The "key" to high key photography is in the proper selection of props, backgrounds and textures that are predominantly light and have light tones. It helps give your photography a sense of simplicity by limiting the amount of detail in your photos color palette. Ultimately, creating a softer image. So, it's important to start with this mind-set when creating your image.

Secondly, the technical part of the high key execution is to use soft and bright light. Since you have already selected light backgrounds, props and textures which can be overexposed easily, you now can light it with your "key" light (your main light) and use a fill light to open up the shadows (meaning you will not have deep and dark shadows).

Make sure when you're shooting the assignment, you keep camera on manual mode. Take your base exposure (the exposure your camera meter is telling you) then open your f-stop 1-2 stops max. telling your camera you are overexposing the image. Try not to go over 2 stops or you will go too far, thus blowing out all detail. You'll also notice your histogram way to the right. This will be normal.

Remember, your success in this assignment will be choosing your high-key subject matter and using soft light. You'll be 100% ahead of the game by knowing this first.

Some items to consider are:

1. Choose a light gray background.
2. Keep all items in your photo white to 40% grey.
3. If you're shooting for color, same applies by choosing a light palette of colors.

Stay off tripod, move around and take your time by shooting a lot of images, trying different compositions whether you're shooting a person, place or still life. Remember, by shooting more, you'll have more to edit!

This assignment is all about technique in styling, lighting and exposure control.
Try not to over process when developing your raws and don't over Photoshop. Becoming a better photographer is taking a good shot in the camera first and not relying on saving your work in Photoshop.

Finally, have fun, enjoy the process and experiment.

If anyone has questions, I'm a phone call away or you can post your comments here.

Good luck, I look forward seeing your work next week.