Eye retouch

[shoreboy]

What is the current general thinking when it comes to catch lights in the eyes? Should they be left alone or modified, depending on the light source used? Or is it just personal preference?
Here's an example where a silver bounce "eyelighter" was used.

Thank you.

[skoobey]

Re: Eye retouch

It depends on image by image basis.

[daygraphics]

Re: Eye retouch

I would also say that is an image by image decision. What is the final going to be used for? Editorial purposes (PR) or portraiture. What's its budget, etc.

If I take anything out minor, it would be the HLTs above the pupil. If you remove the entire eyelighter reflection, you would soon discover that the constricted pupils look tiny. You will have to dilate soon to obtain a more natural size.

[AngeloDau]

Re: Eye retouch

What is the current general thinking when it comes to catch lights in the eyes? Should they be left alone or modified, depending on the light source used? Or is it just personal preference?
Here's an example where a silver bounce "eyelighter" was used.

Thank you.

whatever you do, the only thing to keep in mind is "realistic result"

[klev]

Re: Eye retouch

If I take anything out minor, it would be the HLTs above the pupil. If you remove the entire eyelighter reflection, you would soon discover that the constricted pupils look tiny. You will have to dilate soon to obtain a more natural size.

I am not sure I would go that far. It makes her look like she really really wants an oreo cookie. I don't totally mind constricted pupils. The irises are nice.

[AKMac]

Re: Eye retouch

It's very easy to get this very wrong. (And you'll be the last to know!!) If you don't feel 100% confident then keep practising until you do. And in the mean time, if in doubt, leave them as they are.

[shumicpi]

Re: Eye retouch

whatever you do, the only thing to keep in mind is "realistic result"

I am agree with you, retouching should not be done in such a way that it loses its real look.

[ray12]

Re: Eye retouch

The eyes are not flat...but they are "round like a ball"...which means that... the catchlights will tend to quickly go to the side of the sphere of the eye... unless the light source and camera angles are straight on. So, I use the position of the existing catchlights to tell me where the centers of the new ones are best supposed to be. Most catch lights are off to the sides just a small bit depending on the angles in the image.

Its easy to clone out the existing catchlights... but an eye without any catchlight seems lifeless to many photographers and viewers...so its customary to make sure you photograph with them captured...or if you are fixing or retouching...that they be included. It seems like many catchlights end up in the 11 oclock position or the 2pm position on the eyes. Browse google images for eye closeups to see and study where catchlights are generally positioned on the eye...and derive a set of rules for yourself to generally follow... in placing them on the eye.

Its always best to put your catchlight brushes on a new clear blank transparent layer above your image and to put each catchlight on a separate layer so that they can be moved precisely later on to adjust them...this method gives you the best positioning flexibility. Putting both catchlights on the same layer seems quick...but it doesnt give you the precision adjustability you need. If catchlights are just a little bit off in position...your subject will look cross eyed or lazy eyed.

You can google for "photoshop catchlight brushes" and get a set of them... so you will have the reflections of many kind of light sources to add in or to repair an image. Its great to have a set of catch light brushes always ready...make sure your set has quite a few kinds of catch lights because they can make a significant impact in an image...and you want to have the best ones possible.

Cheers

Ray