This week I set out to test my skin tone lighting set up to trial if this was going to work out as I had hoped. Some photos of the set up are below:
This test shoot was focused around one aspect: exposure on skin. Using myself and a colleague, I tested different exposure levels and asked subjects to respond to what they observed. I was able to gauge initial reactions and found that participants were receptive to the concept. Notably, more detailed feedback emerged only after subjects saw substantial changes in their appearance; before that point, there was little commentary on how they perceived shifts in their skin tone. This is something I will bring forward in the student workshop, using larger incremental changes in exposure, so there is a more dramatic shift between tests.
The lighting setup functioned effectively; however, it became clear that it was difficult for participants to accurately perceive their skin tone in a darkened room with only minimal artificial light and no natural daylight. Looking forward I think adding in some element of natural ambient light would allow subjects to see themselves in a more ‘natural’ state.
For this session I used a digital version of the Monk scale for myself and my colleague to compare our skin tone too. I used a mirror in this test so it felt easier to see ourselves, it also allowed us to see how the camera’s image compared to the mirror image. The use of a mirror proved to be a successful tool, as subjects engaged with it and it provided a useful visual reference when in the chair.
Outcomes of proof of concept shoot
- Create physical feedback forms for students to write their findings during the exposure test
- Split the test set up into multiple options, one using some baseline natural light and one which is completely controlled
- Ensure ample time for pre-light and set up of workshop to ensure engagement in the process isn’t lost on the day
- Find a space which can accommodate enough students and have space for two test set ups
- Create physical copies of the Monk scale for students to test their skin tone against not just digital
- Decide on the data collection plan, how I will get student to write their feedback etc