Asking to see photographer's work of African Americans

I think if its important to see his past work of African Americans, it's fine to ask. Just explain that you would like to see the pictures to get an idea of how yours will turn out. For me, it was really important to see pictures of my makeup artist's work on African Americans before making my decision.

I am also curious what the concern would be. My DH and I are both larger people, so I did look specifically for pictures of plus size individuals to see how he handled angles and poses. We were photographed by a crappy photographer before that did not use flattering angles so I wanted to avoid that for my wedding.

This question reminded me of this photo: http://imgur.com/aWUHqz6

So, yeah, I think it's fine to ask. I would ask if they have experience with lighting darker skin tones so they understand where you're coming from. I agree w/ Rosemary that a good photographer will know how to shoot different tones, but given that it's your wedding, you probably don't want to assume.

Rosemary & Winter Wonderland -- photography has a long history of being designed to capture white skin accurately at the expense of losing detail in black skin. This has been an issue in photography pretty much since the inception of film, and unfortunately not all photographers know how to photograph black people. @OP -- I think it's a legitimate question to ask, and if they get offended, well, you'll know not to hire them.

Just ask......... I don't think it's a dumb question. When I looked at vendors like photogs, make-up artists, etc. I was definitely drawn to photos of the pale white girls that looks liked me. Some types of make up could look harsh on my skin, or it's easy for me to look "washed out" in photos.... If they did good work on blondes/red-heads than I felt confident they could work on me... Some artists really didn't have the lighter touch I needed....

Yes, ask. I agree with previous posters. I specifically went with a photographer who photographed black weddings and everyone in between because my family is 1,000 shades of midnight (light to dark) and I wanted them to be captured correctly. Lighting and shadows do play a role. In other words, ditto to what @they/them pigeon said. @annie, you get it!

I would ask. Somebody with experience photographing darker skin tones is more likely to give you better results than somebody who only has experience with white faces. The lighting and contrast considerations are different.

It's a legitimate question and there can be metering issues especially if skin tones contrast with wardrobe a lot, and a lot of tonal variance. If it's a competent photographer, they should know how to light various ethnicities but I would be slightly concerned if there was none of that in his work, nothing wrong with asking.

My photographer has experience photographing AA's I think it does make a difference when it comes to lighting.

Absolutely a legitimate question! I would be concerned if they didn't have experience capturing darker skin tones and look for someone that does. Oooorrrr...if you were the first I would want a trial run first. And basically what all of pigeon said too

You can mention to your potential photographer that you have family/guests with a variety of skin tones, and you're concerned about how well everyone will photograph, and does he/she have examples of darker-toned brides?

You're absolutely right, it can make a difference.

Absolutely not, you have to ask because there's a hugh difference. We have a mixture of skin tones and if you don't use the proper lighting, highlight etcs...pictures may come out odd (someone may appear too light, or too dark). It's just like mua most don't know we may need different foundations at different times of the year, 1 for our winter color, and our summer browning.

If you have a question ask! It's better than getting sub-par photos.

IMO the question is fine. It's the same as asking hair and make-up artist do they have experience with AA hair and skin. It does make a difference.

@Annie FTW you get it lol

It's definitely an appropriate and important question to ask! If they seem weirded out by the question then they probably won't be right to photograph your wedding.

If it's important to you, ask! I don't think it would be bad to ask, I'm sure the photographer would understand.

You should absolutely ask. It's not rude at all to want to ensure your family js captured well. I have a very blended family ranging from my neon whiteness to my step brother who is black with a tan. It was important to us to see photos of mixed ethnicities together to make sure that I wasn't washed out and he was visible.

As long as you ask politely and let him know how much you like his work, I think you're good.

Absolutely ask! I would feel the exact same way if the photog I liked didn't have any pictures up of brides with my skin tone. Definitely nothing wrong with asking, and if the photog acts weird about it then you know to look elsewhere. I'm kind of surprised that the photographer wouldn't want to display a range of brides on their site to begin with...

Tabitha, I don't think it's a rude question at all. It's a legitimate lighting concern. Lighting a dark skinned bride in traditional American wedding attire is different than lighting a light skinned bride in traditional American wedding attire. Even if this photographer doesn't have samples to show you, hearing him tell you he understands your concern and can handle the lighting would let you know that he's aware of the different lighting techniques that will be used.

Congrats on your engagement and upcoming wedding!