Whether you’re taking some snaps for a dating profile, your Insta feed or just for fun, one of the key parts of getting a great looking photo is making your eyes pop!
The eyes are the most important part of any portrait. Even if everything around them is dull, a pair of sparkling eyes can make a portrait truly mesmerizing.
Lighting
In photography, lighting can truly make or break your image. Digital photography school recommends using a catch light in portrait photography as it will make the eyes of your subject sparkle. This makes them seem as though they are full of life, even in a still photograph.
To create a catch light, all you need is a bright source of light. Natural light works well for this, although you can use artificial light as well.
Position your subject so that the light is visibly reflected in their eyes but be sure that they don’t stare directly into it as this will cause them to squint or look uncomfortable.
If you can’t position your subject in the right place, you can use a reflector to change where the light hits them.
Clear eyes
If you want your eyes to look great in photographs, you’ll want to make sure they are clear and not red or bloodshot. Some things you can do are:
- Make sure you’ve gotten a good night’s sleep the night before the shoot.
- If you suffer from allergies, consider using quality itchy eye drops to reduce redness and itching.
- Apply a cold compress to your eyes for a few minutes before the shoot (ideally before you put on any makeup to avoid smudging) as this can help to reduce any puffiness and help them to look clearer.
- Make sure you’re well hydrated.
It’s also a good idea to wash the area around your eyes gently with cool water before applying your makeup, to remove any sleep debris or loose eyelashes.
Makeup
Teen Vogue has a few hints for making sure your makeup looks great in photos. First, be sure that you use undereye concealer to remove any dark circles from under your eyes. You should also put some on your eyelid and apply a small dab at the inner and outer corners of your eyes as this will brighten the whole area.
Curling your eyelashes and applying black mascara will reduce the appearance of bags and make your eyes pop.
It would be best if you also used eyeliner to add definition and draw attention to your peepers. Using a white liner along the waterline will help to make your eyes appear bigger.
Expression
Try to think about something that makes you truly happy, as this will give warmth to your facial expression and will connect you with your audience.
Try practicing different facial expressions in the mirror before taking a photograph. This will not only help you to choose which facial expressions are your best, but it will help you to feel more comfortable, too.
Honestly, this one makes all the difference!