R is for RED-EYE

Did you ever take some special photos of family or friends and were really excited about getting them developed?  You pay at the photo counter before rushing out to view them in privacy.  And then a huge "S**T" is vocalized within the confines of the car as you pound the steering wheel.  In every shot, eerie red devil's eyes stare out at you!  Or you upload your digital photos to a photo software program and all you can see are those devilish red eyes!  Well, at least you didn't have to pay for developing!

How did this happen?  It was such a gorgeous evening and you took such great care in posing everyone to make them comfortable.  Well, you probably used a flash and that light from the flash reflected off the retinas of everyone's eyes.  

How can we fix this so it never happens again?  Some cameras have a "red eye reduction" feature where the flash goes off twice.  The first flash causes people's pupils to contract, reducing "red eye" significantly. Another trick is to turn on all the lights in the room, which also contracts the pupil.  You could also move the flash away from the lens by detaching it and holding it several feet away.  Finally, if it's possible, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling.

In other words, to prevent red eye, you just have to alter the angle the light enters or exits the eye OR change the harshness of the light.  

You can also use a feature in Photoshop or other photography software that removes red eye.  I've done this and it's very effective.

  

 

 

Finally, radical thanks to the ravishing Mrs. Nesbitt for realizing this rolicking and rewarding road that keeps our creative juices running on a high roar.  Rock 'n Roll your way over to the ABC Wednesday site and record your thoughts about rain, rhubarb, your pet rabbit, your rash, your prize-winning roses, or your last marathon run!  If you haven't done so yet, please join in as we always say, the moRRRe the meRRRieR!