Catch the Look

There are good images and there are great images. They may have the same subject and both have excellent composition but one of them really appeals to the viewer. Sometimes the difference between the two is as simple as the turn of the head and a catchlight. Good eye contact is extremely important when photographing wildlife. The turn of the head or "head angle" as it is often referred to is having the subjects head turned so that it is looking towards the camera. This helps make a connection between the viewer with the subject. It can help create an intimate moment. A head turn of just few degrees towards the camera can make an impressive difference. In addition to the head angle the other important thing is to make sure that you capture the catchlight in the eye. The catchlight is a reflection of a light source that causes a specular highlight in a the eye of your subject. It shows up as a bright spot in the eye. Look carefully as you are photographing your subject and focus on the eyes. Look for the catchlight and be ready to depress the shutter when you see it. Below are two images taken within less than a minute apart from each other. In editing it was quite easy to see appeal of the second image over the first one. The second image has a really great head angle and eye contact with a nice catchlight. It just draws you in. May you have a blessed day, chris Both images were created with a Canon 7D and a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens at 250mm. Camera settings for both images were AV mode, ISO 800, F 8.0 at 1/100th of a sec. The camera was supported on a Manfrotto 190 XPROB Tripod with a Bogen 3055 ballhead. To see more examples like this please check out my book on the "Secrets of Backyard Bird Photography". It is available in both hardbound and Ebook editions at most online book sellers. Cut and paste this address into your browser http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Backyard-Photography-Chris-Hansen/dp/1937538559