How to Use Natural Light for Catchlights

Catchlight is a photography term referring to the light that is caught by the eye. In a professional portrait, the catchlight may be from a strobe light or a natural light source, such as a window. Catchlights add depth and life to the eyes of your subjects.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Position the catchlights at either the 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock position in each eye. To achieve this, you may need to position your subject where she is facing the light source, and the catchlights are in a desirable position.

2. Use an umbrella or reflector, along with the natural light to get the catchlights in a position you like. Your subject can hold a reflector in her lap of you could have someone else hold it to create the catchlights where you want them.

3. Decide on the size of the catchlights you want. Using a window is a great source of light; however, the catchlights may be in the shape of the light source. Outside, a reflector may reflect sunlight, and the positioning and distance could give you the catchlights you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Catchlights may also be removed, repositioned or added in photo-editing software.
• Study catchlights in portraits and practice achieving them in your subjects.
• Snapshots with on-board camera flashes leave small pin light catchlights, which gives the impression that it is not a professional portrait.
• When catchlights are in the lower half of the eyes, it may not be as flattering as in the upper half.