Trey’s Table Episode 311: The Shirley Card
# How the Shirley Card Introduced Racial Bias Into Photography | Trey’s Table Ep. 311
I’m Trey Smith, host of Trey’s Table, where we explore African-American history, politics, and culture. In Episode 311, we examine the Shirley Card—a tool that embedded racial bias into photography for decades.
## The Problem With the Shirley Card
Used by photo labs to calibrate skin tones, the Shirley Card (named after a white model) set lighter skin as the default standard.
As a result, darker complexions were often poorly rendered—too dark, washed out, or lacking detail. This wasn’t just technical oversight; it reflected systemic exclusion.
## Why It Still Matters
The Shirley Card’s legacy persists today, from **facial recognition struggles** with darker skin to **uneven social media filters**. Understanding this history reveals how bias shapes even everyday technology.
## Listen to the Episode
We discuss:
✅ The origins and impact of the Shirley Card
✅ How Black professionals challenged these standards
✅ The fight for equity in modern imaging tech
🎧 **Stream now** on [Apple Podcasts](link), [Spotify](link), or your preferred platform.
Have thoughts? Connect with me via email at Treyjws@icloud.com
