This week’s challenge from 52Frames is Low Key. The idea is to create moodiness and drama with shadows, and only the subject being lit.

I have wanted to try out ink and bleach for a while, but the last time I had a go it did not do what I wanted.  Surely this was the ideal opportunity to give it another go! My friend and I went to Italy a few years ago and were involved in an archaeological dig. The image is of amphorae in a room at Oplontis. I took a picture through a window in the door as I thought it so atmospheric.

I almost bottled out and used graphite but in the end I went for the ink and am glad I did. The way the bleached ink takes on a pink hue is really representative of the colour of the vessels. I have added some highlights with a red pencil on one or two.

Quink Ink and bleach