, 2020
Typically, the light in the eyes is desirable — it’s called a “catchlight” and often will add life to your portrait. Many photographers go to great lengths to create that catchlight. It can be an issue if a person is wearing glasses — the reflection is distracting — if that happens, putting the light more to the side will help and if the shadows on the face become an issue because the light is so far to the side, you would add a second light on the opposite side. You can also have the subject pull their glasses down toward the tip of their nose. This at times can help you avoid the reflection.
Carmen KApril 9, 2020
Hi Anthony,
I really enjoyed your tutorial. I like the simplicity of the studio setup. A one-light shoot. I hope you will build up from here. I’m sure you will be doing the high key shoot next. Will the one after that be a two light setup? It really is helpful for some of us who are considering to slowly create and build up a studio at home to see that things don’t have to be so complicated. I’ve seen other tutorials that are so complex in lighting setups that seems overwhelming to start and expensive as heck. I noticed that you used a meter. I hope you will talk about the choice of strobe you are using, along with how to use a meter, and setup the strobe in concert with the camera settings for the next tutorial. I’m so glad you are teaching at On1. You are an excellent instructor! Thank you for the tutorial.
Anthony MorgantiApril 9, 2020
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tutorial and thank you so much for your kind words! Also, thank you for the video suggestions — everything you suggested we will definitely consider. Best of luck with your photography.
Karyl BuchholzApril 10, 2020
As always, I appreciate your clear, concise and informative teaching style.
Thank you!
Anthony MorgantiApril 10, 2020
Thank you so much for watching. I truly appreciate it!
Bill WestermanApril 13, 2020
Anthony,
I really enjoy your teaching methods and the material you choose to cover.
I’m thankful you are surviving the pandemic in good health.
When ON1 first became available I subscribed to it and used for a while, then I felt that their use of proprietary suffixes to files that were saved after working on a photo, were not acceptable to many other programs. As a result, I quit using it, and went back to Photoshop and Lightroom.
I see from your current demo of the low key portrait handling that there are some really interesting aspects to the way ON1 handles portraits.
I’ll be sending you some additional monitary support.
Dr Bill Westerman
Anthony MorgantiApril 13, 2020
Thank you so much Dr! Yes, give On1 another look — download their free trial and see how it works for you.
David MarkApril 29, 2020
Very informative, excellent detail and I love the step-by-step process! Well done and very helpful.
Anthony MorgantiApril 29, 2020
Thank you for watching!
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