Catchlights
Ok, so I understand what they are and some of the ways that they are created eg eyes reflecting direct fill flash outside, studio light reflections in eyes etc etc
But I'm curious about this picture below. There was an overhead light and, while there is a window to the right of camera, it was dark outside (and assuming I'm reading thie shadows right, the main light source must have come from l of camera). To the best of my memory, the flash was bounced EITHER overhead or to the left (I can't remember which). But where'd those catchlights come from? The only thing I can think of is that there's a framed picture on the wall that's l of camera, and perhaps the light bounced off the glass? Or maybe I had the flash turned so it was at a partial angle to her eyes? (although I think the picture would have been brighter if it was more turned towards her).
So, I'm now fascinated by catchlights - how to get 'em, how to control 'em. Thoughts, tips and tricks for the n00bs among us?
Thanks (as always)!
(PS If this should have gone in Technique, apologies - it just seeemed pretty much directly "people" relevant, so I posted it here!)
But I'm curious about this picture below. There was an overhead light and, while there is a window to the right of camera, it was dark outside (and assuming I'm reading thie shadows right, the main light source must have come from l of camera). To the best of my memory, the flash was bounced EITHER overhead or to the left (I can't remember which). But where'd those catchlights come from? The only thing I can think of is that there's a framed picture on the wall that's l of camera, and perhaps the light bounced off the glass? Or maybe I had the flash turned so it was at a partial angle to her eyes? (although I think the picture would have been brighter if it was more turned towards her).
So, I'm now fascinated by catchlights - how to get 'em, how to control 'em. Thoughts, tips and tricks for the n00bs among us?
Thanks (as always)!
(PS If this should have gone in Technique, apologies - it just seeemed pretty much directly "people" relevant, so I posted it here!)
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Comments
Caroline
I like the skin tone
Some of the best catchlights can be had simply by shooting someone sitting on a porch, near a window, or as Mitchell has demonstrated in a garage with an open door. Large reflectors close to your subject can also do the trick.
This little man has a large pair of french doors in front of himself and to his left.
Another...window light only...
These are from an off camera flash...un modified
Reflector only
Here...catchlights in natural light shot on a porch...
Jeff
-Need help with Dgrin?; Wedding Photography Resources
-My Website - Blog - Tips for Senior Portraiture
Do you mean the tiny one? I didn't even SEE that until you and Jeff pointed it out! I was referring to the larger ones, which I like, so no worries there.
I'm pretty sure the small one would have been createad by the kitchen light fixture in the adjacent room (a small halogen spot fixture, one of which is pointed directly at where she was sitting).
Thanks for the reply
Thanks so much! I'm working a new laptop screen and no calibration system, so I'm kind of having to guess when I'm on this computer (I rely on CS3's "autolevels" and "autocolor" settings to at least put me in the ballpark, and then have to check against the other monitor ....)
You know, I didn't even SEE the smaller one until you guys mentioned it - it was the big off-center one that got me thinking about this. I'll guess that the smaller one is from the small overhead halogen spot light in the adjacent kitchen (it points towards where she was sitting).
Thanks for the examples, Jeff! Once again you've taught me something - I always thought that catchlights were the result of a brighter reflected light source rather than *any* reflected light even from something diffuse like a bounce against a matt-painted wall (and it's not even white!).
I must admit I love catchlights - to me they're one of the things that give a portrait life - so I want to figure out how to ensure they're there instead of getting them by happy accident
Do you usually seem them as you shoot? I never notice their presence or absence until I'm looking at the pictures on the computer - does one's eye for that improve with experience?
Keep those comments and examples coming, folks - great information, as always!
If they are going to come from a flash you cannot really see those before you shoot.........from constant sources, you should be able to see before you even put the camera to your eye.
Jeff
-Need help with Dgrin?; Wedding Photography Resources
-My Website - Blog - Tips for Senior Portraiture
If memory serves, she is useing a shoe mounted 420EX speedlight. I don't think that the 420 has a modeling capability....of course I could be wrong there.
Either way, her sample photo sure does exemplify the best of why off camera or bounced flash always looks more natural than flash beaming from the camera.
Jeff
-Need help with Dgrin?; Wedding Photography Resources
-My Website - Blog - Tips for Senior Portraiture
Yeah, speedlights... those are toughies... Especially with diffusers... One relatively simple and dirt-cheap solution (at least for the unmodified ones) is to get a little cheap AAA or AA powered flashlight (preferably white LED based) and attach it to the light head with a patch of gaffer/duct/scotch/electric tape. I tried this approach in Canyon De Chelly, it worked wonders.
Facts? Don't be silly... lol
Yes, well remembered! It was indeed a 420ex on the hotshoe used as a bounce (with FEC dialled down a stop or so). It has no modelling-light capacity that I'm aware of.
I was just interested in how one starts to *perceive* these things that are the bread-and-butter of the experienced photographer. I'm juusssstt beginning (and only inconsistently) to notice potentially distracting shadows before I shoot, so I wondered if seeing lights-in-eyes was one of those similar things that you just begin to process consciously once you've done it lots and lots! Of course, I didn't even think about the fact that you *can't* see flash flashes before they flash... duh... But yeah, I know what you mean!!
Thanks again!
I think that means you like it??!!
Great tip! When I get to the point that I've got enough control over lighting to use that, I'll be giving it a try!
Seriously, while I think I'm beyond "point and shoot" I'm still at "set and hope" rather than always being certain what I'll get when I use the flash (especially since I just upgraded from the XT to the xsi and am still learning the new camera's preferences and abilities). I HATE overflashed shots, so I usually start with the FEC taking as much away as I can, but then I forget I'm losing light because I'm bouncing and have to readjust the FEC and/or bounce position and it's all a bit trial and error still. But even though I often don't get the settings quite right, at least my brain is starting to think about which things NEED setting before I push the shutter, so I guess I'm heading in the right direction!!
To tell you the truth, the only case I use ETTL mode on the flash is when I'm shooting events, when the situation changes by the moment and I cannot possibly dial in correct exposure/flash power manually. In all other scenarios it's manual settings (at least for the flash).
Unfortunately, the 420ex doesn't have a manual mode. Eventually I'll need one that does, but for the time being this - in combination with the FEC on the camera - is a good way to get started!