slang adj. quiet, calm, not busy, with not too many people.

adj. Describes an image that contains mostly darker tones. Some shadow detail should be retained in the subject: low key relates to the tones in the subject and the lighting, not the exposure used. See also: high key _______________________________________________________

a method of lighting often found in mysteries and thrillers which emphasizes shadows and pools of light.

Consistent use of dark values on a given area or surface.

Term describing a photograph in which the tones are mostly dark and there are few highlights. (see High key)

Consistent use of dark values within given area or surface.

Description of a photographic image which has predominantly dark tones and little contrast.

A scene is reproduced in a low key if the tone range of the reproduction is largely in the high density portion of the H & D scale of the process.

Describes a mostly dark image, with few highlights.

An image that contains large areas of dark tones and little mid-tones or highlights.

A dark image that is intentionally lacking in highlight detail.

The dark end of the tonal scale. In a lowkey image the picture is dominated by shadows. Low-key images are best suited for gravure work (cf. high key).

As applied to an image, it refers to one with overall dark tones. A good low key image nevertheless shows detail and contrast.

Describes an image that mainly consists of midtones and shadows.

A photograph or other image whose tonal range is mostly in the shadow regions.