Catchlights/reflections in eyes with natural light

[Christina]

I'm trying to learn more about how to light a portrait with natural light. Very much a beginner here! I spent some time yesterday shooting in front of a bay window (it's a 3-section window with a big windowseat, you can get an idea here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/montemama/1789742067/in/set-72157602761981923/).

I had no subjects other than myself for a while, and this was probably the best effort of me...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2239/2387053989_484767a1b7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/montemama/2387053989/)

and then my 3-month-old woke up, so this was one of the best of him.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2385570705_a3f7e38728.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/montemama/2385570705/in/photostream/)

Since the windows are so big, the reflections of them in the eyes look kind of weird to me. Anything I can do to prevent that? Is it just me that finds it a little odd?

Any input or any natural light tips in general would be appreciated - thanks!

[airfrogusmc]

Both look a bit dark on my monitor but turning your head a bit more toward the light, you will get that classic triangle of light on your rt cheek. Now the light is just a bit to split.

[Wilt]

Don't be afraid to incorporate the use of a white reflective panel to bounce light onto the side of the face which is farther from the window.

The oddity of catchlight, particularly in the infant's eyes, appear to be created more by something which is in front of the window, running across the upper portion of the window. If you got rid of that, the catchlight might not be as disturbing.

[Christina]

Thanks, Wilt and airfrogusmc.

Don't be afraid to incorporate the use of a white reflective panel to bounce light onto the side of the face which is farther from the window.

Would you recommend buying one of those silver/gold collapsible reflectors - I'm not sure what you mean by white reflective panel. :o I've been thinking about getting a reflector but am not yet clear on how they work - do they come with stands? Or do you find something to prop them on? Hold them?

The room these were taken in has the added challenge of red walls.

The oddity of catchlight, particularly in the infant's eyes, appear to be created more by something which is in front of the window, running across the upper portion of the window. If you got rid of that, the catchlight might not be as disturbing.

I see what you mean. I wonder what that was... perhaps how the blinds were hanging.

[Wilt]

A white reflector is a typical reflector. Usually people find the use of the silver reflector to be 'too hot'; it is suitable for some glamour shots but not as usable for a typical portrait. Gold adds 'warmth' to the photo, and it is also seen in glamour shots but it is less 'glitzy' than the silver; some might find it 'too warm' however...which is why some reflector manufacturers offer a small checkerboard patter than helps to 'cool' it down and provide a touch of warmth.

Reflectors are easiest to use with an assistant. No assistant, use a stand and clamp. No stand and clamp, lean it against something.