T2i_Lorne Loc: Surrey BC Canada

This illustrates the point nicely - very different skin tones with some key differences in how the light scatters across the skin.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

rebride is correct. If the exposure is correct as measured by an incident light meter (NOT your camera meter) then the exposure will be correct for all. If using your camera meter, pay attention to the histogram.

Now, having said that, I have found that for REALLY dark skin, opening up about a half stop can be helpful and for REALLY pale skin, stopping down that half stop might be good. However, if you shoot raw, those corrections are available in the raw converter.

And as for."...just in case I need fill flash," you should just assume you WILL need it. This is just me and the way I work, but EVERY outdoor image gets the reflector or off-camera flash treatment. Every. Single. One. No exceptions.

Senior portraits are a recording of a special time of a person's life and they deserve a professional approach.

Write this down: The background is JUST as important as the subject.
If shooting outside, BLOCK the top light never let your light come straight down...ick.
Never pose females square to the camera. (I know tomorrow it is guys.)

Good luck and have fun - and make sure THEY have fun.

CardinalLady Loc: Hoosier

Good info, thanks!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Google "photographing african americans tips" to find a myriad of forum and instruction on this matter.

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Just trust your camera- auto white balance, do not use flash- you will get hot spots; just go for it, and don't worry. !

Add Loc: S.W.Florida

Take a lot of pics with assorted settings,there will be what you want somewhere in the mix.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Off camera flash in manual with a stofen omni bounce. Metering your flash in manual for the couple and manually exposing for the ambient (outdoor) light is one way.

Too cold and too much snow to go outside for this couple. The room I had to work in was as big as a broom closet (that's why we're in the corner). I'm not crazy about the blinds,,,,sometimes you deal with what you have :)

fthomas Loc: Philippines

I can think of dozens of situations that call for an incident meter. This is just one of them. If you don't have one meter off an 18% card in the same light falling on the subjects and you will be close.

One other thing to look out for is people of color will have highlights from oil on their skin that is more reflective than on an Caucasian. Women's Facial Powder most closely matching their skin tone will help with that.

Best of all! Have FUN!

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

There are two issues with skin tones - an incident meter will get your exposure right - for the record I wouldn't trust the cameras evaluative/matrix metering.

The other issue is white balance - Caucasians have every flavor of skin hue....getting this right can be a beast as well....again, don't trust the cameras' "Auto White Balance" - use a grey card and reference that card so you can fix in post - shoot RAW for the latitude to do this....... or use a passport checker, expodisc, or a knockoff brand to adjust in camera - this can help but still light changes - clouds move in and out - depending on where you are, even trucks and cars can pass by and reflect their colors onto your subject. Light is FICKLE and cameras often get the blame for a photogs lack of knowledge.

BTW, "people of color" was a very accurate way of explaining an issue that we all have...no matta the race, getting skin tones correct is a "boogie bear". Exposure is easier to solve for.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I would use spot metering.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I would use spot metering.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Yes have fun...my grandkid from last summer back when I was shooting jpgs.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Great capture. That's why candids are often better than posed shots.

pathoot

Thanks for the link...

Mercer Loc: Houston, TX, USA

I am finally shifting over from my beloved film to enter the strange unknowns of digital photography. I don't think digital is bad; it's just the intractable old f*** (80 yrs) in me that is controlling my attitude. That said, I will probably end up with a Nikon 7100 because I can use most of my lenses (in manual) with it. I am fascinated by the 40X zoom of the new Nikon bridge 520, and would appreciate any input from HH regarding picture resolution and quality at the various ISO's and lens lengths. Thanks in advance.
PS: This is a GREAT site!