Black Skin

[Fernando Nicolas]

I'm getting close to shooting a spot which will be comprised almost entirely of close-ups of black skin. Looking to use very soft sources, and a mixture of lighting - frontal, silouette, etc.

 

Can anyone recommend any good films as a reference point? I'm thinking Spike Lee, but his lighting isn't quite as artful as what I'm looking for.

 

Also, if anyone knows any still photographers that would be incredibly useful too.

 

Thanks.

 

Fernando

[Jonathan Bowerbank]

There's a thread somewhere almost like a diary of David Mullen's shooting of "Akeelah and the Bee". It's one to consider.

[Tony Brown]

Black skin is an absolute joy to work with - I love it. So much nicer to reproduce than pastey white Caucasian skin.

 

If the skin is very black you should consider adding a little CTO aa it absorbs red light and appears blue I tend to bounce off of a gold/silver lame for light brown skin, I switch to gold if its very black.

 

I'm jealous, enjoy it.

[Dan Salzmann]

Sometimes I really like the blue cast that happens with some types of black skin.

Look at some good fashion magazines.