Has anyone had problems communicating with photographers about the needs of an interracial wedding???

I'm an actress and have had my picture taken by professionals several times so I've experienced photographer that simply do not know how to light ethnic skin in a flattering way.  Seeing as that takes some skill it also takes some skill to light several different skin tones beautifully all at once (which is, by the way, why Oprahs lighting team wins so many Emmys! lol!).  Add to that that we are having an evening/night ceremony/reception- low lighting comes into play. 

I guess I'm just amazed at how many photogaphers tell me that they can shoot interracial couples (or even night weddings), but when they send me their work they clearly cannot.

Anyone else having this problem?

It is something we considered when we went shopping for a photographer.  We wanted to find someone who understood that we would need extra work with lighting.  When I stand next to my FI he'll either glow or I'll darken... so we wanted to make sure our photog had experience shooting well balanced pictures.  Very important issue.  Thanks for bringing it to light. :)

I mean it really is an art.  And it's just like you said my fiance could glow or I could be darkened or shiny (gross!) I feel a little bad because my DJ has been suggesting people and they aren't very good in my opinion. And to keep my stress level down, I've resigned to this idea:  that if I ask a vendor a question and they don't answer it in their first response email then I don't work with them.  I've had several that tell me they can shoot our wedding well but don't give me the simple examples I ask for (namely pics with low lighting and interracial and/ or AA couples).  Or they say "here's my blog- work you way through every picture I've ever took!"  LAME! 

PS.  You and your guy ar uber cute!!!

I didn't even think about that.  I mean, I am Latina and light skinned, so it's not an issue, but I had never thought of that before.  Hmmm.  Interesting.

http://www.jonkerportraitgallery.com/gallery-weddingsAndCouples.php

if you scroll to the last page ,our photographer does it nicely 

Nice!  We we're lucky we found a wonderful photographer.  This is some of her work... http://www.annieoneillphotography.com/jenniferbjwedding/ If anyone is from Pittsburgh and Detriot I highly recommend Annie O'Neill!!! She also does destination weddings! Plus she's super cool!!!

I never even thought about this when I was looking for a photographer.  That makes sooo much sense!

Good point, never thought about that. Hope my photgrapher does a good job never thought to ask that question either. 

This is an interesting perspective.  It's not an issue I will be encountering BUT in my photographer search, I found it difficult to find those with diverse portfolios.  A lot of photographers post the prettiest pictures of white brides... but it is SO monochromatic.  That disappointed me the most. 

I've been asked this by a few couples and have been chosen by them for the very reason that I have a LOT of experience shooting interacial couples.  I have quite an extensive portfoilio of many different ethnic combinations (black/white/Indian/Hispanic/Asian) and feel really comfortable not only with the shooting aspect but more importantly, the post processing.

What's quite interesting to me is that wedding photographers - of all types of photographers - should have the most experience handling the contrast difference because frankly, we shoot it every single weekend - her White Dress-his Black Tux! ;o)  Can't get more tonal contrast than that.  If their images show good detail of a brides dress and the groom's tux, they should be capable - you would think.

Also, if you find someone's work you like and still aren't sure, just do an enagement session with them and address your concerens to them.  Work on ways to make both of you feel comfortable.

I'm skilled to handle my equipment but a lot of it has to do with that and the editing.  Full blast flash is a killer for that contrast - they need to know how to skillfully fill flash without overpowering and it means dialing it back to a more natural level.