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Catch Light

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Catch light is a photography term used to describe either the specular highlight in a subject's eye from a light source, or the light source itself. A catch light may be an artifact of the lighting method, or have been purposely engineered to add a glint or "spark" to a subject's eye during photography. This technique is useful in both still and motion picture photography. Adding a catch light can help draw attention to the subject's eyes, which may otherwise get lost among other elements in the scene. Lighting is often arranged in studio portraits specifically to create attractive catch lights. Reflectors are normally used under low lighting situation to help to bring in `light' and reducing shadows on the face. I requested Prince 1 to look up transparent ceiling which had great source of light. It wasn't too harsh that would cause his tiny eyes to squint, the idea is able to get a bit of a reflection to his eye balls, giving it more life (tiny bit of catch light). In portraiture it's known to be an important as eyes without catch lights are often said to appear dull or lifeless. I didn't use a reflector to balance out the light. Isn't it great to have willing sample guinea pigs who will pose for you to experiment?

Nikon D300 ,Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
1/800s f/2.8 at 32.0mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Guest 31-Mar-2008 20:35
how can I get my frisbee down from the roof??
Ghislaine et Réal Boulet11-Jan-2008 14:02
Does God really exist??
Guest 09-Jan-2008 07:55
The choice of a shallow DOF is excellent here. Creative image.
Greg Harp03-Jan-2008 03:07
Superb! Fabulous portrait.
Guest 01-Jan-2008 15:59
Fabulous!!! Happy new year!
Jay Levin26-Dec-2007 20:25
You did an excellent job in conveying the technique to all of us, Tricia. Vote
Zaid Kurdi26-Dec-2007 14:50
Wonderful capture,lovely composition,colors and details.......V.
Galina Stepanova26-Dec-2007 14:17
Nicely taken, Tricia.
Vince26-Dec-2007 12:55
Excellent shot with a great POV.
alfredo camba jr.26-Dec-2007 12:35
Very nice portrait. Nice point of view! Vote!!
Guest 26-Dec-2007 11:30
excellent compo Tricia.
marie-jose wolff26-Dec-2007 10:54
great angle, I like his expression! V
Paco López26-Dec-2007 06:41
Excellent pov and shot!!!!!BV!
Guest 26-Dec-2007 04:26
what a cutie!
and hey i've learnt something new today! catch light! thank you! :-)
CM Kwan26-Dec-2007 03:52
A very nice picture and educational message, Tricia! V
Sam_C26-Dec-2007 03:19
Wonderful shot of Prince 1, great expression! Yes, the catch lights look great, a job well done. Big Vote!!
Cindi Smith26-Dec-2007 02:28
Very nice and Prince 1 looks soooooo handsome!
laine8226-Dec-2007 02:05
This is a great angle...I like the innocence in the expression...the catchlights are lovely !!
Guest 26-Dec-2007 01:57
Well done