Cane Toads 2 Catch-light Concerns

[Stagecoach]

Had another go with the toads tonight and although pleased with the results I have noticed that this batch just about all showed a rectangular catch-light that was not anywhere near as evident in the session a few days ago.

Camera settings were the same and the only differences that may have caused it were that the positioning of the light source (approx 120 x 100mm flat diffused surface) was a slightly different angle to the camera or that I changed the Zoom setting of the flash from 24 to 35 degrees but this is going through a snoot, diverted and then through diffuser material.

Any ideas on avoiding/minimising catch-lights would be much appreciated. I have left them in on these two examples but with a bit of work they could be cloned out.

Both 1/60s, f13, ISO200, handheld lying flat and encouraging them to pose nicely





I had a couple of attempts at placing one on a large round pebble for a full body shot but no go, maybe some glue will work.

Grahame

[IzzieK]

I like the first lot, Grahame...maybe somebody else can pinpoint why ... I like the pose of #1 but #2 has a better exposure?

[FrankMi]

Any ideas on avoiding/minimising catch-lights would be much appreciated. I have left them in on these two examples but with a bit of work they could be cloned out.

Grahame, catch-lights usually enhance the appearance of eyes; have you given any thought to changing the catch-light to round, rather than cloning it out entirely?

[Stagecoach]

I like the first lot, Grahame...maybe somebody else can pinpoint why ... I like the pose of #1 but #2 has a better exposure?

Hi Isabel,

Thanks for commenting. I have found on a number of occasions when you have a second or third attempt at a specific subject they often do not match the impact of the first attempt. Why, I have no idea as you would naturally expect improvement, perhaps it is because you become over confident.

Typically with these, as I was in no rush I should have checked the first few and I would have noted the rectangular catch-light, considered previous results and attempted a correction on site. The 'fun' of photography

Grahame

[Stagecoach]

Grahame, catch-lights usually enhance the appearance of eyes; have you given any thought to changing the catch-light to round, rather than cloning it out entirely?

Hi Frank,

I have not yet attempted any work on the catch-lights but as you suggest changing them to round may be the easiest.

I'm considering a re-design of my home made snoot/diffuser front surface and making the opening round instead of rectangular and larger.

Grahame

[Otavio]

Great details, Grahame. Nice job!

[deetheturk]

Hi Grahame,I like them and don't mind the catch lights at all although Franks cloning idea makes sense!

One guy that I'm a big fan of,Lord Vetrani uses a diffuser like the one you are thinking about making and his work is unbelievable.

Cheers David

[flashback]

I'm telling ya...it's Hypnotoad
http://youtu.be/lkWtcKBjBnk