Let's talk about red eye

[jw3571]

Just got a Canon T4i, I've noticed some of the shots have red eye. What causes this and is there anything I can do to prevent this in the future? I have the red eye reduction on in the settings but I'm still getting it.

 

[Derrel]

Red eye happens when the flash is close to the lens. For every one inch of separation of the flash from the lens axis, the camera gives you about six feet (72 inches) of distance before redeye becomes an issue. So...on a P&S with the flash an inch from the lens, redeye is a BIG problem. If the flash is 2 in ches away from the lens axis, then 12 feet is the cutoff. And so on. This formula was from Herbert Keppler of Modern Photography magazine.
Shooting from a closer range helps eliminate redeye. Using a flash that is separated more from the lens axis also helps! A three-inch tall flash give no redeye until about 18 feet.

 

[Awiserbud]

Yep, what Derrel said, invest in a seperate flash unit, or remove it using suitable software.

 

[KmH]

Red eye is light from the flash reflecting off the eye's retina. The more open a person's pupil is, the greater the chance of red eye.

As pointed out, getting the light off the lens axis, above or to the side, is one cure. Another cure is to use the camera's red eye reduction lamp (page 105 of your T4i User's Manual), which uses light to make a persons pupils smaller before the shutter is released.

 

[gardy]

Red eye happens when the flash is close to the lens. For every one inch of separation of the flash from the lens axis, the camera gives you about six feet (72 inches) of distance before redeye becomes an issue. So...on a P&S with the flash an inch from the lens, redeye is a BIG problem. If the flash is 2 in ches away from the lens axis, then 12 feet is the cutoff. And so on. This formula was from Herbert Keppler of Modern Photography magazine.
Shooting from a closer range helps eliminate redeye. Using a flash that is separated more from the lens axis also helps! A three-inch tall flash give no redeye until about 18 feet.

I knew it occurred more the closer the flash was to the axis of the lens, I have never heard of the inch rule regarding it though, i have never ran into red eye with any DSLR i have used but it is good to keep this in mind

 

[KmH]

Using a DSLR, red eye is more of an issue when the built-in, pop up flash unit is used, and much less of an issue when a hot shoe flash unit is used.

 

[John27]

Used to struggle with it all the time until I switched to a hot shoe flash. HIGHLY recommend it. Though there are tremendous advantages to going with a canon-brand, TTL compatible flash unit, if it's outside of your budget Yongnuo brand flashes are very inexpensive and great quality. Their cheaper versions can be found for $30-$50They can be used on camera or off, and will greatly improve your image quality in any situation where you need flash. I'll never use the pop up flash again.

For example, just today I was at a Christmas party with a group of friends. I was just taking snapshots to post to facebook, but I stuck my Yongnuo YN-560 II flash on a radio trigger, sat it on top of the mantle in the living room, and aimed it towards a white wall. Super easy, took ten seconds. That way I could socialize and shoot, and not fuss over the images so much, but still get decent shots. The white wall became a giant bright light source. Then, I was able to walk around the room and get lots of good shots from almost any direction (except towards that white wall!). Can't do that with the pop up flash! AND, I eliminate harsh shadows, blown-out faces and dull backgrounds, and red eye!

 

[milinda]

This is a common issue that I face too. Good to know about the theory behind as Derrel explained. Worst case you can use a software like Adobe light room or photoshop to remove the red eye. It has the capability to identify red eye and very simple steps to reduce it. Very effective.

 

[CP1]

Interesting thing about red eye pictures: it can be used to help detect tumors. Doctors will want the "red eye" photos because sometimes one eye will be red, the other white which is can indicate a tumor or cancer.

EDIT: usually pediatricians that want these, since the very young can't tell you certain symptoms.

 

[AgentDrex]

One way I've came up with (I'm sure I'm not the only one) to reduce red-eye if you cannot help but use a pop-up flash is to have the subject close their eyes for thirty seconds or so and as soon as you have them open them, take the photo. You have less than half-a-second (or even less than that) to do so before the iris starts adjusting to the ambient light.

 

[jhonsmith3741]

As pointed out, getting the light off the lens axis, above or to the side, is one cure. Another cure is to use the camera's red eye reduction lamp (page 105 of your T4i User's Manual), which uses light to make a persons pupils smaller before the shutter is released. If the flash is 2 in ches away from the lens axis, then 12 feet is the cutoff. And so on. This formula was from Herbert Keppler of Modern Photography magazine....!!! :lmao: ​

 

[texkam]

I have stink eye reduction on in the settings but I still get it. :cheer:

 

[CFPAalex]

a very intresting way!

 

[CFPAalex]

One way I've came up with (I'm sure I'm not the only one) to reduce red-eye if you cannot help but use a pop-up flash is to have the subject close their eyes for thirty seconds or so and as soon as you have them open them, take the photo. You have less than half-a-second (or even less than that) to do so before the iris starts adjusting to the ambient light.

interesting! ha~