The saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul,”. In portrait photography, this couldn’t be more true.
The eyes are often the first thing a viewer notices in a portrait photograph, drawing them into the subject’s story and conveying emotion, personality, and connection. Yes, our eyes are capable of managing all of that!
Capturing and editing eyes to a high standard in portraits is absolutely necessary. However, a great deal of care, skill, and restraint is required.
Here’s a deeper dive into the art of photographing and editing eyes, along with a few of the common pitfalls I take care to avoid.
Why Eyes Matter in Portrait Photography
Eyes have a certain magnetic quality. Photographed well, a subject’s eyes can communicate a range of emotions – vulnerability, confidence, joy, or mystery.
In a portrait, the eyes are the focal point, drawing the viewer’s gaze and creating an instant and unforgettable connection with the subject.
This is why it is crucial to ensure the eyes in any photo are:
1 – In sharp focus. Even when using a shallow depth of field for a beautifully blurred background (I love a bit of bokeh), the eyes must always be tack-sharp. Any portrait with out-of-focus eyes can feel…wrong.
2 – Well lit. Lighting plays a key role in highlighting the eyes in a photograph. Soft, directional lighting helps to add depth and dimension and to bring out the beautiful array of colours. A carefully placed catchlight (the reflected light in the eyes) brings them to life.
Mistakes to Avoid When Capturing and Editing Eyes
While enhancing the eyes can elevate a portrait, over-editing can quickly ruin the natural beauty that makes them so compelling. Here are some common mistakes I often see—and how to avoid them:
1 – Overwhitening the Sclera
The sclera (the white part of the eye) should never be pure white. It’s never pure white in real life.
Overwhitening creates an unnatural, “alien” effect that can be jarring to the viewer. In reality, the sclera has subtle variations in colour and shadow that contribute to a natural look.
Whitening should be done sparingly, with an emphasis on retaining those nuances.
2 – Creating Unnatural Catchlights
Catchlights and light reflections in the eyes add vibrancy and dimension. However, not all catchlights are created equal.
Ring lights, for instance, can create a circular reflection that looks artificial and distracting.
Aim for natural-looking catchlights, often positioned at 10 or 2 o’clock, which mimic the sun’s effect.
3 – Oversharpening or Overenhancing
While sharp eyes are essential, overdoing clarity or contrast can result in eyes that look glassy or overly intense. They may draw attention for the wrong reasons, pulling the viewer away from the portrait as a whole. Subtlety is key.
The Role of Editing in Highlighting the Eyes
When done thoughtfully, editing can enhance the eyes’ natural beauty and make them the standout feature of a portrait without looking overprocessed. Here’s how I approach this delicate balance:
1 – Brightening the Iris
Lightly enhancing the brightness and contrast in the iris can bring out its natural patterns and colours, making it more captivating. I take care not to overdo it, maintaining the eye’s natural appearance.
2 – Subtle Whitening of the Sclera
I’ll use gentle adjustments to remove any redness or discolouration in the sclera while avoiding the temptation to make it unnaturally white. This minor edit keeps the eyes looking refreshed without sacrificing realism.
3 – Removing Unsightly Blood Vessels
Editing out prominent blood vessels can clean up the look of the eyes without altering their natural texture or structure. This simple tweak can make a big difference in the overall polish of the portrait.
4 – Enhancing the Catchlights
Carefully enhancing the catchlights helps draw attention to the eyes and gives them a lively sparkle. The goal is to emphasise what’s already there rather than adding artificial elements.
5 – Maintaining Subtle Skin Details
While smoothing the under-eye area, I always keep the skin texture intact. Over-smoothing can look unnatural and detract from the authenticity of the portrait.
Tips for Photographing Eyes Perfectly
Editing starts with a strong foundation—capturing the eyes correctly during the shoot. Here’s how I ensure the best results:
Use Precise Focus: When shooting with a shallow depth of field, I lock focus on the subject’s closest eye to ensure it’s razor-sharp.
Work with Natural Lighting: Soft, diffused light enhances the eyes without harsh shadows or unflattering reflections.
Incorporate Directional Lighting: A well-placed light source can add depth and reveal the eye’s natural details, creating a three-dimensional effect.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
The effort invested in capturing and editing eyes can elevate a portrait from good to unforgettable. Beautifully rendered eyes draw viewers in, create emotional impact, and ensure the subject is portrayed at their very best.
Whether it’s a professional headshot, a personal milestone, or a branding portrait, the eyes carry the weight of the story you want to tell.
Editing eyes in portrait photography is about striking the perfect balance—enhancing their natural beauty while preserving their authenticity.
With thoughtful attention to lighting, sharp focus, and subtle post-processing techniques, the eyes can genuinely become the soul of a portrait.
Ready for portraits that highlight your best features? Book a session today, and let’s create stunning images that make your eyes the centre of attention in the most natural and captivating way.
