Asking to see photographer's work of African Americans

Winter Wonderland, it makes a difference because you want to make sure you expose the face of your subject correctly without blowing out the gown. I usually bounce my light when photographing a light skin person. When photographing a dark skin person, I raise my light and direct the softened light at her face. This exposes the face correctly but doesn't wash out the gown. When I photograph a biracial couple, each person could have their own light depending on how much of a skin tone difference there is.

I think you should ask. I asked my photographer about how he would handle taking photos of FH and I as we have different skin tones. It was very important to make sure that we would look like ourselves in the photos. Different skin tones and all.

I think you should ask as a AA myself I understand that even makeup artist or hair stylist have to understand our skin and hair tones like we do

Never hesitate to ask any of your vendors a question, even if it may seem silly (and in my opinion your question isn't.) I'm sure they've been asked it before and you really should get all the answers possible from them before deciding

A good photographer should be able to handle the skin tones no problem.

You should definitely ask, and a nice unassuming way could be something like"

"Would it be possible to see some examples of how darker skin tones are processed in photos from your studio?""

hope that helps

cheers!

-Josh

I definitely think it's a legitimate question too, and it's a question I'll be asking when we start looking for a photographer. We're a biracial couple on almost completely opposite ends of the spectrum lol - I'm Caucasian and pale as can be, FH is AA and he's pretty dark skinned. I've seen how some of our pictures turn out (clearly we're not pros) but I wouldn't want any issues with our wedding pictures.

Completely legitimate question.

I would definitely ask. Your money, your day---ask away.

I agree with others that you should absolutely ask. The lighting can be different with different skin tones. You are paying for a service, and it is important to make sure that you and your FH feel absolutely comfortable before booking with someone.

I completely agree that you should ask!

You ought to ask! If any vendors have reached out to me who show no photos of people of color, I let them know that we'll be going another way because we want to hire someone with experience photographing or styling African American individuals. My FW was in a wedding a while back in which she was the only non-white person. She had her makeup done by the person who made up the rest of the wedding party (after they initially told her that they did not have colors for her), and they made her look absurd with foundation that didn't match her skin. And all of the photos obscured her features and left her looking blurry while making all the white people look fabulous. For our wedding, we are not going to pay to be someone's first try serving clients of color!

Who did you end up using for your photographer please? I am searching now for a photographer who is creative and has experience photographing people of color.