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How to Get Catchlights in a Portrait

A catchlight is the reflection of a light source that sometimes appears in a photography subject's eye. Catchlights are an easy way to add a dramatic feel to a portrait. The lighting technique can be accomplished using a variety of light sources, including standard studio lights. They are easy to set up and can quickly be adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Try experimenting with different types of studio lights, such as ring lights or soft boxes. Each kind of light will produce a different catchlight.

Things You'll Need

Main studio light with stand
Side lights with stands
Camera

Instructions

- 1
  Sit your subject in front of your backdrop. Have her pose like she will be in the photograph. This will allow you to adjust the lights appropriately for the specific photograph. The subject will need to remain still, as the slightest shift of weight can displace the catchlight.
- 2
  Set up your fill lights and side lights far enough to the side of you subject so that they do not reflect from the eye. Their only purpose is to light the scene of the photograph, including the sides of your subject. Once they are set up, go to the front of your subject where you will be taking the photograph from. Ensure that there are no bright light reflections in the subject's eye.
- 3
  Set your main light up in front of the subject and behind the camera. It doesn't need to be placed far behind the camera, but it should not be physically present in the photograph. Adjust the main light's height setting while looking at the subject's eye. Lock the adjustment in when you can see the light reflection in the eye.
- 4
  Adjust the main light source by rotating the light, not the light stand. These adjustments will usually be very minimal. Look at the eyes of the subject and rotate the light source until the light reflection appears at the 2-o'clock or 10-o'clock position.
- 5
  Move over to your camera and take the photograph. If you are using a digital camera, check the image to assure proper capture of the catchlight. Adjust the lights as necessary and take the photograph again if needed. Film camera users should take two or three photographs from slightly different angles to make sure they end up with the photograph they are trying to take.

Photography