Specular Highlight

Specular Highlight

Specular Highlight The specular highlight appears on shiny objects. It normally appears on a mirror-like surface. Its appearance is often found on the top of a rounded surface. The incident light hits the object and creates the specular highlight and the light is reflected off the object toward the viewers eye.

Also called catch lights in photography, Without catch lights, “light in the eye” viewers perceive the eye (and thus the bird) to be lifeless.

Specular Highlight

It takes patience and sunlight, but I like to try and photograph a bird with that touch of catch light on the eye. I think it brightens the eye, even though this Black Swan has such bright eyes even without the spec of light.

Specular Highlight

Specular Highlight

by Sandra J

47 Replies to “Specular Highlight”

  1. Sandra, My philosophy discussion for 10 May is on the philosophy of Karl Popper. The classic illustration of his “philosophy” is that science claimed that swans were only white until a black swan was discovered. May I, please, get permission to use a couple of your photos as the illustration? Black and white swan photos side by side? (I can place them side by side.) I will credit you in the caption and in the text of the post, since many do not get the caption.

    1. Yes Mark, definitely you can use the photos. If they don’t copy very well I can send them to you via attachment, sometimes they copy better that way. Let me know. This is the first black Swan I have ever seen and I have only seen a white Swan once. The red eyes are so unique on the black swans.

        1. I sent two emails. One has smaller size photos the other has large and small sizes. Not sure if that one will show up. Let me know, I am happy that you can use them. 😊

    1. Thank you Linda, another blogger told me about a wildlife photographer that puts a black background with all the animals. I liked the look of that and make it with the right subject. It really brings out the eye color 😊

  2. Wow Sandra! I’m so glad the Lord has given you both patience and light:) The swan looks like the Creator picked up a brush and hand painted his eyes and beak.

    1. They are so beautiful Beth, yes those red eyes are something, with the black feathers. His creation is truly amazing. Thank you Beth.

    1. You are so welcome David, thank you for such a wonderful compliment. I though this black Swan would look good on a black background, really brings out the red eyes.

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