How to Avoid Eye Reflections?

15.01.2020, 07:48 #1

Profifotograf

How can you avoid reflections in the eyes?

The title pretty much says it all. I've noticed that some photographers here are really good at capturing animal eyes without those annoying reflections. I'm talking about animals, not people, so I don’t have the option to create specific lighting setups in a studio. Do you encounter the same reflections and then remove them during editing? If so, how do you do it? And if you manage to avoid them without any editing, how? I've been trying for a long time but just can’t get it right. I’d really appreciate any tips, experiences, or ideas that could help me out.
Cheers, Korbi

15.01.2020, 17:34 #2

Pic Hunter

Hobbyfotograf

Honestly, I don’t think reflections in the eyes are such a bad thing. They actually bring a portrait to life, whether it’s a person or an animal.
Recently, I saw a portrait where the reflections were removed. The photo suffered because of it, and the removal was pretty destructive.
Of course, there are exceptions. With some effort, you can fix it.
That assumes you have software like Photoshop.
Zoom in on the photo until you’re looking only at the eye. Use the clone stamp tool and carefully work on it.
At a normal size, you won’t notice any changes.
So, do you have Photoshop now?

This entry has already been edited

15.01.2020, 17:48 #3

Ria W.

I also believe that a reflection in the eye brings it to life and prevents it from looking lifeless. Reflections in the eye really add a lot of vitality.

15.01.2020, 19:47 #4

Korbinian Ring

Profifotograf

@Pic Hunter Not me, but my mother—she got some serious discounts through her work.

15.01.2020, 19:53 #5

Korbinian Ring

Profifotograf

Basically, I see it that way too. But it depends on the eyes. With people, I don’t mind (though I hardly ever photograph people). For animals with completely black eyes, I think it’s necessary. But only for predators, reptiles, birds of prey—those animals with those striking, powerful eyes. Sometimes I really want to remove the reflections there. Take Klemens Heister’s latest bald eagle photo or his lion from recently—those are the kinds of cases where a reflection doesn’t exactly “ruin” the image, but it definitely changes the impact, at least for me, and not in a good way.
So I’ll give the clone stamp a try on those, thanks Pic.
Cheers, Korbi

27.12.2021, 16:18 #6

Andreas Schäfer

Experte

That feature will probably be included in the next Luminar Neo update—removing wildlife eye reflections with just a click. Until then, you'll unfortunately have to keep doing it manually or accept that some photos just won’t come out quite the way you want. I actually think it’s kind of nice that life isn’t perfect; it’s already crazy how fast my camera locks focus on animal eyes. Back in the day, you were thrilled just to get a really sharp shot in that area, and that made the photo something special to be proud of. Nowadays, it’s all about those reflections—great when everything lines up perfectly! The rest? Toss it in the trash

How to avoid eye reflections?How to avoid eye reflections?Augenreflexionen vermeiden?

How to avoid eye reflections?