January photo challenge :)

Okay ladies the time is here. Happy happy new year! January's photo challenge topic is "catch lights."

Wikipedia describes catch light as "either the specular highlight in a subject's eye from a light source, or the light source itself." Read further They also say that portraits without catch lights are "dull" or "Lifeless." Trust me on this one when I say that I have a lot of portrait type photos, that have no catch light at all, But after reading up on the subject I am more aware, and look for the light.

Here is and interesting thread on another forum that shows different types of light sources.

There you have it ladies. There are two ways you can do this challenge. Look for any portrait pictures you have taken that have this effect, or start new, get your camera out, tell a loved one you want to take their portraits.

If you can, please tell us where your light source is coming from. I'm looking forward to
seeing what you come up with.

A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into. ~Ansel Adams

Awesome Challenge Sonya! Must get on this one soon!!!

I'd never heard the term "catch light" before. I went through some of my photos and can see it in some. I tried one of my cat by the Christmas tree this morning and was able to catch a light but the white balance is off. I'm going to try one of my cats sitting in the window - I think that should work.

Thanks for challenging me to learn new things.

I have such trouble with this, but will definitely be trying to find catchlights in eyes.

Gail D wrote:

I'd never heard the term "catch light" before. I went through some of my photos and can see it in some. I tried one of my cat by the Christmas tree this morning and was able to catch a light but the white balance is off. I'm going to try one of my cats sitting in the window - I think that should work.

Thanks for challenging me to learn new things.

Sure thing Gail! I'm learning right along with you:) A huge problem I have is underexposed pics.

I had to go here to see what you were talking about when you "said" white balance.

How did it go with your Cats? Can't wait to see.

Carla and Helen I know you can do this!!

p.s. you have the whole month of January.

Hmm im sure i got one somewhere i try to get them but have you ever tried to get them when the object is moving... ie... a todder? hehe

Hmmm....I've never really looked at past pic...I'll have to do that.

hmmmm think i have some ideas

Now this is one great idea.. something I never really thought about either!

Love this challenge and I understood it but my subject didn't want to cooperate very well. I got the picture but he was laying on top of pillows and grandpa is buried underneath all the pillows.

GORGEOUS Colleen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Helen. It sure is quite around here today

That's a great shot Colleen. Thanks for sharing.

My cats didn't sit with their eyes open yesterday so I didn't get a chance to try. It's a good thing I've got all of January. My son just woudn't. The only photos I get of him are either snuck in without him noticing or purposely puts on a grumpy face.

This is my son & my nephew. When I go back through my photos, I have several good ones from our photo shoot in Oct. when my sister & I took pics of the grandkids for my mom's 50th b-day. It was hard to pick! there is one of my son in the gallery.

Stephanie how very cute.

I can see the catch lights! Awesome!!

I'll have to wait for a sunny day -- we've had rain since forever!

Us too Carla!!

Awesome photo Stephanie!!! I can't believe how big he has gotten! Such a cutie pie!!

Thanks gals

Evinta wrote:

Hmm im sure i got one somewhere i try to get them but have you ever tried to get them when the object is moving... ie... a todder? hehe

LOL Bryar! Fast shutter speed. Would you be talking about a Son or Daughter?

Colleen!!~Your Grandson is so cute!! And that dimple...awwwww!!

Stephanie!!~ Way cute photo!! And wonderful background!!

Catch light is fab in both of these photos ladies!

Gail~ how old is your Son? I have three boys, and two out of the three will comply, but not without a fight!
The oldest Son just hates having his picture taken!

Carla~ Hope you get a sunny day soon!

Thanks Sonya and I don't like my picture taken either so I would put up a fight.

Sonya - It's my baby - 27 years old. The other two who live away smile quite nicely for the camera.

Love the photo Stephanie. Is the other your sister's son? How far apart in age are they?

is this what you mean ?

She is adorable Kerri!!!!!!!!!!!

She's a cutie pie!

That is so cute Kerri!! Chubby babies are the best! Yes Gail, that's my sisters youngest. She has 4 & she's 4 yrs younger than me! The boys are 4 mos. apart.