How to photograph your ears for color matching.
by Michael Bielaczyc
So now that everyone knows that we can do a custom color match to the elf ears you order, we wanted to talk about photographing your ears. First there is a little color lesson. (See art school does pay off!)
When we color your ears we need to know two main things, one is the hue (the base color) and the second is the value (light to dark).
These two basic things then allow us to tweak the color until it matches you perfectly.
Our three basic color options. Each of these comprises of at least 3 different make ups to match the common elements in each person’s ears, a light tone in the top front, a mid tone middle, and a dark blush tone along the back.
Removing the color shows the basic values. sometimes you can match the color, but if the value is wrong the elf ears still won’t look right.
Lighting and Photos
DON’T Be backlit.
A classic problem with photos. We have no idea what to paint the ears… gray?
DO be aware of reflective light.
You can see the pink reflecting on the front of her face easily, but it is also reflecting along the front of the upper part of her ear. Bright clothing with strong hues can tint your ears, so dark colors are best.
DO be a goober.
Sara couldn’t stop laughing after she saw her face in the last photo, so I had to share her smile in this one.
DON’T shoot outside in full sun.
Over lit images blow out the color and give us no information. Bright sun or flash photography can do this. According to this photo Paul’s ears are almost white. Also, he was feeling quite tortured by forcing him out into the daylight, and no one wants to feel like that!
DO compare the photo to your reflection in a well lit mirror and make sure they match.
Brian compares the photo he took of his ear to his reflection. When he took the photo it was out in our main area that was lit by florescent lights and it had a blue tone, in the bathroom it had a warmer cast. No photo will ever reflect your skintone perfectly, but you can get it pretty close!
Please Keep in Mind
The ears will never match completely in every lighting situation. For photos and film, you often have to paint them a little more red or they will look “dead” on film or photo. Depending on the venue for conventions, the lighting can vary quite a bit. Some spaces have a yellow tint, others a blue tint, and elf ears, make-up, and skin all reflect these various light sources differently.
Your skin is translucent and full of color, and there is no way to completely replicate that in make-up on latex, neoprene, or silicone. We will do our best, and believe us, everyone is just going to love you as a person with pointed ears!
Photo Checklist:
- Order whichever color you think is closest to your skintone.
- On the shopping cart page in the box labelled Special instructions for seller, please type/paste, “I will be emailing a picture of my ear shortly for color matching.”
- A close up of your ear from the side is best (shots from the front don’t help)
- Snap the photo outdoors (natural light is universal in tone, unlike indoor lighting or flashes).
- Partly sunny days are best (not too many clouds, not too much sun)
- The sun should be behind the camera, not behind your head (back lit photos don’t help).
