How to create a high key portrait

Written by: Profoto

Placing a big light source behind your model will create a white background and allow the light to wrap around the model's face. Photographer Hannah Couzens gives you the 3 steps on how to create a high key portrait yourself.

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Step 1: Mount an OCF Beauty Dish White on the first Profoto B10 and an OCF Softbox Octa on the second Profoto B10.  

Step 2: Place the second Profoto B10 with attached OCF Softbox Octa right behind your model.

Step 3: Place the first Profoto B10 with the attached OCF Beauty Dish White in front of your model. To give some highlights on the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin - use the butterfly light pattern.

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Tip 
The key here is not to overexpose the backlight so that you don’t lose the details of the edges of the hair or face.

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