Appropriately capturing someone’s skin tone can do wonders for portrait photography. Everyone has different undertones no matter what race they are. Using lighting to complement and enhance someone’s skin tone is not only flattering to the subject but also to the photographer. This skill shows that a photographer pays attention to detail and makes deliberate lighting choices. Here are some tips on how to photograph different skin tones.
Try to match surrounding to undertones
When photographing someone, try to match the color of their undertone with the colors of the objects around them. This may seem difficult but it is easier than it sounds. If someone has red undertones in their skin, placing them in front of a red brick wall or a red backdrop will create a soothing harmony.
Pay attention to highlights
Observe how light is reflected off the face or body of your subject and adjust your light accordingly. Brightening lighter areas usually benefits the appearance of skin tone. Knowing how to manipulate light to your subject’s benefit will always be helpful.
Do not lighten darker tones, enhance them
There is a misconception that adding exposure to darker skin in post-production is a quick fix for your image — this is not true. Instead of just increasing the overall brightness, think about contrast, highlight/lowlight manipulation and saturation. These tools can help to enrichen darker tones without losing the color.
Photographers who pay attention to small details can create successful imagery. A detail that is sometimes overlooked, like skin tone, is actually a very important element of a photo. Paying attention and using these tips will elevate your photography.
