More than one catchlight

Geraint

6

20 Feb 2009 - 1:08 PM

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Is this generally a 'no no' when it comes to portraits? I almost exclusively use one light on the model and bring a reflector in when I think a bit of fill is needed. This produces a second catchlight in the eyes, and sometimes I think it suits the shot whereas sometimes I find it a distraction. I suppose it depends where on the eye it appears...Anyway, I know it's all subjective but I was wondering if there was an unwritten rule that says that 'more than one catchlight is a sign of a crap photographer'...
Cheers,
Geraint

P.S. I find it less of a problem outside in natural light, as the catchlights are less pronounced, so a reflector acts as sort of the main catchlight with the sky/other reflections also contributing.

P.P.S I should mention that I generally use a square softbox with gaffer tape stuck on the corners to mimick an octagon shape to make the catchlights more natural...

Mjhearne

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20 Feb 2009 - 3:07 PM

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I dont see it as a problem, infact I like to see catchlights. I tend to always have more than one in my photos! EEEKKK! So some people class this as crap photography??

csurry

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20 Feb 2009 - 5:06 PM

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Nice click fishing Cathy

paulashby (e2 Member)

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26 Feb 2009 - 1:04 PM

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Catchlights make or break a portrait I think less is more in this case but looking at fashion shots you often see more than one and it tends to be done well, the one that gets on my nerve is the old light over both shoulders flash set up that you used to see in many high st photographers, this one definitely looks amateurish and please don't pay to much notice of the old camera club judges some of them really do need to look again at how studio lighting is used.

videoman (e2 Member)

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15 Mar 2009 - 7:43 PM

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Catchlights can enhance a portrait or they can be a distraction.
If it's the former, leave them alone, if it's the latter then reduce the size and/or intensity of the offending lights, or remove the distracting lights if you have multiples, but the only judge you should believe is yourself!
HTH.

Krakman

6

17 Mar 2009 - 12:03 PM

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Multiple catchlights don't bother me.

NEWMANP (Critique Team)

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17 Mar 2009 - 1:27 PM

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Quote: rules are for breaking

i would have thought only if it produces something worth looking at.

i saw a portrait last night with 5 catchlights in each eye, what the hell is that all about, there was only one sun last time i looked and i thought the whole objective was to recreate natural light and shadow.
there is something slightly unnatural about a woman with two white umbrellas in each eye in my opinion.
Phil

Mjhearne

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17 Mar 2009 - 1:40 PM

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Quote: Quote:i thought the whole objective was to recreate natural light and shadow.Is it?

Not sure I agree either.