Baby portrait, do the catchlights detract? *edited version attached*

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My first ever set of baby portraits, but I'm starting to thing the catchlights from the octabox are too big. Would like opinions please. I'm currently working on a better edit of this shot so that main thin I'd like to know is about the catchlights please. Someone did say it was one for the recycle bin.

DGM_3236_copy.jpg


Had a go at removing them. What do we think? (first time at this kind of editing)

DGM_3236edita.jpg
 
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I see what you are saying about the catchlights, but for me, the fact that this is a stunning image over powers that!

Recycle bin? I'd tell that person to recycle themselves ;)

Well done!!!
 
:plus1: that is a brilliant picture.. love it. look forward to seeing others if there are any:)
 
Thankyou. I was a bit on the fence with it as I have shot portraits previously (not of babies) where people have said the catchlights were too big, so thought they were here too. There are more of the set but I particularly liked this one.
 
The catch lights are a little too dominating for me, but to bin it would be a crime!
 
I agree, the catch lights do not bother me either. The photo is fantastic and the detail in the eyes is first rate. Well done and thank you for the share.
 
Interestingly, I saw the photo first and thought it was excellent and then thought about the question and noticed it.. So just don't highlight the issue :D
 
I hope you don't mind me commenting, I think the image is great firstly and it is no way a recycle bin candidate. I do find the catch lights a little to large but only when looking at the image on a large screen(if that makes sense). :)
 
It would be impossible to bin a picture like this! Yes the catch lights are larger than normal but who cares when there is such an adorable baby like this being captured? Brilliant!

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just gorgeous!!! I can see what you're saying about the catchlights as they seem to contrast strongly next to baby's pupil - perhaps try to avoid them encroaching into the pupil area? Edinburg gary and ShawWellPete on here have some really beautiful baby pics if you are looking for inspiration :)

yours is a really stunning photo :)
 
THanks everyone for your comments. The slightly edited version with better background has replaced it now.
 
It's a lovely photo, and if I hadn't read the post before seeing the image, I probably wouldn't have noticed the catchlights.

They are a bit on the large size, something to consider in future but don't distract from the image too much.
 
Have to say I really don't like the edited version; the baby looks like it has weird alien eyes now.. I'm not sure if you could actually recover it at all.. I'm guessing reducing the size of the catchlights didn't look natural either?
 
If you hadn't mentioned the catchlights I might not have paid much attention to them, but now it's hard not to focus on them. Lovely image, though. The edited version is a crime against nature! Much prefer the catchlights version. Very cute and not at all scary!
 
Would prefer smaller catchlights than no catchlights - I think catchlights give life to the eyes.

However, have to say - pretty impressive cloning skills :clap:
 
Have to agree with a couple of things-First,great pic,and certainly in no way a bin job..
The catchlights dont bother me at all,they add depth and life to the eyes.
Without them...the eyes look kinda flat/weird.
 
Fantastic photo; I love it, and the catchlights must stay! it looks very flat without them.
 
Got to agree with everyone, leave the catchlights. I personally see no issue with them. Good job on capturing a fantastic image
 
Wow, thanks for the response. I agree it looks a bit scary without, just thought I would try it for comparison.

Will stick a thread up soon with more from the set.
 
Without catchlights makes people look kind of like inanimate puppets, in fact photographers usually put them in to make eyes look more alive. I'd say your original shot it much better.
 
Original shot with the catchlights is great. Keeper for definite!
 
Halfway between the two would be ideal - the original catchlights do dominate as they look unnaturally large (but if it was a big window they'd be just as big...so...?).
Without them is definitely not on - as someone else has pointed out they just look lifeless and dead...
 
With the catchlights works for me, I'd be happy if I was the customer.
 
Catchlight really can make or break a photo, but I don't mind this one so much. I wouldn't remove it. It's a nice photo with it in. If you feel concerned, try raising the light next time, and get another fill light/reflector at another acute angle to stop it from appearing in the frame.
 
Deffo the one with the catch lights.The other one looks a little strange without them.Great picture and I would be happy with it myself.
 
I love the photo to start with. :love:
I agree the catchlights IMO are a little distracting but when I scrolled down to the second the eyes just BOINGED!!! out at me. :puke:
Glorious as they are they don't look natural. Leave the catchlights in. (y)
 
I agree with those saying the catchlights could possibly moved outside of the pupil area. That said, the edited image with no catchlights is not natural at all and would definitely leave the catchlights IN! Great image!
 
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