Flash and editing

I have a quick question for the people that work in the fashion/makeup side of photography, I happened to walk by a makeup display and noticed that the model in the photo still had the flash setup reflecting in her eyes, is there a reason it isn't edited out of the pupil? I only had seen 1 or 2 images that didn't have noticeable flash in the eyes.

Are you speaking of catchlights in general or do you mean that you could actually make out the details of the flash and/or modifier reflected in the eyes?

As a general rule, catchlights are intentional - and on something as thoroughly produced as a makeup ad, they're very precisely placed.

Google Images search for "mascara ad" and you'll see catchlights in the eyes of every single one. In a handful, they're even pinpoint catchlights in the center of the pupils, from on-camera or on-axis flash.
http://www.nytimes.com …ture-betty-boop.html?_r=0

IMO, eyes without catchlights seem much duller. I'll often clone a catchlight from one eye to the other, if shadows from the face hid the light from one eye.

I never edit out the catchlights. I think doing so makes the eyes look too dull. Here though, you can judge for yourself.

no catchlight

IMAGE LINK: http://s182.photobucke​t.com …ight_zps8cerot0​x.jpg.html

IMAGE LINK: http://s182.photobucke​t.com …ight_zpsdbf4k12​y.jpg.html

I agree with others that catch lights in the eyes add sparkle. However, I think ring flash catch lights are disquietingly spooky. Others disagree and like them.

joedlh wrote in post #17932057
I agree with others that catch lights in the eyes add sparkle. However, I think ring flash catch lights are disquietingly spooky. Others disagree and like them.

The way the light wraps around the pupil, as if the subject was on some alien LSD trip? Who wouldn't like that look?

It has it's place, but yes, best saved for insects and other alien-looking creatures unless that fits the brief for the shoot!

Ring catchlights in the eyes can be very hypnotic, especially on an attractive subject and the attention in on his or her face.