THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EYE

One way to produce a color photograph
is to add the color yourself,
using paints, markers or other media
on a black-and-white print. This creates
a somewhat surreal image,
which can be very effective. (Student
photograph by Eric Babbitt.)
248 The Photographic Eye
close to this level in most of their
work. Before you decide on a consistent
value level, however, be sure
to experiment. The best way to do
that is to bracket your shots. Make
it a habit to shoot one normal exposure
first, and then to try several
darker and lighter variations.
After a while, you'll probably find
that you generally want to set your
camera a half or full stop above or
below what your light meter indicates.
If so, you might want to adjust
the ISO accordingly. For example,
let's say you want to underexpose
Kodachrome 64 by about half a stop.
To do that, set the ISO at 80. If you
want to go even darker most of the
time, set it at 100. Bear in mind,
however, that you will be darkening
everything. This means that you'll
have to be especially careful to avoid
shadows on people's faces and other
potential lighting problems.
If you want to get a lighter effect,
you can try lowering the ISO to 50.
Most color films are rated fairly low
already, so it's unlikely that you'll
want to set them lower, but don't be
afraid to try it. Sometimes even a
very pale, washed-out look is just
right.
The main point here is that you
should be aware of the effect that exposure
has on color. Some photographers
prefer a dark, or color
saturated, style. Others prefer a very
light, delicate one. Most probably
prefer to stay right in the middle,
with "normal" exposures most of the
time. Take some time to sort out your
own preferences.