Correct Exposure Levels for Skin Tones

B

bobhope

Well-known member
Alright, so here's a subjective topic I'm sure, but one I'm debating myself on.

At the bootcamp it was mentioned that a great level for your skin tones, when using a waveform monitor, would be around 50-70 IRE. Great. But yesterday I read in my favorite DP book, Placing Shadows, which seems so knowledgeable about so many things, that skin tones should be 40-50 IRE. Hmm....

So...does it really matter as long as you are consistent? And while we are on the subject, what's a good IRE rating for something like Food for an ad to make food look good. I only bring it up because that is next weeks job for me.

And finally, if someone remembers the "how to get proper exposure" lesson from the bootcamp, and can sum it up for me, that would be great. That's the one time I didn't take good notes and thought I could just remember it. Sigh...

Thanks guys.
 
Very good question. Of course that would depend on what color skin? One very quick and fairly accurate way to measure skin tones (light to moderate skin tones) is to use your zebra at approximately 70%. I have my zebra set to 70 & 105. That way I can toggle back and forth if I'm in doubt of blowout.
 
Ya I've heard of that technique too...but, I've got one authority saying a good level is 40-50 and one saying 50-70. That's a bid difference. So...is either one better for any reason? I know it depends on how fair/dark the skin is, but I'm looking for a general guideline.
 
I think all of us know what happens when we "assume" anything! To assume that using any number as a final number is absurd. Light strikes services at different tempertures and angles. A light skinned subject with perspiration on their forehead will require a different iris setting than someone who is dry.

Numbers are only guides.
 
soarprod said:
50-70 is ideal from looking at all of my footage over the last two months.
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Thats also my take on it. You just have to have some different experiences with different skin tones.
 
ericcosh said:
I think all of us know what happens when we "assume" anything! To assume that using any number as a final number is absurd. Light strikes services at different tempertures and angles. A light skinned subject with perspiration on their forehead will require a different iris setting than someone who is dry.

Numbers are only guides.
Click to expand...
Of course they are guides, but obviously your can use you eye to adjust them. Since the range is around the same, i dont see the problem in "assuming". + how will he ever learn if he doesnt make a few mistakes along the ways.
 
i like to expose faces around 70 - 80 IRE. also depends on how your backround is lit compared to the subject. 50 IRE may by very dark
 
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