Eyes

[randy_lovejoy]

I am new to portrait photography but was wondering if there are any

techniques to help capture and accentuate a models eyes. I am

primarily thinking for headshots. Thanks for any help!

[pdumais]

You can set focus on the eyes with a shallow-ish depth-of-field to make them shaper than the rest of the face. Also, there's makeup...

[mike dixon]

Shooting from a higher angle and/or having the model lower her chin and look up with her eyes will make the open wider. (This can be overdone, though.)<P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/farrahbw33.jpg"><br>

<i>eyes up</i></center><P>

Adding a reflector low to kick a little more light up into the eyes (which might be in shadow from the forehead) can also give them a bit more "pop."<P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/jenniferbw02.jpg"><br>

<i>low reflector</i></center>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/sarahcol01.jpg"><br>

<i>looking up and low reflector</i></center>

[jon_austin]

Mike:

 

Excellent shots, and nice frame effect on the first image (eyes up).

[randy_lovejoy]

Great shots! Thanks for the examples.

[phil r calgary ab canada]

REFLECTORS!!!! that or throwing some angled flash and diffusers, you know in a pinch you could probably use a cd and some tissue paper for a catch light aka the spark

 

if using studio lights... have a small pinpoint light or reflector dedicated just to making sure there isn't much shadow on the eye

 

thank you for asking the most missed question of portrait photographers... it will make your models sparkle even more brilliantly, it takes a ton of practice to get the right light but when you do, it gives your photos so much life!

 

although shadows just mess eyes up... but another couple things to remember is making sure there isn't a ton of hair in their face, unless you're doing it for effect

 

and lastly that they have a decent amount of makeup... a tad more then normal wear for contrast... contrasting eye liner/shadow and luscious mascara, plucked eyebrows i haven't figured out why girls do that... but overly bushy doesn't work as well... find a friend with decent makeup skills, a bit of base powder helps ton to get the washed out highlights off the cheekbones<div></div>

[eimages]

Have the model face a window or a large opening with natural light, you'll get a great catch

light in the model's eyes.<div></div>