Outdoor Portrait, flash reflections

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

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

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