Where are the catchlights?

[auntyjud]

My pictures could be so much better if could only get catchlights in those eyes. Can anyone recommend a technique? I tried using a flash, but was too overblown, even with e.v. compensation adjusted. Any advice appreciated.

[candleman]

umm..

the catchlights wil always come from the keylight (in my limited experience)

basically, the lighting is quite.. "wrong" (there i said it)

you need to have a key light on the face, which wil
1. highlight the face as the dominant feature in the frame
2. add shape to the face

basically, put the girl in some shade, then use a reflector or a diffused off camera flash to be a key light.
in your image the direct sunligyht is from behind her, and her face is in shadow with no fill light so speak of.

IE.. if theres nothing bright for her eyes to reflect back, there wont be a catchlight.
so, basically as a "rough" guide.. make the key light the brightest light source and you're set.

basic rule.. never never shoot in direct sunlight.
its bad for a multitude of reasons.
reflectors "can" be used, but in direct sunlight this generally leads to blindness, squinting and unhappy subjects.. so just dont ever do it in sunlight.

i hope that helps.

[auntyjud]

Thanks for the feedback. I did try turning her into the light and, just like you said, squinting. I do have a reflector but I have quite figured out how to use it without a third person. I'll have her come over again and try it again. I really do appreciate your advice.

[zappo]

The catchlight is basically a light source that is reflected in the eyes of the subject. This can be: A flash, a reflector but also a window etc.

As for your picture, a reflector would have done wonders to this. Just one other thing, the sun really lights the hair beautifully, but the shirt is just a big white area. Maybe try another point of view next time so you only have a rim of light around the subject, or a darker t-shirt. (Or doing the photo in the shadows, as already mentioned)

If you have no one that can hold the reflector, you can buy a reflector stand. This is a long arm that holds the reflector and can be mounted on a tripod. For an easy solution you can also try to attach the refletor to something like a chair or a piece of wood.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by auntyjud

My pictures could be so much better if could only get catchlights in those eyes.

Meanwhile, you can use a catchlights brush. Sample for illustration purposes only.

Originally Posted by auntyjud

I do have a reflector but I have quite figured out how to use it without a third person.

Consider using a Tri-Grip reflector instead.

[iboy]

I do like the edited picture above. (I wish I was as good at PP) However, in my opinion, the skin is overprocessed. She has freckles, leave them in unless she specifically requests you take them out. They are not blemishes.

[Benji]

A classical case for my statement that you cannot shoot portraits in bright sunshine. Move to the shade. Also "fixing" portraits in Photoshop is usually futile, get it right in the camera first then use Photoshop to enhance not in an attempt to"fix."

Benji

[LoveDSLR]

If it is a prefect world without Murphy's law and every photographer can borrow someone else luck, make-up artist and experience then we don't have to be here at DPS.

Today's editing software makes it easier to do photo retouching. Some of the best retouchers are most sought-after by fashion houses and advertising firms.

Airbrushing and hand retouching have been used to fix photos including the ones taken in a studio and by pros for decades. They are most common in portraits, glamour and fashion photography. It all depends on the photographer style and services.