What I did today.....

[Bambi]

Today was Alec's official swearing in to the Military. Next week we take him to the Royal Military College to begin his education as an officer and an engineer. So now he officially belongs to Canada. I am proud of him and sad that he's leaving all at the same time. part of being a parent.

This is a photo I took today. I would love some help on the skin tones because they don't look quite right

[Matt K.]

Sigh, well, off he goes. Mixed emotions from a parents point of view (my son is volunteering for the reserves, will go into basic training next month).

As far as the skin tones are concerned, that's going to be tough one to solve, since the tone is differnt on both individuals. I suspect you had more light on the right of the image, and you flash was pretty much dead on. May I suggest to take the flas off camera next time and try and get it pointed from a highr angle downwards? This way you can compensate a bit for skin tone. In photoshop you could use several things to compensate, however, they are not going to come out equal, unless you mask one of the two individuals first, then work with layers. I am no good at that, but i think this would work.

[Bambi]

thanks Matt. At this point, all I have is the onboard flash. their skin tones were quite different in real life as well which is probably why it's problematic. The officer (Captain Clancy) was quite tanned/weathered.

[Matt K.]

...At this point, all I have is the onboard flash.

A flash is a good investment, Bambi. I use a Nissin Di 866. Quite a good flash, and by far not as expensive as the Canon/Nikon/other brandname speedlights. Can be triggered from your onboard flash as well. I think I paid about 250 for this thing on eBay. Works great and is pretty powerful.

[Bambi]

A flash is a good investment, Bambi. I use a Nissin Di 866. Quite a good flash, and by far not as expensive as the Canon/Nikon/other brandname speedlights. Can be triggered from your onboard flash as well. I think I paid about 250 for this thing on eBay. Works great and is pretty powerful.

it's on the list

[Mad Aussie]

To correct the tones .... using the layering technique in photoshop. A separate layer for the main photo, another for one person and a 3rd for the final person. Keep the original on top and layer mask blend through after adjust each skin tone to suit.

[Grant]

T.

Next time you need a flash for something so important borrow one of mine.

[Bambi]

thanks Mad Aussie, I will give it a go

Grant- that's very generous of you. I definitely will do so.