Week 4 Catchlights
Catchlights are the highlights you see in the eye. This could be a flash, a reflector, or the sky/clouds reflecting in the eyes. Some photographers will use gobos to create interesting shape reflections. Personally, I think it’s too much but each to their own.
Below you will see two type of catchlights in Jester’s eyes. One is from a softbox strobe catchlight and the next is a ring light catchlight.
The ring light can be really hard to use with your subjects as it’s a constant SUPER bright light that is very blinding.
I took several shots of Jester using the ring light, but many of them were of him squinting. I don’t pull my ring light out much for that reason. You also need your subject to be straight on to the camera so the circles go around the pupil perfectly. As you can see Jester was turned slightly so the right was a bit off.
A reason to use a different type of lighting is the mood each one gives. As you can see the ring light illuminated none of the background leaving it much darker in appearance than using the softbox. It’s a creative technique to change up your images.
In this image, no artificial light was used. By tilting your subjects head up toward the sky you can see all the reflections catchlights in the eye giving you amazing contrast and highlights.
Here are two more examples of a strobe light catchlight. The larger the softbox the larger the catchlight in the eyes.
If you missed last weeks technique, fill the frame, head here.
This is a blog circle so it’s time for you to head on over to the next photographers take on catchlights, MuttinsnCat
I love your examples of catchlights. Seeing the rectangular ones makes me want an option other than a round softbox…. What size is your rectangular softbox?
The softbox I used for the top image was two 30 x 60 from Paul Buff w/ Alienbee Strobes (like Tara had in Corona Del Mar). The last two images were with one Alienbee and a 32 x 40 or 24 x 36 (can’t fully remember) softbox.
Wonderful examples! I LOVE your outdoor shots…both the dog AND the squirrel. 🙂
Thank you, Kelly. I love shooting outside when the weather allows for it.
So cool! I rarely see ring light catchlights. Great job!!
It’s a very specific light that doesn’t work for everything, however it’s fun to pull out now and again.
I’ve never seen a ring light used in pet photos before. I thought they made interesting catchlights in humans, but the ring lights are even more interesting in pet eyes.
Thanks Tim. It’s the first time I had tried myself. I figured why not see what happens! 😉
I think I need that sparkly backdrop!! <3
but that squirrel photo is the best!!
I made that backdrop out of a bolt of material I bought online. I used it for my vow renewal. Now I use it for events to get noticed. 😉 That squirrel is my best friend. I need to go back and see him. He crawled right up my arm and followed us all the way around the park like a dog.
Love your variety of examples, Danyel! I”m always a huge fan of natural light and love that little pug and his smile, too! That last pup with the bow tie is another favorite!!! What a fun “sparkly” backdrop!
Thank you! I used to be a fan of shooting only natural light, but now I see the advantages of using artificial light living in Oregon.
That squirrel is a great capture. Your examples of different lights….very informative. I have yet to try my ring light on pets. I Think I might now. Great images!
I had never used my ring light on a pet either. This theme gave me a great opportunity to bring it out. AND that squirrel….I need to go visit him again. He was such a character.
Love the squirrel! We don’t get them here, so I always think they are so cute! I’ve never used a ring light either, so interesting to see the effect on the eyes. Thanks.
That’s so funny. I guess I never really thought if squirrels were every where. It makes sense they aren’t.
I love the photo of the puppy with the blue bow tie!
Isn’t he sweet! Those ears were just adorable.
I love that sequined backdrop! Tell me all the details about it, please!
I bought a bolt of fabric online and then had my friend stitch it together with a pocket for a backdrop stand. I love it! The shop on Etsy is called SparkleSoiree, but it looks like they are no longer on Etsy. This one is the champagne color. I’m sure you can find it somewhere else.
Ooh a squirrel! I love every one of these photos! Great demonstrations!
Great examples of catchlights! I love the first photograph with the squirrel…..and then my next favorite is the last dog because at first glance (to me) it looks like a “Who me?” and perhaps the dog has been caught doing something that it should not be.
Love your showing different catchlight examples. Catchlights from ring lights always look kind of alien.
I like that you showed several different types of catchlights. Interesting with the ring light.