3 Tips To Eliminate Closed Eyes And Squinting In Photo Portraits!

In my previous article, I wrote about shooting with the light directed at the subject’s back…creating the “halo” light pattern. Apart from providing a striking lighting pattern, it also removes one of the most common challenges we face as photographers – the squinting and closed eyes!

Since the light comes from the back, the face is in shadow . Without direct light source, there is no reason to make the model squint however what happens is the best option if we want to shoot more traditional lighting patterns and would like to shoot using light that is that is coming from either the front of or from the sides?

Here are a few suggestions to avoid this issue…

First

We are aware that the light of the sun is more stunning when it is closer to sunset. The bright midday white turns to the beautiful golden luminescence.

The good news is that it’s not just prettier to see, but it’s also easier to view too! The first step to getting rid of squinting out is to take a shot closer to sunset.

Second

for certain subjects there is a near impossible to stare at the sun. They have extremely sensitive eyes and will nearly always be looking down.

I’m not sure why it is, but there is a reason why those who have lighter colored eyes eye color – blue eyes, green eyes – seem have a greater sensitivity to light.

Here’s a trick to assist.

It should only be used when nothing else works. It’s difficult for the photographer to do this and appear natural…but it’s more effective than staring into the distance.

With a little bit of practice you can achieve this feat and not know it from the photos that they have taken.

Photographers are always taking a count of three and then shooting. This is usually done to catch smiles, but it could also be done to stop eye straining. Pose your subject according to how you would like them and then ask them to take a moment to close their eyes.

It’s three. and then they look up and smile. It is only necessary to keep the eyes closed for about a minute or so, and If they look natural it could be the difference between a excellent shot and one to be discarded!

Looking at your eyes and appearing natural – knowing that the sun will take over – could be a little challenging. Make sure to go through it several times, and not only will you be able to take better photographs, but each photographer who takes these types of shots in the future will also benefit.

Third

Some individuals don’t react very well to flash, but they are sensitive to the flash! They will squint at the possibility of the flash’s erupting.

It is obvious that the best solution is to not employ the flash! However, there are times when we require one, so here’s an idea: do not aim the flash at the person in question. Throw it onto the ceiling, or a wall adjacent to it.

I’m sure there’s no ceiling in the outside but there’s plenty of walls in the vicinity. (The wall of an vehicle can be a good choice!) Make sure to not choose a wall with a color since it could create an unnatural tint to your photograph.

BTW Bouncing a flash is generally the preferred method, and not just using “squinters.”

Another option is to utilize the reflector. It allows you to bounce more light towards the subject, and you won’t require flash. You can also use it as a bounce “wall.”

It’s possible to remove closed and squinting eyes from your pictures however that’s just the beginning step…wouldn’t it be wonderful to be in a position to “wow” everyone in your family with some great family photos? There’s still time to get prepared for the holiday season that is coming up. However, you need to take action now!

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