contrasty photos

[canonmate]

I sometimes find my portrait photos are a little bit too contrasty. I can adjust this post production but this is not ideal. I have an example but I'm not sure how to include it!

The white areas of the face are too bright and lacking a bit of detail.

I usually use P or AV when taking portraits
Canon zoom lens EF 24-105 1:4 USM

[DC Fan]

Is there a contrast control in the camera menu?

[cdifoto]

Turn it down in the camera so it's not applied in the first place. If the faces are blown out, expose your shots better.

[D_CeLiRaToR]

sounds like an exposure problem rather than camera processing. most people would prefer a contrasty photo as long as the exposure is right.

[JeffreyG]

I sometimes find my portrait photos are a little bit too contrasty. I can adjust this post production but this is not ideal. I have an example but I'm not sure how to include it!

The white areas of the face are too bright and lacking a bit of detail.

I usually use P or AV when taking portraits
Canon zoom lens EF 24-105 1:4 USM


If the actual light is creating too much contrast (as opposed to in camera contrast over-boosting) then the answer lies in learning flash photography. Using off camera flash (or reflector boards if you are cheap and can deal with frustration) you can learn to light the shadowed side of the target at a low level to balance it a bit. Then you can dial back the ambient to not blow out the lit side (knowing the flash will keep the dark side from going black) and voila.

[PhotosGuy]

I usually use P or AV when taking portraits They'll require exposure compensation. This shows how the subject can affect the exposure & why manual keeps me worry free:
Post #47 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5191658&postcount=47)

For a good starting point, first set the f-stop & shutter speed you need. Then adjust the ISO.
Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)