Insight needed...Here's what I'd like to know

GeorgieGirl · Oct 3, 2011

In my perusing I came across a natual light photographer's site and would to know if you can tell me how she created the catch lights in so many of her subjects eyes. It looks to me as though there might have been some additional means to capture these. In additon, the shots are clean and clear and if this is camera or lens related it would help me to know what you think. If this clarity is a matter of full frame vs cropped I'd like to understand that better. When I see photos like this I am always of the impression that they stand out in some way that perhaps has something to do with the camera rather than just lighting.

Not sure what is allowed to post when it comes to others sites...the Photog is Staci Bailey. If I am able to post a link to her site please let me know and I will do so. ( She also has a website ( beauthiful photos! but the senior gallery is flash? So I did not link that one)

Link to FB Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281342719943.34309.72197999943

Thanks for the insight, I appreciate it.

Hickeydog · Oct 3, 2011

Link is okay. Posting pictures is not.

KmH · Oct 3, 2011

Most of the catch lights are from directly sun lit things behind the photographer.

She has put her subjects in open shade near the edge of the shade and is using the blue sky as her main light. Few of her photos have much in the way of facial mask modeling from shadows because the light she uses is essentially on the lens axis, like using an on camera hot shoe flash. That is called 'flat lighting'.

Notice that in all of the shots she is careful to make sure the eyes are lit and there are no dark eye sockets (raccoon eyes).

In the backlit shots it looks like she is using a pretty good sized reflector, or a modified strobe light.

Using available light effectively often requires more equipment than just using strobed light. And, using available light well requires a very good understanding of what is effective photographic lighting.

Please note: all light is natural light.