Low-key:
Shooting photos with a lower-exposure (darker).
Low-key = darker
A simple thing:
When you’re shooting your photos, lower the exposure-compensation to -1 or -2.
For example on RICOH GR III, I’ve been shooting P [program mode] in JPEG ‘high contrast’ mode, and shooting many of my photos at -1 or -2 exposure compensation. Under-exposing your photos (shooting your photos darker) ‘protects the highlights’ — which darkens the overall mood of the photos.
The reason why I like low-key photos:
The photos have a deeper and darker mood.
In black and white, low-key photos look VERY DIFFERENT from reality (artistic).
When does low-key work well?
In my experience, when it is very bright outside (super sunny), better to shoot -1 or -2 exposure compensation.
This works well when photographing shadows, silhouettes, or bright/white surfaces.
Paint a mood in your photos
I think this is what we are trying to do with our photos and artwork:
Paint a certain mood which enraptures your viewer, which transports your viewer into a new world!