Updated October 13, 2026
A catchlight is the reflection of your light source (a window, the sun, the soft blue glow of your iPad) in your subject’s eyes. Catchlights make the eyes brighten up and come alive. I’m Katie Donnelly, a Paris photographer, and this is one of the super duper easy quick fixes for getting better portraits.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
What Is Missing in Your Photos?
Ever take a photo of someone and although it’s cute, it’s missing some ‘life’? It’s hard to describe, but that sparkle just isn’t there. All of a sudden you’re adorable little angel all of a sudden doesn’t look as angelic! (And we can’t have that!)
So what’s missing?
CATCHLIGHTS!
What Are Catchlights?
What the hell are catchlights, Katie?
A catchlight is the reflection of your light source (a window, the sun, the soft blue glow of your iPad) in your subject’s eyes. And catchlights make the eyes brighten up and come alive! It’s one of the super duper easy quick fixes for getting better portraits.
Like this little muffin! (Side note: How cute is she!?)
Do you see the reflections of light in this little bunny’s eyes? They sparkle and light up and all of a sudden, BOOM!!! Life and joy and daddy kisses can be felt when you look at this photo.
How to Get Catchlights in Your Portraits
So, to be sure that you’re getting catchlights in your portraits, make sure that there is some sort of light illuminating your subject’s face and catching their eyes. This could be the reflection of the sun on the playground gravel or the window light flowing through your sheer curtains. Whatever it is, use it!
- Find your light source: a window, an open door, or open sky.
- Turn your subject to face toward it.
- Look at their eyes. Can you see a small bright reflection? If not, turn them a little more toward the light or tip their chin up.
- Take the photo.
This lesson is part of The Authentic Portrait: A Parent’s Guide to Documenting Childhood, my photography guide for parents who want to learn the basics and take better photos of their kids, without spending hours and hours taking classes. I am working on a new edition of the guide. Until it is ready, you can read every lesson in The Authentic Portrait series.
Next lessons: an instant indoor lighting hack, finding the light inside on a cloudy day, and my tips for photographing kids.
Always the one behind the camera?
Hand it over for a morning. Our English-speaking team photographs families in Paris, so you are in the photos too. Sessions start at €150, and you see your photos the same day in our Saint-Germain studio.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
Catchlight Questions
A catchlight is the reflection of your light source in your subject’s eyes, such as a window or the sun.
There is no light reaching your subject’s eyes. Turn them toward a window or another light source so it reflects in their eyes.
Make sure some sort of light is illuminating your subject’s face and catching their eyes: window light through sheer curtains, or the sun reflecting off the ground.
About the author
Katie Donnelly, Paris Photographer
Katie Donnelly is an American photographer who opened her Paris studio in 2013 and was voted Best Portrait Photographer in Paris in 2017. She and her English-speaking team photograph families, couples and solo travelers at sunrise, so visitors go home with relaxed, real portraits instead of rushed selfies. Meet Katie and the team.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
You take the everyday photos. Let us take the ones with you in them.
- When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
- Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
- Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Session fee: From €150. Inquire for our full price list.
Tell us your dates and we will help you plan the rest.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
