This week’s challenge is Low-Key images, for the Imagecraft Bootcamp hosted by Mitch Zeissler at Exploratorius and this site.
Last week I practiced High-Key and enjoyed it. High key sounded easier, for I have experimented with it for a while, just because I like dramatic photos. But I haven’t yet dared to go all the way to darkness, as I did today…
First, I worked on the original image, shot with my Olympus E-M10 (mirrorless).

The first step was to go to Lightroom and make some adjustments before converting it to B&W and I got this image.

Next I made these adjustments in the tone curve:
Highlights: -19
Lights: -100
Darks: -65
Shadows: -100
I wasn’t happy with it yet. But after looking at Lisa’s post at Gray Days and Coffee’s and at her stunning entry, I dared to use the adjustment brush to increase exposure and lighten up the amazing eyes of this kid; because this what I most love about this image. And here it is:
This is beautiful!!! 😮
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Thank you, Becky! 😀
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This is REMARKABLE. The original image is great, but I love what you’ve done. (and pssst I use that adjustment brush all the time 🙂 )
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Thank you, Lisa.
I’ll keep quiet! 😉 I truly loved your hint! I’m still learning to use LR!
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me too. I ask my daughter lots of questions!
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Then I’ll start asking you! Lol
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The blind leading the blind!!
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haha it has always worked and we will get somewhere, eventually!
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What a difference the lighting creates! This was truly amazing, Lucile! ❤
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Thank you, Colleen. I truly enjoyed this technique.
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This little girl’s eyes and smile have enchanted me! Your editing is marvelous and I enjoyed both the color and monochrome versions….
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Isn’t she adorable? She’s the sweetest girl ever. Thank you for enjoying my shooting experiences.
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Love your work, Lucile!
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I love that you love it! Thanks.
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I would never have believed this was the same image, Lucile, but what an adorable little face. 🙂 Love your processing on this one.
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It is an amazing technique, Jo. I will take other portraits to apply the same and see what I can get. Thanks a lot for your comment. And have a beautiful Friday and weekend.
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Thanks Lucile. You too! 🙂
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Thank you! Xxx
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Lucile, well done–you given the young girl a vibrant frontispiece for every viewer to enjoy.
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Thanks much, Sally. Learning these techniques makes me realize the good use of post processing, as opposed to producing fake images.
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The first image is fantastic but the second image is art. The way the eyes ‘pop’ in the second is just magnificent. An impressive piece of photography and post processing.
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Heartfelt thanks! I’m humbled by your words. Thanks, Lisa.
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PS. I was thrilled to see ‘Likes’ turned back on for this post. You know I love to ‘like’ you
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Pssst….this was an experiment! Lol
After so many requests from my beloved bloggers, including you, I’m considering to use it when I post photography. It makes sense.
Let’s see how it develops. I’ll not mention anything….
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😉👍❤️
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I love this gorgeous face Lucile!
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I adore this girl too!! Happy you like it.
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Oh my, Lucile! That adorable face, those gorgeous eyes! Beautifully done.
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What a huge difference! I love the light in her eyes in the last one!
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Thank you, Terri. You should give a try with this technique. It is so interesting.
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After my photography fail with the lunar eclipse last night, I asked my hubby for a new digital camera for my birthday–with a good lens and ease of upload. If you know of any good deals or brands, let me know! Then I could try some of these cool techniques!
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Can you believe that I totally forgot it and went to bed earlier?
It’s very difficult to photograph the moon, so don’t despair. One needs really good zoom lenses.
But it’s a great idea to get a new camera. I’ll send info inbox to you!
Xxx
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Impressive! I love the end result so much! Well done and thank you for sharing the tips 🙂
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Thanks Indah. Appreciate your visit.
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Really lovely shot. It appears that my WP unfollowed you which explains why I haven’t seen your posts. I thought you weren’t posting much. Good grief and heavens above, how disastrous.
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Heavens above! It’s a conspiracy agents the queens! Lol xxx
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Quite possibly. We shall launch an investigative commissioning. X
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Let’s do it! Unacceptable.
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