The Truth About Photographing Biracial Couples—and What to Look For in a Photographer

You wouldn’t think this would still be a thing in 2025, but… it is.

Biracial and mixed-race couples often struggle to find photographers who can accurately capture both partners’ skin tones. One person ends up washed out. The other looks like a silhouette. Or worse, someone gets weirdly orange, green, or airbrushed beyond recognition in post-production.

I see these questions—and “ISO” posts—in wedding Facebook groups almost daily, and I wanted to provide some helpful insider tips to help couples find photographers that can honor their unique and diverse backgrounds. This is about representation and respect. And the truth is, most photographers aren’t intentionally doing it wrong. They might just…not know.

According to a 2024 demographics study, 73% of photographers in the U.S. are white, and 86% are non-Hispanic. Myself included. That doesn’t mean we can’t do great work—but it does mean that representation and education around photographing different complexions isn’t baked into the industry by default.

This post is here to help. If you’re a couple with beautifully different skin tones—or even just different undertones—here’s what to look for in a photographer’s portfolio, gear, and editing process to make sure you both feel seen.

Why This Is a Real Issue for Biracial and Mixed-Race Couples

It’s so common to feel disappointed by photos that wash out lighter skin, turn darker skin tones into shadowy silhouettes, or try to “match” skin tones by manipulating undertones and colors—making someone appear ashy or orange.

Let’s break down why this happens—and what to ask when choosing a photographer who can do justice to both of you.

Why Mixed Skin Tones Are Tricky (But Totally Doable)

The issue comes down to dynamic range—how much light the camera can accurately record between the brightest highlight and the darkest shadow.

In biracial couples, one partner may have very fair skin, the other much deeper. If your photographer exposes for the darker skin tone, the fairer skin often gets blown out. If they expose for the lighter tone, the deeper skin tone can become muddy or flat. And if they try to “even it out” with a global edit… things get weird fast…Think of when you’re using an iPhone to photograph through a window; the foreground is too dark or the window is too bright, and the iPhone can’t capture both.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s what makes the difference:

Step One: It Starts in Camera

A skilled photographer knows the trick: slightly underexpose to protect the highlights, then recover shadow detail in post. Cameras can recover information from underexposed areas. But if the highlights are blown out? They’re gone for good—no editing trick can bring them back.

In simple terms, your photographer will adjust the camera settings to capture the lightest skin tones, while being careful protect the darkest.

This only works, though, if your photographer is shooting with modern, high-performance gear. Think mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha series—they’re known for incredible dynamic range and low-light capabilities. Canon R-series and Nikon Z-series are also reliable, modern mirrorless cameras and a good sign your photographer is equipped for high quality images.

❌ If your photographer is still shooting with a decade-old DSLR, they simply won’t have the image depth to preserve both light and dark tones without major compromises.

And of course, everything needs to be shot in RAW, not JPG. (If a photographer isn’t shooting RAW, just walk away.)

Step Two: The Magic Happens ‘in Post’

Once the photo is captured correctly, the rest is about careful, intentional editing.

A great photographer doesn’t try to “match” your skin tones. They honor them both. And that happens by using selective editing—what’s called a mask.

Think of masking like painter’s tape: it tells the editing software to only apply changes to one area at a time, while protecting other areas. (get it—*masking* tape)

So the photographer might:

• Lift the shadows slightly on the deeper skin tone
• Adjust warmth or contrast individually for each person
• Preserve the luminous glow of the lighter skin tone without losing texture or going ghost mode

This isn’t extreme manipulation. It’s respectful nuance.

The four images below show a *simplified* version of this process—from RAW capture to fully edited JPG a client would receive. To get here, I used about half a dozen masks to bring out detail, adjust warmth and tint, and balance tones across the image.

And just to be clear—you don’t need to know what a mask is. That’s my job.
But I want to demystify the process so you can confidently choose the right photographer—and maybe even help educate the photographers reading this, too.

Representation Isn’t Just Technical—It’s Collaborative

Here’s the other thing no one talks about: it’s okay to go back and forth on edits.

As a photographer, I always want my work to feel true to you. And while I understand light, color theory, and skin tone balance, I also know that I’m a year-round pale vanilla bean (hi, it’s me 🙋‍♀️), and what looks “right” to me might not feel right to you.

That’s why when I work with clients of varied complexions—especially for engagement sessions or portraits—I make it a point to send sneak peeks early and ask for honest feedback.

• Do you feel too shadowed?
• Too light?
• Too warm or cool?
• Is the contrast too strong?

I want that input. Because this isn’t about me—it’s about making sure you feel accurately, beautifully represented in your photos. DO NOT BE AFRAID to hurt your photographers feelings.

It’s not a favor, it’s part of the process. And it’s always welcome.

Bonus Tip: Time of Day Matters

Even a skilled photographer will struggle with harsh or uneven lighting. If one partner is in full sun and the other’s in shadow, post-editing gets trickier fast.

For best results:

• Avoid dappled or uneven light (like under trees at noon)
• Skip high-contrast midday sun
• Aim for soft, directional light—like golden hour or open shade

This sets you up to have the most flattering images possible.

Sunrise & Blue Hour Portraits for Dark Complexions

Truthfully, sunrise and blue hour can be tricky for all photographers and subjects—but are especially tough on darker skin tones. In extremely low light, even the best modern cameras can struggle to pick up fine details and facial features without introducing grain or losing contrast. Recovering shadows can distort color and make grainy, fuzzy images.

That doesn’t mean a sunrise shoot is impossible, but it’s something to be mindful of. Maybe this means you and your photographer enjoy the sunrise for 5 more minutes before you start your shoot to give Bob (the Big Orange Ball) more time to wake up.

When planning your session, try to aim for the brighter end of golden hour or early morning light after the sun has fully risen. A little more light goes a long way in making sure every detail is preserved and every skin tone looks true-to-life.

If you love grainy textures and filmy vibes for your shoot, Sunrise and blue hour will still work perfect for you. But if you prefer a crispy detailed style, the darkest hours of daylight will be tough.

How to Choose a Photographer Who Can Accurately Capture Mixed Skin Tones

Here’s how to make sure you’re hiring someone who gets it—and can actually deliver. When choosing your photographer for your engagement, wedding, or elopement, be sure to ask these questions of your photographer, to help you make the best choice for your family:

1. Do you shoot in RAW?
   If they say no, it’s a red flag.
2. What camera system do you use?
   Look for Sony Alpha, Canon R-series, Nikon Z series—modern mirrorless with strong dynamic range.
3. Can I see examples of couples with different skin tones in your portfolio?
   If their feed is all pale, same-tone couples, they may not have experience with the nuance you’re looking for.
4. How do you approach editing for skin tone balance?
   They should be able to explain something like masking, dynamic range, or tone preservation—not just “I slap on a preset.”

If you love a wedding photographer’s style but don’t see many biracial or mixed-complexion couples in their portfolio, that doesn’t automatically mean they’re not the right fit. Take a closer look. How do they handle skin tones in bridal parties, family photos, or larger group shots? Do all complexions look balanced and true-to-life? That can tell you a lot about their technical skill and attention to detail, even if their couple portraits aren’t fully diverse yet.

In some cases, a photographer may be incredibly talented and capable—but live in a geographically and demographically homogenous area (looking at you, Montana). That doesn’t mean they can’t do your love story justice. It just means you’ll want to confirm they’ve put in the effort to understand how to photograph a range of skin tones well—both in-camera and in post.

Flash, Strobe Lights, & Receptions

The truth…Flash is harsh on everyone. Period. It brings out the natural warmth and undertones in your skin—which isn’t a bad thing, but it can catch people off guard.

If you’re a caramel girlie, flash will show it.
If you’re an olive-toned beauty, flash will show it.
And if you’re a vanilla wafer? You’re actually the most likely to get wrecked by flash. Washed out, red-eared, blown highlights—you name it.

That’s why it matters how your photographer uses flash. Someone who knows what they’re doing will bounce their flash off the ceiling or walls (hello middle school geometry) instead of pointing it straight at your face. This softens the light, keeps tones more even, and avoids that shiny, overexposed look in your reception photos.

Make sure to ask your photographer for some samples of their flash work, if you’re going to have an indoor or late evening reception.

This Challenge is not Exclusive to Biracial Couples

It’s worth noting that this doesn’t only affect mixed-race or biracial couples. People of the same ethnicity can still have vastly different complexions, undertones, and features, which should be celebrated.

Our differences are what make us unique, and they’re what make your images into true art. Photographing you accurately means embracing the richness of your skin tones, not blending them away. That’s how we create portraits that feel honest, vibrant, and deeply human.

Representation Is a Skill—and You Deserve It

You deserve to be photographed beautifully, accurately, and intentionally.

And it’s not too much to ask. You don’t need to understand photography inside and out—but you do deserve to ask good questions and expect great results.

Want to Work With a Photographer Who Gets This?

If you’re looking for a photographer who not only understands this but prioritizes it, I’d love to connect. My work is built around capturing the nuances of light, love, and human connection—without compromise.

A Note on Perspective:
I’m a white photographer based in Montana—a pretty homogenous place—and I’m always learning. This post isn’t written to speak for anyone, but to help demystify the technical side of skin tone representation in photography so that everyone feels seen and celebrated in their images. I’m grateful to the couples who’ve trusted me and taught me, and I’m committed to doing this work with intention and care.