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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> Need advice - how to get detail in the eyes ?
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Showing posts 1 - 25 of 28, (reverse)
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 10/01/2007 12:16:54 PM · #1
These are, admittedly, just snap-shots.
What I'd like to know is how I can get some detail in Bear's eyes when I do this again. They look just like black orbs in these, which is sad as he has gorgeous eyes.

Today is partly sunny here, Bear's facing east. Can't turn him around as I'd have concrete steps and brick behind him then.

[thumb]594254[/thumb] [thumb]594255[/thumb]
 10/01/2007 12:19:45 PM · #2
You could try a fill flash or a reflector :)
 10/01/2007 12:22:54 PM · #3
Originally posted by Sunniee:
You could try a fill flash or a reflector :)


More info needed please.

Any time I've attempted to use a fill flash, I get a dark background and a washed out subject. I know that I am obviously doing something wrong for this to happen, I'm just not sure what.
 10/01/2007 12:24:33 PM · #4
Originally posted by kashi:
Any time I've attempted to use a fill flash, I get a dark background and a washed out subject. I know that I am obviously doing something wrong for this to happen, I'm just not sure what.

You need to reduce the flash power. Set flash compensation to -2.0 and work from there. If it's washed out at -2.0 go to -3.0, if you still can't see any detail in his eyes, then increase it to -1.5 or -1.0
 10/01/2007 12:27:11 PM · #5
Originally posted by jhonan:
You need to reduce the flash power. Set flash compensation to -2.0 and work from there. If it's washed out at -2.0 go to -3.0, if you still can't see any detail in his eyes, then increase it to -1.5 or -1.0


Ahh, okay - this makes sense. Not only that, but I know how to do that on my camera.

Thank you.
 10/01/2007 12:28:26 PM · #6
Originally posted by kashi:
Originally posted by Sunniee:
You could try a fill flash or a reflector :)


More info needed please.

Any time I've attempted to use a fill flash, I get a dark background and a washed out subject. I know that I am obviously doing something wrong for this to happen, I'm just not sure what.


You need to lower the power of the flash. Seems you're shooting in quite close, try the lowest setting first and go from there. Also experiment with difussing it. Have fun :)
Oh and I see detail in his eyes, some slight dodging will bring those blues out.

Edit to say: too slow to reply ;) jhonan's post was more detailed in the how's and to's anyways.

Message edited by author 2007-10-01 12:29:41.
 10/01/2007 12:30:25 PM · #7
His eyes show what's behind you, mostly. If you want light in his eyes, you want there to be light behind you. Sky works amazingly well, if the sun isn't in it (e.g., looking North, or a bright, cloudy day). As would the sunlit side of a building, or just a light/white building. Even wearing a white t-shirt when you are shooting can bounce enough to work.

If he's facing into the dark, or shadow, or a dark subject, his eyes won't have any life in them. You can put some light in there from a flash. That can work well, if the flash isn't on your camera. You could bounce it from a reflector too. You could place a reflector on the ground between you - though a more matte white diffuser might well be kinder - bounced light can be harsh on a sunny day - you need to use the very edge of the bounced light to stop him squinting. But most of this isn't necessary - just think about what's reflecting in his eyes and make it light/ bright. I'd use your flash as the last resort if it's on the camera.

Message edited by author 2007-10-01 12:32:50.
 10/01/2007 12:35:45 PM · #8
Originally posted by kashi:
These are, admittedly, just snap-shots.
What I'd like to know is how I can get some detail in Bear's eyes when I do this again. They look just like black orbs in these, which is sad as he has gorgeous eyes.

Today is partly sunny here, Bear's facing east. Can't turn him around as I'd have concrete steps and brick behind him then.

[thumb]594254[/thumb] [thumb]594255[/thumb]


Sorry, that ain't "bear" jejeje�

Seriously, you need something bright to reflect in the eyes, as others have said.

R.
 10/01/2007 01:36:31 PM · #9
Lighting 101
 10/01/2007 01:48:50 PM · #10
Bear_Music he certainly *is* a bear ! He's only 9 months old, already tipping the scales at 27 pounds !

quiet_observation Thank you - that looks like an interesting and informative.
 10/01/2007 02:01:42 PM · #11
And then in editing, you can bring out the detail, too.

Try a soft light layer and paint his eyes in white using a brush a little smaller than his pupils and at 0% hardness. Then adjust the opacity until it looks right.
 10/01/2007 02:04:30 PM · #12
The effect you might be looking for is catchlights; small reflections in his eyes of whatever the 'bright' thing you're using is. Catchlights make a *big* difference to how a person looks in a photo.
 10/01/2007 02:08:41 PM · #13
Also, for your post-processing enjoyment, Pimp Those Eyes.

10/01/2007 02:15:37 PM · #14
Handheld mirrors come in very handy for adding catch lights. I keep a large and small handheld mirror in my bag.

Come in handy for makeup checks too :-)

Message edited by author 2007-10-01 14:16:02.
 10/01/2007 02:41:43 PM · #15
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Handheld mirrors come in very handy for adding catch lights. I keep a large and small handheld mirror in my bag.

Come in handy for makeup checks too :-)


And what do I do with said hand-mirrors ?
 10/01/2007 03:14:10 PM · #16
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

I keep a large and small handheld mirror in my bag.
Come in handy for makeup checks too :-)


Yeah, I can just see you now, looking in your mirror, checking your eyeshadow before your date picks you up in his Trans-Am.

Message edited by author 2007-10-01 15:14:40.
 10/01/2007 03:14:50 PM · #17
[thumb]594274[/thumb]

How's that?
 10/01/2007 03:37:44 PM · #18
I know a lot of photographers who use a huge flash, but I really like the on board flash as long as my settings are set correctly on my camera. A reflector is always good to have around...A good place to get a cheap reflector in a pinch is walmart. They have reflectors that go in the vehicles to reflect the sun. They work really well. Good luck. He sure is a cutie! You definitely have my child beat..she was 21lbs at 10 months old.
 10/01/2007 03:44:01 PM · #19
Eeep. I think he's a little young to have glaucoma ;)

I think she's referring more to the catchlights. I think the fill-flash suggestions are really the best. If you try to use a mirror or reflector, the baby is going to be squinting a lot.

As far as PP is concerned, I've had pretty good luck by selecting the eyes, select a small amount of feathering, and then use shadows/highlights. That seems to do a good job of bringing out the color a bit more.

Nice looking little dude, by the way :)

Originally posted by NstiG8tr:
[thumb]594274[/thumb]

How's that?


Message edited by author 2007-10-01 15:46:23.
 10/01/2007 03:52:05 PM · #20
I've uploaded this snapshot just to give you an idea of how fill flash can make a difference;

[thumb]594283[/thumb]

This was shot using on-camera flash set to -2.0 - I had daylight coming in a door to camera right, and a small window camera left. The wood was quite reflective, which was great as it bounced the flash everywhere and got some nice catchlights.
 10/01/2007 04:20:15 PM · #21
I'm surprised nobody's suggested the Tony - O method...


10/01/2007 04:31:42 PM · #22
Originally posted by kashi:
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Handheld mirrors come in very handy for adding catch lights. I keep a large and small handheld mirror in my bag.

Come in handy for makeup checks too :-)


And what do I do with said hand-mirrors ?


Just shine some light back at the subject - taking care not to blind him/her.
 10/01/2007 04:33:02 PM · #23
Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Yeah, I can just see you now, looking in your mirror, checking your eyeshadow before your date picks you up in his Trans-Am.


I didn't know you drove a Trans Am or is that just a car in your fantasy?
 10/01/2007 04:34:15 PM · #24
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
I'm surprised nobody's suggested the Tony - O method...



...or the "She-who-shalt-not-be-named" method....
 10/01/2007 04:57:11 PM · #25
Hows this?
[thumb]594313[/thumb]

I know you were asking "how-to" when taking the picture. Hope you didn't mine me trying it PP.
SDW
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