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Noticing catchlights in a portrait
Notice small reflections in the eyes, compare their shapes, and return to the whole portrait.
A portrait can hold a small discovery inside a much larger one. After looking at the face, clothing, and surroundings, spend a moment with the eyes. A tiny bright point or a broader pale shape may be visible there. These reflections, often called catchlights, offer another way to notice light.
Find the small reflection.
Close portrait with reflected light in the eyes · Photograph: Yenra
In this close portrait, small bright points stand out against the yellow-green irises. You can notice them while still seeing the whole face. Let your eye move between those small marks and the expression, rather than treating the reflection as a separate picture.
A catchlight is a reflection of light visible on the surface of the eye. Dave Montizambert describes the term in his explanation for the Society of Photographers. Here, the invitation is simply to observe the reflections already present in these photographs.
Compare its shape and position.
Woman with Blue Eyes and Brown Hair · Photograph: Yenra
Portrait with green eye makeup · Photograph: Yenra
The portrait with blue eyes shows broader pale reflected shapes. In the portrait with green eye makeup, the bright reflections are smaller and irregular. Look at where each reflection sits within the visible eye, how much space it occupies, and how it relates to the surrounding tones.
These are different portraits with different appearances. Let the comparison raise a question you can explore: what happens to a reflection when a person turns slightly, or when you move your camera a little? The visible shapes are a starting point for that experiment; the photographs do not document a particular lamp, reflector, or editing process.
Return to the whole portrait.
After looking closely, step back into the complete frame. Notice expression, color, and how the face sits in the picture. A reflection can be one detail you enjoy among many. There is room for portraits with bold catchlights, subtle ones, or eyes turned away from the light.
With a willing partner near a familiar window, choose comfortable indirect light and make a starting picture. A small change of head or camera position gives you something to compare. Keep the position comfortable for both of you, and let the person look in a direction that feels natural. You can also explore this lesson entirely through portraits you already have.
Look back with curiosity.
- What shapes do you notice in the reflections?
- What changes between the two portraits?
- What do you enjoy when you return to the whole picture?
Continue with Seeing light in a portrait, Exploring gaze in a portrait, Noticing where a photograph is sharp, or Noticing reflections in a photograph.
Explore the August 27, 2011 gallery · Explore the August 25, 2012 gallery · Browse all 432 photographs in the September 9 gallery · Take the catchlights experiment with you →