The Tip: Look for Catchlights
Catchlights are the reflections of the light source in the subject's eyes. They're small, but they make a huge difference in how the portrait looks.
Why Catchlights Matter:
* Life & Sparkle: Catchlights add a vital spark of life to the eyes. Without them, the eyes can look dull and lifeless.
* Direction of Light: They tell you where the light is coming from. This gives you clues about how the light is shaping the face.
* Shape of Light: The shape of the catchlight often reflects the shape of the light source. A large, soft light will produce a larger, softer catchlight. A small, harsh light will create a smaller, sharper catchlight.
How to Use Catchlights to Guide Your Portrait:
1. Before You Shoot, Observe: Before even raising your camera, *look* at your subject's eyes. What do you see reflected there?
2. Position the Subject:
* No Catchlight? If there are no catchlights, reposition your subject. Try moving them so their face is angled slightly towards the light source. Even a small adjustment can make a big difference.
* Undesirable Catchlights? Sometimes, the catchlights are distracting (e.g., a single tiny, bright catchlight from the sun). You might need to move your subject to a different location, or modify the light (more on that later).
* Ideal Catchlights: You want a catchlight that's visible, but not too overpowering. Generally, a single, soft catchlight is most pleasing.
3. Adjust Your Position (If Needed): Sometimes, simply changing your own position (the photographer's position) can alter the light on the subject and improve the catchlights.
4. Consider Modifying the Light:
* Harsh Light: If the light is too harsh and creating too-bright catchlights, consider diffusing it. This could mean moving to a shadier spot, using a scrim (a translucent material to soften light), or waiting for a cloud to pass in front of the sun.
* Not Enough Light: If you need more light, you can use a reflector to bounce light back into the subject's face. This will also brighten the catchlights.
Things to Keep in Mind:
* Natural vs. Artificial Light: This tip applies to both natural light (sunlight) and artificial light (flash, studio lights).
* Eye Color: Catchlights are especially noticeable in darker eyes (brown, hazel). They might be subtler in very light eyes (blue, green), but they're still important.
* Direction is Key: Pay attention to the direction the catchlights are coming from. Light coming from above is generally flattering. Light coming from below can create unflattering shadows. Light from the side can be dramatic.
* Placement: A catchlight slightly above the pupil is usually considered most appealing.
Example:
Imagine you're photographing someone outdoors on a sunny day. You notice that their eyes look a little flat. You look closely and see only tiny, harsh catchlights from the direct sun.
What do you do?
* First: Have them turn slightly to the side to see if the catchlights improve.
* Second: If that doesn't work, move them into the shade of a building or a tree. The light will be softer, and the catchlights will be more diffused. You can also use a reflector to bounce some of that soft light back into their face.
In short: Become obsessed with catchlights! Train your eye to see them and understand what they tell you about the light. This simple technique will elevate your portrait photography dramatically. Good luck!