Catchlights: the small reflections that bring eyes to life
Catchlights are reflections of the light source in the eyes. They make portraits feel alive. Learn how to create and shape them.
Look closely at a great portrait and you will see small bright reflections in the eyes. These catchlights add sparkle and life. Without them, eyes can look dull or lifeless.
How to get catchlights
The subject needs to face a light source that is brighter than the surroundings: a window, the open sky, a reflector or a softbox. Raising the chin slightly toward the light helps.
Position
Catchlights at 10 or 2 o’clock in the iris look the most natural, which is why key lights are usually placed above and to the side.
Shape
The catchlight mirrors the light source. A window gives a rectangle, an umbrella a round shape, a ring light a circle. Many photographers prefer round or rectangular catchlights over the ring shape.
Too many catchlights
Multiple lights can create several reflections that look distracting. Use one dominant catchlight and remove extras in editing if needed.
In open shade
Place your subject at the edge of shade, facing the open area. The bright sky or a light-colored wall will create catchlights naturally.
