BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Informative Topics on Photographing People

Photography Question 

Lynsey Lund
 

Background and Skin Tones


I'm shooting an engagement session in about 2 weeks. The couple wants to go up to Red Rocks near Denver. The place is gorgeous, but as the name implies, the rocks are all the browny-red. If they are positioned in front of the rocks, is there anything I need to know about how that will affect their skin tones? I'm worried about that red being reflected into their faces and making them appear a different color. Should I have them wear/stay away from certain colors? Does white reflect it more in the face, would green counteract anything? One last thing...I'm still learning the whole white-balance thing. I shoot with a D70 ... is it OK to leave it on Auto in this kind of situation, or should I try to use one of the other modes? Thanks for your experienced input!


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October 28, 2005

 
- Bob Cournoyer

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  I've been there: beautiful place. I wouldn't think that with their backs to the rocks that reflection would be much of a problem. ...


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October 28, 2005

 

Ryan Jones
  Auto white balance is perfectly fine. The D70 is a very capable camera (I use it) and will adjust the white balance settings wonderfully. If you have access to Nikon Capture or Photoshop, then white balance is no issue at all! I recommend shooting all your pictures in Raw format (NEF for Nikon) for when you open the images in the previously mentioned programs, white balance can be adjusted to anything you want. When you work in Raw, you can almost "retake" any image on your computer!


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October 29, 2005

 

Maria Melnyk
  Make sure that their clothing complements the red rocks. Although I love white clothing for photographs, I would use something along the lines of off-white, or earth tones, or any warm-toned solid colors. I often want the couple to stand out from the background (that's one reason for the white clothing), but this sounds like something where you would want to give the rocks a little more attention.


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November 03, 2005

 

Lynsey Lund
  Thanks for all the comments....I appreciate the info! I shoot on Sunday....its supposed to be a nice day. Lets hope they turn out well!


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November 04, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Another Colorado photographer!! Yeah!! I can't wait to see the images! Will you post some and let us know after your shoot! :)


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November 04, 2005

 

Lynsey Lund
  Sure will...unless they all suck then I'll be too embarrassed =o) Should have some up the end of next week or so.


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November 04, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  I am SURE they won't suck!! Redrocks at is worst is STILL beautiful!! :) You will do great! Trust in yourself and have the confidence!! :)


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November 04, 2005

 

Lynsey Lund
 
 
 
Well, I finally got my photos uploaded and edited. They decided they didn't want to go to Red Rocks (darn, I was looking forward to it). We went to a park in Westminster (I think, might have been Broomfield or Thornton?) called Lake Arbor Park? Anyway, it was pretty nice, here's a couple good shots. Thanks for all the advice, I want to shoot up there so I will use the input someday!


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November 18, 2005

 
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