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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> What is "catch light"?
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Sony DSC-P52
 09/29/2002 04:03:08 PM · #1
I am a VERY amateur photographer, mostly for my own satisfaction, but I would like to learn at least some basics.

So, to start, in photography, what exactly is "catch light"? I am assuming that it is extra lighting set up somehow, but how? And why?

(edited for dumb spelling)



* This message has been edited by the author on 9/29/2002 4:04:08 PM.
Canon EOS-5D Mark III
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
 09/29/2002 04:15:47 PM · #2
i won't bet my life on it but I believe a catch light is used to "catch" and redirect the light in a different direction.

For example, if you were doing outdoor portraits and wanted to add more light on the person's face without having to totally re-arrange the scene (maybe there was something in the background you really wanted) you could use a "catch light" made out of something semi-reflective or maybe a big white card and redirect some of the light into the person.
Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
 09/29/2002 04:39:56 PM · #3
What is described below is a reflector.

I have usually seen it used in relation to light reflected in a subjects eyes in portraits, but I have been unable to find a definition so far.

Good question.

Originally posted by psychephylax:
i won't bet my life on it but I believe a catch light is used to "catch" and redirect the light in a different direction.

For example, if you were doing outdoor portraits and wanted to add more light on the person's face without having to totally re-arrange the scene (maybe there was something in the background you really wanted) you could use a "catch light" made out of something semi-reflective or maybe a big white card and redirect some of the light into the person.


Canon EOS-20D
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon
 09/29/2002 06:35:27 PM · #4
hey guys a catch light is what the reflection of the lighting in someone's eyes or off other shiny surfaces is called...

for example in modern portrait style it's considered pleaseing to have a catchlight in both eyes and to put them at 10 or 2 o'clock in the iris/pupil. different light sources will create catchlights of diff shapes: round and large from umbrellas, rectangular from softboxes, etc.
Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
 09/29/2002 09:40:18 PM · #5
I knew you could answer that one.
Sony DSC-P52
 10/02/2002 06:41:20 PM · #6
Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful.

j
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