Your First Low Key Portraits | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

At first glance low key photography looks simple enough. All you need to do is take a photo that mostly consists of shadows and it’s low-key. But in reality, low-key photography has a lot more going on. Yes, you need to master the shadows but at the same time the image needs to be correctly exposed and very often, that means you also need to see some highlights.
This fine balance is explored by Gavin Hoey where he combines three simple lighting techniques with some basic props. The results are beautiful low-key portraits that you can reproduce at home.
Starting with the essentials such as ensuring your shadows are as dark as possible, Gavin begins with a simple one-light set-up that makes use of a wide-brimmed hat to create some deep, dark shadows.
Next Gavin moves his Flashpoint XPLOR300 flash to the side of his model and uses a length of red fabric to add a splash of color.
Finally, Gavin uses a sheet of foam core with a letterbox-shaped hole cut into it. This cookie (or gobo) is used to project a slit of light across the model's face. A second flash adds a little bit of fill light and completes the look.
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:55 Preparing for low key portraits
2:27 Creating shadows with a hat
4:28 Low key portraits with a hat
5:13 Setting up sidelight for low key
6:55 Low Key portraits with sidelight
7:53 Using a cookie to control light
9:50 Low key portraits with a slit of light
10:41 Conclusions and Subscribe
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro
www.adorama.com/fplfx300ptb.html
Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro
www.adorama.com/fplfev200pk1....
Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html
Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
www.adorama.com/glbdsm02pro.html
Glow 7” Honeycomb Grid Set
www.adorama.com/glrfg7k1.html
Glow 7" Reflector For The Bowens Mount
www.adorama.com/glrf7bo.html
Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
www.adorama.com/fplsc.html
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
www.adorama.com/iomem1m3.html
Olympus 12-100mm f/4 Pro
www.adorama.com/iom12100b.html
Tether Tools Pro 16' USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable
www.adorama.com/ttcu1917.html
Tether Tools AeroTab
www.adorama.com/ttatl4.html
Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
www.adorama.com/sksk401305.html
Sekonic L-308 Red Cover
www.adorama.com/sk401332.html
#beginnerphotography #portraitphotography #adorama
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Follow Gavin on
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Model and MUA Sophie Daly
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[@csc-photo]

I'm going to say Gavin is one of the most - if not THE most - helpful creators here when it comes to lighting setups & related tips. I really appreciate his content, delivery, and personality. Thanks!

[@kelfarley]

You, sir, are not wrong! Absolutely the best.

[@Kit2Canada]

Agreed!

[@Alexandra-ez5xi]

Absolutely, he is awesome!

[@manuelfigueroa894]

Totally agree

[@chrisalexander2478]

I was fixing to comment pretty much the same thing. :)

[@natestain7103]

Always a pleasure to watch! Thanks Gavin!

[@HaiTomVlog]

Low key portraiture is a lot of fun. I always enjoyed playing around with one speed light to see what happens. Great video!

[@WatkinsPhotog]

These videos are fantastic! Always so much great info and inspiration

[@Lordred1069]

Great video like always. Joyful and instructive. Thanks!

[@christophkrull5660]

Awesome as always! Gavin is a treasure!

[@lisapalzer2511]

Wonderful Video Gavin!! I always enjoy your work, thanks so much!

[@Mishalphoto]

I love Gavin Hoey tutorial and ideas, very simple results huge

[@JamesBoyer-plus]

Thank you, Gavin (and Sophie and Sam). Your examples and instruction are really clear and inspiring. I look forward to trying out ideas based on what you've shared. You're awesome! 😍

[@andymcgarty3099]

Fantastic video. Some great ideas to try. I liked the slit in board to shape the light.

[@photoquent]

So simple; so beautiful.

[@toddstrong1353]

Great lesson once again Gavin. Concise and full of the right information. Thanks so much.

[@austinxue9736]

It's the best photography lesson I met. Thank you Gavin.

[@josephchan4198]

I have been following Gavin for a while and I love his teaching style. Kudos to him and his team for creating great content.

[@robertvanhall]

Super beautiful, Gavin & Sophie!

[@abdulrazacksyed41]

Always expecting greatest photography from mr Gavin sir , thank you sir .

[@manuelfigueroa894]

Awesome like always Gavin. Will try it tomorrow

[@Joh146]

Wow. The model, the pictures, your way to explore ist reall great. And the best is, i can try to do by myself. Many thanks.

[@yvesthibault7128]

Gavin you are the best relax and teacher ever !!!

[@kienluoimedia]

Great tutorial with basic material. Thank you

[@rommelreyes7616]

Cut out shapes in foam board. How brilliant. Awesome tip for the frugal photographer!

[@ramyahmed787]

Amazing as always -- U R the Master

[@baron6510]

I love this guy, so much value given 🔥🔥🔥

[@ivanrios1051]

I have been watching and learning a great deal from your videos for years now. Your technique and teaching method is unmatched. Gracias Gavin, "You're the MAN". 🤓

[@grvsha]

Thank you Gavin, you've been of immense help to me

[@febyography]

You are the best when it's comes to lighting

[@recycler60]

Thanks. I always love your videos.

[@olyrojas2225]

Excellent video as always Gavin!

[@christhepharmacist]

gavin - you are fantastic, i have learnt so much from you through your videos

[@karipuuppo2521]

Yuo the best Gavin.Thanks again.

[@marcos.fonseca01]

Gavin!! It’s the first time I came here to comment, and I just want to say that you’re amazing!! I love your way to teach, your charism and your photos! You’ve gained a follower from Brazil ;)

[@robertjackson7284]

Another great video. Appreciate the inspiration.

[@MichaelLyon]

Gavin Hoey is one of the most creative photographers I know. Love his personality and he makes it so easy to understand how to setup and create the photos.

[@ccbphoto]

Another great video Gavin! Thanks!

[@sutashiku]

Thank you a lot, Gavin!

[@manashkalita2694]

Bring Gavin in every videos.The way he teaches is appreciable.The best teacher from adorama

[@quietset7639]

I just love the simple way Gavin explains. I could watch 2 hours of his tutorials and not get bored. Thank you Gavin.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Really cool and useful. Informative. Thanks.

[@josearevalo6998]

Thanks Gavin ,. Is very helpful your tips. You make to se very easy.. thanks again

[@simontorr4317]

Gavin’s is a star! Being an Olympus/omd user, I’ve been able to enjoy many amazing sessions he’s done for them during lockdowns etc. his style and positivity plus content is superb

[@davidjoseph4459]

Great video. Very informative! Thank you.

[@Eliterazzz]

This video is so helpfull. I'm going to try this at home. Thank you for uploading the video.

[@deenugent473]

Another awesome video Gavin 👍😉

[@andsnemesis]

Excellente as always, i use to take low key at home, i'll try some of this options too

[@paulbell9957]

Beautfiul images Gavin. Loved the set ups , especially the hat shots. Great work as always mate 👍👍

[@GavinHoey]

Thank you Paul 👍

[@richardsears6005]

As always very informative Gavin, your videos are informative, and you are very personable and easy to follow I can't wait to use these techniques when I get my soft box holder in so I can use my tt600 flash off camera

[@paulbivins6483]

Excellent, Thanks Gavin.

[@davidcoakley4839]

I subscribe to a lot of photographer channels that produce really good images with with expensive and sophisticated equipment. The difference with Gavin is that he has such a deep technical understanding of photography that he can produce pictures on another level, even within the constraints of a modest studio and equipment. Gavin's understated delivery leads one to assume that it's easy, but it really is not. Hats off to an outstanding mentor!

[@Guresha1]

Gavin thanks it helped me a lot ❤

[@MirandaSuess]

I LOVE THIS PHOTO CONCEPT!!

[@donal8180]

Informative and artistic - as usual.

[@szmonszmon]

Hey! I like your tips and the style in which you teaching. Thanks! :-)

[@Seasidekameel]

Great video Gavin, has given me some ideas for my next shoot

[@nebojsastanojlovic6826]

Gavin is great!!Sofi is amazing!! 🙂

[@jokekuye9775]

Love the explanation 👏

[@oswaldotorreslondono8991]

Amazing video Mr. Gavin

[@mariohdezch]

Es Usted, un verdadero artista. Gracias.

[@kutlayhalkseven3296]

I love your videos the most. Well done always 👏👏 knowledge, entertain, inspiration...all in one. Will start to practice your ideas to improve my photography. Lucky to have you...

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks for the kind words Kutlay and have fun exploring the ideas 👍

[@sidyk]

Thanks for inspiration ❤️

[@jeds465]

Really awesome content!

[@alanroderick7153]

Another excellent video and some great ideas for my shoot next week. Did like the scarf images, have some bi-colur fabric to try. Well done to you all.

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Alan. The scarf worked out rather well, although in my experience it would be wise to explain and demonstrate what you need the model to do beforehand 😉

[@DavidKfilmmaker]

Gavin and pi are my two favorites. Sophie is my fav with Gavin.

[@philliplivingstone5336]

Brilliant!

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and demo

[@f226f226]

Great video as always. Gavin, you are a genius and Sofie is a goddess.

[@250GTOAJ]

Thanks for another great video, Gavin Sophie and Sam 😎👍🇨🇦

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Alan 👍

[@Allan_Madsen]

The inspiration you give the way you teach is absolutely fantastic Gavin , 80-90% ive learned about studio portraits etc comes from your video's here on youtube and now this wich is one of my fav genre to learn . The next 1000 views will come from me hahaha i have to study this over and over , again thank you

[@GavinHoey]

Leave this video on repeat... I like you're thinking Allan 😉😉

[@canucklehead28]

Excellent Gavin!

[@chuckduzzie8529]

Gavin … always a good tutorial.

[@jimcook3882]

XLNT video from Gavin. I have shot a load of beautiful Low Key images with Nikon D750 Digital and my strobes, but just received a Mint Mamiya RB67, and dying now to shoot some Low Key on FILM!!! Thanks again Gavin

[@11557bexley]

Wow 😮AwMazing

[@infamismworldwild6248]

Thank you Gavin & Sophie

[@mosesmillanmctech4196]

You’re an inspiration. I’ll die on this hill.

[@EdwardKilner]

Everyone did a nice job on this video. I enjoyed seeing a variety of setup ideas. Sophie is beautiful and I’m sure she thought the portraits all did her justice. When I try this I will cut a slot in both a white and black piece of foam board. There might be a small difference, likely negligible, but I’m curious.

[@LisaRSArt]

Excellent. Thanks

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jamespayne4759]

Another great video !!!! J. Payne

[@Elgarman]

Brilliant.

[@randyfox5317]

Dear God, is there anyone that does a better job of explaining technique better than Gavin? His step-by-step process is SO easily understood...and his results are amazing. Yet another excellent tutorial, Gavin. Thanks for your continued excellence. (with equal props to Sam and Sophie!)

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks for the really kind words Randy 😁

[@richardtierney7724]

Excellent as per 🙂

[@elmono3939]

Yo, Gav, did that new style shirt ! Way to go ! BTW: Great stuff, as always ! What would Adorama do without you ! Just saying ...

[@johnd9031]

Very informative.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Very nice, Gavin, Sophie, and Sam!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Mike 👍👍

[@SoOpulentPhotography]

Lovely video

[@ndon85]

there is Gavin at Adorama and then everybody else. The best.

[@michaelschmitt5413]

Love these setups and the resulting images. As I started watching this video, I thought back to all the creative shoot ideas you have recorded. It made me think: how do you come up with the ideas and once you have an idea, how do you plan for pulling them off? Maybe a subject of another video?

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Michael. Sometimes the ideas flow easily, other days I worry I've run out of ideas (don't worry, I haven't).

[@Bushy-73]

Sir I really enjoy your playlist. For a short video it is really informative and very easy to understand, even for me. Keep up the good work

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Chris. Keep watching for more of the same 👍

[@Bushy-73]

@@GavinHoey I may only have the Canon 1000d but it's a start

[@GavinHoey]

@@Bushy-73 That's a good camera and is a technological marvel compared to the Minolta Dynax 7000i I learned to light with 😉

[@Bushy-73]

@@GavinHoey I have said camera, nifty fifty 75/300 lens 3 speedlights, all umbrellas, backdrop kit with 2 umbrellas, 2 soft boxes (continues lighting), the knowledge I have gained from you for portrait shoots and then some and a daughter who is willing to model and all the little hits of stock I have accumulated

[@jesusgjchuza6491]

Great video 😎🤝🤟🏼

[@creativechanel9287]

Many many thanks to you MR.Gavin.🌹 I really love,enjoy and appreciate your tutorials and I’m learning lots more 😩😍🥹🥺. I have a question if you don’t mind☺️ I have just bought an AD 300pro and while watching this tutorial and the high key light, I thought it would be good to buy reflector and a grid. Actually I’m new to photography and I don’t know which to buy AD-R14 or…….please enlighten me 😥🥺

[@ajaysinhparmar2266]

THANKYOU

[@lenavoyles526]

He sure nailed that fill light.

[@jasonbourne8181]

Gavin Hoey is the best representative of the Olympus Systems in the whole of KZbin! The other guy will be Robin Wong from Malaysia! Thanks for the great tutorial Gavin!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Jason although I might well be the WORST Olympus representative. I make videos about light and although the Olympus camera is what I choose to use, it's not a the star of the show 😉

[@RickMahoney2013]

I love low key photography

[@waky123]

you are the best

[@janbuddingfotografie455]

Great video again Gavin, thanks

[@photochop9657]

Excellent as usual, I was thinking it's been a while since you did the 15 minute challenge, allowing for the passing of time and a few more grey hairs how about a 30 minute challenge, could be fun.

[@GavinHoey]

I don't think I could set up all the video and audio kit in 15 minutes nowadays! Production was so much simpler back then 😊

[@andy_deja_jr]

Thank you Gavin. I try it too….

[@andresgonzalezcerda7635]

Love your style of teaching. Any book of you about Lightning?

[@charleyl264]

Thanks Gavin and Sophie. A good demonstration. Great explanations of your lighting setups. I never heard the word "cookie" used to describe a GOBO before. Maybe it's "Country Related" ? No matter. It quickly became obvious what you were referring to.

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Charley. Gobo is one of those photography terms who's original meaning has evolved. Gobo (GO Between Optics) is something that is projected, cookie is something that casts a shadow... Others will no doubt disagree but that's photography for you 😁

[@moderntimes4814]

Great