The following guide will take you through the steps required for achieving a "high key" photo. The following example started as an ISO1600 colour shot that was a bit flat, ending up a B&W high key shot that has been processed finally by "neat image" to reduce noise.
STEP 1 - Correct Levels. Convert to B&W (can be omitted if colour high key)
Most simple step for most shots. Choose "Image" -> "Adjustments" -> "Auto Levels" . Use just Levels if more experience or result from Auto not as expected. In this example the shot became a lot more vibrant & contrast improved.
There are numerous ways to convert to B&W, but for this example I used "Image" -> "Adjustments" -> "Channels", ensuring "Mono" is ticked at bottom. Play with levels until you get a result you are happy with. You can go over 100% total for desired result.
STEP 2 - Create base High Key effect
Using "Image" -> "Adjustments" -> "Curves" , drag the top right part of line upwards & to left until you get the base effect you are after. Some people like pure whites on majority of face with only eyes & mouth showing....others a more subtle approach. Have a play.
STEP 3 - Refine Shadows & Highlights
Using the "Burn" & "Dodge" tools, ensure you start with "Shadows" & "Highlights" respectively in the "Range" field, with an "Exposure" of 10%. Aim here is to darken prominent features of face such as eyebrows, edge of eyes, pupil, outline of tip of nose & nostrils, plus lips etc. You can also lighten white of eyes & any other distracting features
The final step I took was to run photo through "Neat Image" product (free to download) due to noise of original shot. Note I had resized shot to 500 pixels which creates a more dramatic effect in neat image. From memory I had "smoothing" at around 50-60% & "sharpening" to 30%. Anyway that's another subject for someone else to explain
High Key effect is very personal & as such some people love it , whilst others hate it. Best bet is to have a play & come up with something you like. Have fun
