Digital camera blackens faces?

Question

When I take pictures with my digital camera it searches for the lightest hue and then blackens the faces of dark complexioned people. How can I correct this problem within my camera?

Answer 1

This happens because the camera is adjusting for the brightness of the brightest part of the frame. The best way around this is to turn the flash on. There is an option on the back for flash options, and you just need to change the flash from automatic to always on. This should solve your problem.

HOWEVER...Be warned that using your flash like this will wear down your battery faster.

Answer 2

If flash is not an option - and even if it is - try altering the EV setting of your camera. Automatic cameras tend to increase the exposure when the frame is very dark and you want to compensate for this by telling the camera NOT to believe the meter. Set it with the EV at a negative number. Start with the EV at -1.0 and go from there. You will have to experiment. If you are in a hurry and can't mess around, set your camera up to bracket the basic exposure plus and minus using 1/3-1/2 stop (EV) intervals.

This is the same as setting positive values for a bright scene, such as snow. It sort of seems counterintuitive, but give it a try.

If this works out wrong for you, just try going the other way with the EV values, but this should do it.

Here's a site with some very sophisticated suggestions:

http://www.ephotozine.com/techniques/viewtechnique.cfm?recid=236

If you search using the term "photographing people of color," you will find hundreds of useful articles.

Answer 3

Check your settings. There is usually a setting that will enhance your subject. Other than that there are changes in contrast or use your flash.

I have been able to take photos of my black cat in the shade and get detail with my camera.