Outdoor Portrait, flash reflections

[Paul Caldwell]

I curioius what others do in this situation.

I had a chance to shoot a group of Doctors at a Party. My area to shoot was the outdoor deck. The lighting IMO was excellent with the sun setting behind me. I still wanted to boost the shots with a flash. I used a 550EX with a Strobo Diffuser.
The question I have is on all the shots I have very good exposure, but alot of the subject's eye's show a reflection of the flash. Not red eye, just a small white dot.

I have looked at alot of other shots and many will seem to have similar dots but mine seem to be a tad brighter.

I am curious if there is a way to shoot so that these type of reflections will not show.

Thanks
Paul Caldwell

[Asher Kelman]

Hi Paul,

This set of reflections is simply due to the light which is always present with a light source that the person can see. These actually are catchlights which give life the the eyes. However, you can decrease them by selecting and pulling back the brightness in a curve layer.

The other way is to use bounce flash so the light is indirect.

asher

[Steven Pam]

Paul,

If you don't like the catchlights in the middle of the eyes, another option would be to move the flash off-camera - raise it up and to one side. Then you will still have catchlights but they may appear more pleasing or 'natural'.

Of course this becomes a much more complicated set up (if you get into stands, wireless transmitters, etc) and not usually practical if you are just trying to do a quick impromptu shot.

A compromise might be to use a cord and hold the flash up and out by hand - although if you are any distance from the subjects (which you would be if it is more than a few people) it won't make a big difference.

Cheers,
Steven