[Leica] Exposure for Photographing people who have dark skin.

[jefferys at gmail.com (Jeffery Smith)]

You might want to use a spot meter instead of relying on an averaging
meter. And you may have to do some dodging in the darkroom. Don't go
for realism...you need to increase the shade enough to see their
facial features even if that means moving up a zone or two.


On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 18:32:17 -0800, J. Codispoti
<joecodi@clearsightusa.com> wrote:
> Martin,
> 
> Dark or "black" skin does photograph beautifully but absorbs light at a
> greater rate then light skin and needs additional exposure. 1 to 2 stops is
> an appropriate adjustment (depending on darkness). But keep in mind that if
> the people you are photographing are wearing light clothes, the extra
> exposure will be too much for the clothing.
> If you are photographing with artificial lighting, place the darker people
> in front or closer to the source of light, be it flash or incandescent.
> 
> Joe
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> 
> If I am shooting a scene in which there are fairly dark skinned people
> (African Americans, people with deep tans) what do I do to get their faces
> not to block up? I don't have to be perfect, but will one stop more
> exposure
> be a good start? Two?
> I realize there are lots of variables, including skin color, but I need
> some
> guidance--transparency film.
> Thanks,
> Martin
> krieger@usc.edu
> 
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