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Elaine Mueller Tweedy
           (570) 575-1705

Catchlights

1/26/2018

17 Comments

 
A “catchlight’ is the reflection of a light source in a photographed eye.  Catchlights are important in photography, because they give the eye "life."  They often add depth and dimension.

Catchlights are dependent upon the size of the light source and how far it is from the subject.  In studio portraits, where more than one light may be used, more than one catchlight will show up on the surface of the eye. It is the job of the photographer to decide which catchlight to keep and which to remove in post processing.

For humans, catchlights should be at 10 or 2 o'clock positions in the eye (pick one, never both).  However, in animals, catchlight reflections are a different matter.  An animal's eye reflects light differently than a human eye.
Picture
In my portrait of a sheep, above, you can see how different the eye is, with a more elongated pupil.  In a pen full of sheep, with its back to the light source, I used a reflector to grab the small catchlight you see just below the lashes.  Without it, this profiled eye might look "dead" in comparison.  The catchlight gives the eye depth and shows you that this sheep was very interested in my reflector.

When outside in nature with dogs, the results can often be too much reflection, especially if the sun is bright.  I will often look for a shady place where the dog is looking toward the sunny area, in order to capture good catchlights.  I am always checking to see the type of reflection I am getting in a dog's eyes when I am doing photos in nature.
Picture
Even then, due to the dog's unique eye configuration, you may get a smaller reflection in one eye than another.  I will usually leave the catchlights in this smaller-to-larger framework, even though I know some photographers prefer to make both catchlights the same size.  I just think this is more natural to the dog when it happens.

In a studio environment, where I can control all of the lighting, catchlights become easier to control and position.  In the photo of Lilah below, you can see the catchlights are evenly spaced and sized based on the type of lighting I used, and its placement.
Picture
Since becoming a professional photographer in 2012, I have been unable to stop myself from looking at and analyzing catchlights in human and animal eyes on a daily basis.  But, what that has helped me do is really look people in the eye when I speak to them.  I also watch the lighting of eyes in movies very closely, and often miss something that's said due to being so engrossed in analyzing the light reflections. 

The circle is packed with more insight on catchlights and more great photographers, so head on in and check out the lovely photos to follow.  Start here with Linda Perdue from VP Shoots Photography, Tampa, Florida.  Have a great one!
17 Comments
Kim Hollis link
1/26/2018 06:15:23 am

Thanks for this post. I learned something new: catchlights should be at either 10 or 2pm in human's eyes. I didn't know that. Love the sheep btw!

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Linda Metcalf
1/26/2018 08:02:07 am

I really enjoyed reading your perspective on catchlights!

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Tracy Allard link
1/26/2018 08:17:13 am

Gorgeous images as always and I had to laugh at your last comment because I find myself doing the same thing! I call out to the TV, "that's horrible lighting!" and say to my husband "Just look at that, the highlights are all blown out", or marvel at the cinematography of a beautifully made movie.

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Kirsten
1/26/2018 09:54:22 am

Love the outside photo! The dog, and color is beautiful!

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Kelly Middlebrooks
1/26/2018 10:44:58 am

HA! I just last night was watching netflix and thought to myself, someone wasn't paying attention to the placement of that guy because there are no catchlights! :D Wonderful post as always.

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Kelly
1/26/2018 11:11:23 am

Great examples!!!

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Rochelle
1/26/2018 11:30:25 am

I enjoyed reading this one! Really liked your perspective

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Shelly Ellis link
1/26/2018 11:39:05 am

Love your example images and explanations. It is amazing what we become aware of as we learn that would have gone unnoticed!

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Tim Evans link
1/26/2018 01:03:24 pm

Like you, I look at the catchlights to get an idea of how a photo is lit. It's just harder with animals due to the differences you have listed in their eye shapes and the shape of their heads.

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Danyel
1/26/2018 01:54:13 pm

I love sheep eyelashes. Great job on explaining the difference with each type of subject.

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Darlene link
1/26/2018 05:24:13 pm

I can relate - i obsess over catchlights! haha! These are beautiful, Elaine! Love the 2nd image - those eyes really pop and the color is stunning!

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Lynda
1/26/2018 06:59:09 pm

Great comparisons between the animals and the types of catchlights. So glad it’s not just me that gets distracted by light and reflections when someone is talking to you. Lol. Love your images.

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Sandra mccarthy
1/26/2018 08:02:13 pm

The soft feel of the last photo is beautiful.

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Jessica
1/26/2018 09:13:53 pm

I'm with you on analyzing the catchlights! Photography has definitely opened my eyes (pun intended).

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Sam Adele
1/28/2018 02:35:01 pm

Nice inclusion of the sheep! Love your images :)

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Linda Perdue link
1/31/2018 11:27:53 am

Awww, the goat is a great change in the overall blog circle - cute, never thought about the difference in their eyes. I love the one with the man (owner?) gently touching the head of the dog - great connection between the two of them.

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Susannah link
2/3/2018 12:31:45 pm

You make some great points about paying attention the where the catchlights land.

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