Skin color challenges HELP

Ok...long story short...

I was asked to come shoot some prom pictures when the other photographer was let go. Had about 2 weeks notice...

The set up/backdrop was already arranged and set up by the school. They just asked me to shoot the event...and offer various size packages, which I did. It turned out, I thought, to be a decent event for everyone. I got back good feedback from administrators who were pleased with the pictures I did and they distributed them to the various campuses that were involved.

The majority of the students involved were Black and that did pose some interesting challenges for me initially, especially the guys who wore white suits.

I used one AB800 umbrella set up, did minor pp on photoshop and had the pics processed through Mpix.

I'm adding a sample shot here.

My problem...I've just received my second call from a 'disgruntled' parent who thought their kids were ''too dark'' and were upset. One parent wants another set 'done lighter'. The most recent caller wants their money back and is returning the pictures.

I'm kind of baffled over how to handle this..seems like a sensitive issue.

This was the first time I've done a 'commercial job' like this. Sold about 80 packages. I have had one girl call and actually order extra pictures since she liked them so well.

Any input/suggestions on how to handle this?

(I'm going to post this on a couple of different sections here for feedback)

Thanks

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Did you shoot raw? Shouldn't be too difficult to make them lighter if that is what the customer wants.

Skin color issues HELP

Ok...long story short...

I was asked to come shoot some prom pictures when the other photographer was let go. Had about 2 weeks notice...

The set up/backdrop was already arranged and set up by the school. They just asked me to shoot the event...and offer various size packages, which I did. It turned out, I thought, to be a decent event for everyone. I got back good feedback from administrators who were pleased with the pictures I did and they distributed them to the various campuses that were involved.

The majority of the students involved were Black and that did pose some interesting challenges for me initially, especially the guys who wore white suits.

I used one AB800 umbrella set up, did minor pp on photoshop and had the pics processed through Mpix.

I'm adding a sample shot here.

My problem...I've just received my second call from a 'disgruntled' parent who thought their kids were ''too dark'' and were upset. One parent wants another set 'done lighter'. The most recent caller wants their money back and is returning the pictures.

I'm kind of baffled over how to handle this..seems like a sensitive issue.

This was the first time I've done a 'commercial job' like this. Sold about 80 packages. I have had one girl call and actually order extra pictures since she liked them so well.

Any input/suggestions on how to handle this?

(I'm going to post this on a couple of different sections here for feedback)

Thanks

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

that just need a little TLC to fix. its a nicely shot image, just a bit dark. just use levels in PS, and make brighter, then color balance it and u done.

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The problem is that you have a scene with extreme contrasts. Dark skin tones and a white suit. This is not the easiest thing in the world to shoot.

I would have used three lights, one each at 45 and then used a hair light to give show some separation around their heads. I might even add a background light. Beyond anything I do my exposures with a light meter. I expose for the skin tones and the clothing will fall into place.

There is not much you can do about unhappy customers. That happens and you either give them their money back or do a re-shoot. My experience has been that if you treat them right then they don't bad mouth you any further.

The shots that you have here appear that they could be recovered with some photoshop work. Did you shoot them in RAW?

Original image is a bit high in contrast, but *not* too dark IMO.
Second is *way* too bright.

Do the prints match the monitor?

No...the print was lighter than what appears on my monitor here. And I didn't shoot RAW this time. Not sure why...but next time...

Did you use a light meter?
If no, experiment with a meter and set each light individually then turn them all on and shoot test shots.
Try a course on studio lighting and you will learn about different lighing step-ups and the difference between incident and reflective meters.

But on a brighter note you are showing good composure and a good repore with your subjects which is brilent, keep up the good work and please do not be put off. You can show a photograph to 100 people and 10% hate it 60% like it 30% love it.
You can not please all of the people all of the time.

My favorite horror situation; a black cat in a snowstorm. Way too close to the bkg without a hair light, as ssim pointed out.
Generally, you'll never go wrong by using PP to make a "Black - Afro American - whatever the PC term today is" person a bit lighter?

Also as he pointed out, RAW can give you a lot of help. PP is your friend...

Understanding Contrast Masking
http://www.luminous-landscape.com …/u-contrast-masking.shtml
Contrast Masking w/Luminosity Mask: http://www.thelightsri​ghtstudio.com/videos/B​lendedExposures.mov

Shot #2 is a bit overdone, but the idea is there.

When shooting Hyphenated-Americans, consider that: Often the skin is a bit oily and therefore reflects light creating hot spots at the forehead, brow ridge, cheek bones, and chin. Black hair doesn't give face framing contrast either. Facial hair on men increases the problem.
You just might have to sacrifice detail in the white/light colored outfits.

If at all possible get rid of that Red background. The portions not lit, hurt your levels. If possible go to a more neutral color and NOT draped.

It can be done but it's work.

Just use a little ps love and separate the skin from the clothes on separate adj layers (levels/curves/hue/sat​) and you should beable to make the corrections without losing details.