Link to the slides for workshop
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/125u8qbY03M10-MVFmDUcATyPqbWNwfXP2TXB6Po2Ed0/edit?usp=sharing
The Setup
There will be two different lighting environments available for students to conduct their tests:
- Controlled blackout space: A near-blackout room where students work only with artificial, controlled light sources. This will allow for precise testing of exposure, contrast, and reflectance without interference from ambient light.
- Ambient/daylight space: A room with a base level of natural or soft ambient light. This will give the students the option to use natural light as a source if they choose it.
This dual setup allows students to compare how skin tones behave in both controlled studio conditions and more natural lighting environments.
Test 1 – IRE Values – Testing skin tones brighter or darker
Students will test the reaction and reflectance of their contributor’s skin tone across a range of exposures. They will test between roughly 1 stop below middle grey, at middle grey and +1 stop above middle grey.
- Students will light their subject and adjust the key light to expose the skin at different IRE levels.
- At each exposure level, students will record short test shots.
- Contributors will be asked to reflect on how their skin appears at each level (e.g., washed out, natural, too dark, too shiny). And note this down on their feedback forms as well as where they feel they look the most natural.
Purpose:
To challenge assumptions around “correct” skin exposure and explore how different skin tones register on camera at varying brightness levels.
Test 2 – Filters – Testing how polarising and softening filters affect skin reflectivity
Students will shoot a series of plates using a controlled lighting setup while introducing different filters:
- Polarising filters: Used to reduce or control specular highlights and reflections on skin.
- Softening filters (e.g. diffusion): Used to alter texture, glow, and perceived softness of skin.
- They will compare how highlights, texture, contrast, and glow differ across skin tones.
- Contributors will be asked how they feel about their appearance under each filter condition.
Purpose:
To explore how technical tools commonly used in cinematography affect different skin tones differently, particularly in relation to shine, texture, and perceived softness.
Test 3 – Lighting Quality, Distance and Texture
Students will test differences between:
- Hard and soft light sources/Changes in light distance from the subject
- Try out different lighting styles based on different types of lighting modification (Gold/silver/ reflectors, bounced book light, hard direct lighting)
- Test how light reacts at different positions and with different levels of Key/Fill light (different contrast ratios)
Students will:
- Light their contributor using at least two contrasting approaches (e.g. hard side-light vs soft frontal light).
- Observe how contrast, shadow detail, highlight roll-off, and colour saturation differ across skin tones.
Purpose:
To investigate how lighting quality and directionality shape the perception of different skin tones, and to move beyond default lighting setups.
Test 4 – Bold Colour / Coloured lighting and high-saturation environments
For the final test, students will light their subject using bold saturated colours and look at the effects it has on their subject.
- Students must test at least one/two strong colour sources on/near their contributor.
- They will observe:
- How colour interacts with different skin tones
- Whether certain colours dominate, flatten, or distort skin appearance
- How contrast and separation from the background changes and how mixing white light (same as camera CCT Temp) with bold colour affects their subject
- How colour interacts with different skin tones
Purpose:
To explore how stylised, high-impact lighting treatments affect different skin tones and to develop awareness of potential risks and creative opportunities when working with bold colour.