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Making eyes "pop"
Now, with some exceptions, we can all agree that when photographing people the eyes are the most important aspect of the image. As far as lighting, I've had a hard time getting definition in brown or darker colored eyes in anything wider than a headshot. I haven't started yet but I was thinking maybe a foil bounce to get some contrasty light for just the eyes. Tips? Ideas? As far as posing a model, how can I direct them to keep their eyes nice and open without a "bugged out look"? I also come across a problem where I'll be photographing from any angle other than eye level, and the model will squint down or open their eyes very wide to look up. In that situation, where can I have them look other than my camera and still keep some level of intimacy and interaction? Oct 08 08 02:28 pm Link One thing I find that helps the model's eyes look bigger and more open is to have them close their eyes and relax for a second then, as you're ready to take the pic, have them open their eyes. It may take a couple tries to get it, but I've found I can usually get a good "bright eyed" shot this way - even with models with narrower/almond eyes. Having the model tilt their head/chin down slightly helps open the eyes as well. As for getting the darker irises to pop... I've had difficulty achieving this in camera. Reflectors etc help - but I'm still usually turning to post to get that final look I really want. (Painting in some lighter brown highlights, altering levels, etc) Oct 08 08 02:33 pm Link Squeeze very very hard. Then they will POP j/k Make sure that the eyes are in perfect focus. Reflectors help too. Oct 08 08 02:33 pm Link Eye drops, I think. Oct 08 08 02:33 pm Link Angelo Lorenzo Photo wrote: Large Softbox from below the eyes. Oct 08 08 02:35 pm Link deek images wrote: Interesting, haven't heard of that but it makes sense as far as muscle reaction. Worth a try! Oct 08 08 02:36 pm Link An eye popping example. lol Oct 08 08 02:39 pm Link Angelo Lorenzo Photo wrote: Definitely give it a try. Won't work 100% of the time, obviously, but it helps give the model's eyes a break and helps prevent that droop/squint that usually happens when anyone tries to look at something for too long. Oct 08 08 02:41 pm Link I was reading something about this subject earlier today on Stephen Eastwoods website, I wasn't on this computer, but I think it was www.stepheneastwood.com and was in one of his tutorials. He recommends using small LED flashlights as "eye lights" when shooting studio shots. Even though the strobes will overpower the LED lights, the pupils will be constricted and the iris of each eye will be enhanced. I am looking forward to trying this approach in the very near future. Cannot wait to see the results. ~Russell Oct 08 08 02:42 pm Link Yvonnes Photography wrote: I use a halogen desk lamp for this purpose. It's really bright to the model, but doesn't affect the image at all. Oct 08 08 02:59 pm Link You generally have to strangle them for quite some time. Oct 08 08 03:00 pm Link Use a small, low powered strobe source placed for just where you want the eye reflection. Your main will overpower it but you'll see the reflection glint in the eyes. Also strong sidelighting with same will also throw more light into the eye and cause color to pop more. Oct 08 08 03:44 pm Link Angelo Lorenzo Photo wrote: Choose a model with good eyes and use a makeup artist who knows about color theory. Oct 08 08 03:49 pm Link white eyeliner or no eyeliner under the eyes makes eyes look larger. I second the relaxing the face and opening the eyes when ready to shoot.. Oct 08 08 04:58 pm Link To get eyes to "pop" the model first needs to keep them OPEN.....sounds easy doesn't it! Between flashing strobes or hot lights it's next to impossible so if you manage a few good shots feel lucky....another reason I like shooting outdoors in the shade with reflectors...so much easier!  BTW....gold reflector!!! Oct 08 08 05:07 pm Link |
