Troubles with printing b&w

[loupod]

I really like the look of this photo on my computer, but feel that it is a bit dark. When I printed it, it turned out even more dark. Any advice on how to shoot portraits at dusk?

[spencer28n]

I'm assuming your reffering to dark as in moody and not actual light. I'd say that the darkness comes mostly from the subject. Try smiles.

Night time isn't the ideal time to shoot portraits in my opinion because of the low light which means you have to go with a wide aperture or higher iso. The only think I can think of regarding advice is being creative and use the light around you. Watch for shadows and hard light. If anything you can always use go strobist with a shoot through umbrella and speedlight.

Spencer

[raenme]

Sounds more like you're trying to establish a way to shoot at dusk, not necessarily just in b/w. Mostly the same rules apply...plenty of suggestions on site.

I think that first you need to have a goal or look that you're wanting to acomplish... moody, mysterious or maybe a 40's flim noir look with plenty of deep shadows. Background plays a heavy role to establish the photograph's message.

Assuming you wish to use natural light thats available; drag along a tripod.

Your best bet is to peruse some of the night shots here on DPS and jot down the settings they used in photos you'd like to replicate...(see! there's a reason for everything). Take plenty of shots and jot down the settings that gave you what you wanted.

By the way, I liked the photo..