Hi

[bordercolliemom]

I like to take pics of my grandson and my friend's kids (grandkids) My eyes never seem to sparkle like a lot of the photos I've seen online. I seem to get the picture in focus but the eyes just don't shine like I'd like.

Any help would be appreciate. Thank you in advance. I've posted a photo.

Thank you
Kelly

[bordercolliemom]

This is slightly better. But...not great ( or good for that matter)

Advice for bright eyes...

Thank you...

[Swisstony10]

It looks as though you're shooting using natural light only, which is leaving your subjects' eyes in a little hole of shadow. It doesn't take much of a shadow to kill a pair of sparkly eyes like that.

To get a bit more light onto the face and brighten up those eyes a bit, you can either use a reflector - either a proper photographic reflector, or just a biggish piece of white board (heavy card from an art shop will do, or foamboard) - to bounce a bit of light back, or a bit of fill flash. If you're using the camera's built-in flash though, you might find it a little harsh, and the way it fires from right above the lens will make the lighting on the face a little flat - getting the flash off the camera will be a big help, if you don't have a separate flash, like a Speedlight, see if you can borrow one from someone, or rent one for a week and give it a go.

Russ.

[bordercolliemom]

Thank you!!! Actually, I do have a Nikon speedlight, the 600. I'm just figuring it out, sort of. But mostly in the house. I'm doing well with non shadow's off a backdrop and such. But didn't know using it outside would help.

I'm doing some pic for a friend this sat. All as a hobby, I am not pro nor pretend to be pro. It's just a fun, relaxing thing for me. Just to make all that clear.

Suggestions and help using my external flash outside, and or using a reflector to add light? I've never used a reflector, other then to bounce light in the house. I've just used the foam board as you suggested.

Outside sun is tricky.

Thank you so very much for your response. I so appreciate it.

Kelly

[Swisstony10]

You're not wrong there - outside sun can be tricky, which is where reflectors and flashguns help.

If you've already tried using a reflector indoors, then you're off to a good start - just try employing the same technique of bouncing the light, and you should start to see some improvements in your outdoor shots too.

Combining flash with ambient light outdoors can be a little more involved, especially if you're still getting used to using the speedlight. Just to start with (and this won't be perfect, but it'll help), try using it on the camera with the flash controls on auto (or TTL, basically so that the camera is controlling the flash exposure for you) and then dial the flash power back a bit (I'm not clear on the controls, as I'm not a Nikon-boy). Experiment with that, dialling the power back by different amounts, and seeing how it affects the end results, and you'll soon start coming up with something a bit closer to what you want.

Lots of people don't use flash at all though - you can get really really nice results using a reflector or two.

Russ.

[bordercolliemom]

You guys are awesome. Thank you. I'm going to get a reflector tomorrow



Kelly