Capturing portraits that truly resonate often comes down to one subtle yet powerful detail—catchlights. These delicate reflections in the eyes can infuse your images with vibrance, energy, and emotion. Without them, even a technically perfect portrait may lack depth and character.
Whether you’re photographing families, individuals, or animals, ensuring catchlights are present in your subject’s eyes can transform your photo from good to unforgettable. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about using natural light to achieve radiant, eye-catching catchlights both indoors and outdoors.
What Are Catchlights and Why Are They Important in Portrait Photography
Catchlights are the sparkling reflections seen in a subject’s eyes, typically caused by a light source. While they may seem like small, incidental details, their impact on a portrait can be profound. These luminous flecks can infuse a portrait with life, communicate the direction and quality of lighting, and dramatically enhance emotional resonance. Understanding how to utilize and manipulate catchlights is a powerful skill every portrait photographer should develop.
Far from being mere optical accidents, catchlights can elevate a portrait from mundane to magnetic. They subtly guide the viewer’s gaze toward the eyes—the windows to the soul—and establish an emotional connection. Without catchlights, even the most beautifully composed and technically perfect image may fall flat, leaving the subject looking distant or lifeless. The presence, shape, and position of catchlights add depth and vibrancy, signaling attentiveness and vitality. Whether created naturally or intentionally, mastering catchlights is a transformative technique in professional portrait photography.
The Science and Aesthetic of Catchlights
At its core, a catchlight is a mirrored reflection of a light source on the moist surface of the eye. Because human eyes are naturally reflective, they act like tiny spherical mirrors. The shape and brightness of the catchlight are determined by the light source’s shape, size, and proximity to the subject. Round catchlights may come from softboxes, ring lights, or the sun, while square or rectangular ones often indicate a window or LED panel.
From a psychological standpoint, the human brain is innately drawn to faces—especially eyes. Catchlights make those eyes more engaging by adding texture, sparkle, and clarity. Without these luminous specks, eyes may appear sunken or dull, even when the lighting and exposure are technically accurate. This small highlight creates the illusion of a three-dimensional orb, rather than a flat surface.
The positioning of the catchlight can also influence mood. A catchlight placed at the 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock position in the eye creates a more natural and pleasing appearance. Central catchlights may look artificial or eerie, while those positioned too low might be unsettling. This delicate balance makes catchlights an essential storytelling device.
Creating Catchlights With Natural Light
Working with natural light requires a nuanced understanding of environmental factors. The sky, reflective surfaces, and indirect sunlight all play a part in shaping the catchlight. Window lighting is one of the most revered techniques for creating soft, appealing catchlights. Positioning the subject close to a north-facing window or using sheer curtains can diffuse the light and produce gentle, rounded catchlights that complement the facial features.
Reflected natural light can be harnessed using white walls, sidewalks, or even light-colored clothing. Open shade, such as under a tree or an overhang, can also yield subtle catchlights while minimizing harsh shadows. This approach works well in outdoor portraiture, where natural surroundings influence the overall mood and aesthetic.
Photographers should remain aware of the sun’s position when shooting outdoors. Direct sunlight often leads to harsh reflections or squinting, but placing the sun behind the subject and using a reflector can produce ideal catchlights. A silver or white reflector directed toward the face will bounce light into the eyes and create a clear, attractive reflection.
Using Artificial Light to Shape Catchlights
Artificial lighting offers greater control over catchlights. Studio strobes, continuous lights, ring lights, and softboxes all contribute unique reflections. A large softbox placed slightly above and in front of the subject generates a soft, diffused catchlight with a flattering glow. Ring lights are favored for their symmetrical circular reflection and ability to illuminate the entire face evenly.
Multiple light setups can create complex and layered catchlights. For instance, a key light and fill light combination can result in dual catchlights, adding a dynamic quality to the portrait. However, excessive or misplaced reflections may become distracting. The key is to balance visibility with subtlety.
Lighting modifiers such as grids, snoots, and barn doors help sculpt the light and direct it precisely. These tools also influence the brightness and sharpness of the catchlight. Experimenting with the distance between the light source and the subject is essential—closer lights produce larger and softer catchlights, while farther ones yield smaller, more concentrated highlights.
Catchlights and Emotional Expression
Beyond aesthetics, catchlights have an emotional impact. They contribute to how we perceive the mood, personality, and story within an image. A portrait with glowing catchlights feels inviting, sincere, and alive. Conversely, their absence can signal melancholy, mystery, or detachment.
In cinematic photography and fine art portraiture, catchlights are often used to create deliberate emotional tones. A single, high-positioned catchlight can evoke elegance or introspection. A lower, more intense catchlight may suggest intensity or drama. These emotional cues support narrative-driven photography and can elevate a simple headshot into a storytelling masterpiece.
Catchlights also support the perception of eye contact. When catchlights are present, it’s easier for the viewer to connect with the subject. Even in group portraits, well-placed catchlights help differentiate individuals and maintain visual cohesion across multiple faces.
Positioning and Composition Tips for Ideal Catchlights
The composition of a portrait can be subtly influenced by catchlight placement. Ensuring that both eyes have balanced and visible reflections avoids asymmetry and distraction. Tilting the subject’s head slightly or adjusting the camera angle can make a significant difference in catchlight visibility.
In close-up portraits, the catchlight becomes more prominent and must be managed with precision. Focus on the dominant eye—the one closest to the camera—and position the light source to enhance that eye’s catchlight. Doing so strengthens the sense of connection between subject and viewer.
Depth of field also plays a role. A shallow depth of field can create a dreamy background but must still retain eye sharpness for the catchlights to stand out. Using longer focal lengths can compress facial features slightly, emphasizing the eyes and making catchlights more noticeable.
Post-Processing and Ethical Considerations
In digital photography, editing tools allow enhancement of catchlights. Photographers often use software to brighten or sharpen reflections in the eyes. However, care must be taken to avoid over-editing, which can lead to unrealistic or unnatural results.
Cloning or inserting artificial catchlights is possible, but should be approached with restraint. The goal is to amplify natural beauty, not fabricate expression. Over-enhanced eyes may appear uncanny or disingenuous. Ethical portrait editing means preserving authenticity while improving clarity and focus.
It’s also important to respect cultural and personal preferences. In some contexts, intense eye reflections may not be considered flattering. Always collaborate with the subject, particularly in editorial or personal branding work, to ensure the final image aligns with their vision and values.
Mastering Catchlights for Distinctive Portraits
Developing an eye for catchlights takes practice and observation. Study professional portraits and analyze the reflections in the eyes. What shape are they? Where are they placed? How do they contribute to the mood of the image? These questions are essential for refining your approach.
Photographers should cultivate sensitivity to how light interacts with the human face. Mastering the nuances of catchlights means experimenting with lighting positions, modifiers, environments, and timing. As your technical knowledge grows, so will your ability to imbue your portraits with depth, emotion, and character.
Ultimately, catchlights serve as a bridge between subject and viewer. They’re the silent indicators of life, presence, and connection. Whether you’re shooting candid moments, formal headshots, or evocative fine art, never underestimate the power of that small glint in the eye. It could be the difference between a forgotten image and a portrait that lingers in memory.
Achieving Catchlights Indoors with Natural Light
Photographing indoors with natural light offers unmatched control and versatility when working to capture catchlights in the eyes of your subject. These luminous reflections play a vital role in adding life, dimension, and emotional connection to portraiture. Indoor environments, with their predictable lighting and manageable conditions, make it easier for photographers to experiment with light placement and refine their techniques without interference from outdoor elements such as shifting sunlight, wind, or inconsistent weather patterns.
Using windows as natural light sources creates a soft, inviting illumination that accentuates facial features while producing beautifully defined catchlights. When harnessed correctly, this method not only enhances eye detail but also improves the overall quality of light in a portrait. With thoughtful positioning, a clear understanding of light behavior, and attention to detail, it’s possible to craft stunning portraits indoors that are rich in depth and character.
Why Indoor Natural Light is Ideal for Portrait Photography
Indoor photography with natural light provides an exceptional learning environment for understanding how light sculpts the human face and interacts with the eyes. Windows and open doorways act as broad light sources, diffusing daylight into soft, painterly illumination that wraps gently around the subject. This is particularly beneficial for beginners and professionals alike who wish to master the subtleties of directional lighting.
By shooting indoors, the photographer gains autonomy over scene composition, light intensity, and subject placement. Unlike outdoor locations where light shifts frequently and shadows change with time, indoor spaces remain consistent and reliable. Photographers can take their time observing how the catchlights form and adjust their subjects’ positions incrementally to find the most flattering angles. This slower, controlled environment fosters experimentation and growth.
Moreover, indoor light helps minimize harsh contrasts. Instead of dealing with the sharp shadows caused by midday sun, the soft light from a window creates an even exposure across the face. This balance reduces blemishes, smooths skin texture, and enhances the eyes, all while maintaining the natural beauty and authenticity of the subject.
Best Practices for Window Lighting to Capture Catchlights
To effectively achieve striking catchlights using window light indoors, there are several key techniques photographers can implement. One of the most crucial steps is subject placement. Position your subject close to a large, unobstructed window. The proximity intensifies the reflection in their eyes and ensures a strong directional light source. As the subject moves further away from the window, the catchlights become more subdued and diffuse.
A 45-degree angle to the light source is ideal. This angle allows the light to sweep across the face, emphasizing natural contours while providing visibility of the reflection within the eye. It brings out the structure of the face—cheekbones, nose, lips—while preserving softness and subtlety. You should observe the subject’s eyes through your viewfinder to ensure the light hits at the desired location.
Catchlights are typically most appealing when located at the 10 or 2 o’clock position within the iris. This placement resembles how natural sunlight might strike the eyes and avoids creating unnatural or distracting highlights. If the catchlight overlaps with the pupil or appears centered, it can unintentionally give the eyes an eerie or artificial feel.
A sheer curtain or white diffuser can be used to soften strong sunlight coming through the window. Harsh direct light often results in blown-out highlights and deep, unattractive shadows on the face. A translucent fabric disperses the light and helps it mimic the softbox effect used in studio settings. This results in a smooth and flattering light spread that is ideal for portraits.
Using Reflectors and Interior Surfaces to Shape Light
In indoor photography, reflectors and walls can become powerful allies in shaping catchlights and enhancing eye detail. Even in naturally dim spaces or on overcast days, it’s possible to redirect available light into the subject’s eyes using reflective surfaces. A simple white wall, poster board, or purpose-built reflector placed opposite the light source can bounce light back onto the face, illuminating the eyes and creating balanced catchlights.
Reflectors also help fill in shadows on the opposite side of the subject’s face, maintaining dimension without losing visibility in shadowed areas. This reflected light creates secondary highlights in the eyes, which can result in double catchlights. While this effect can be appealing in some styles of portraiture, it’s important to ensure that the reflections remain delicate and not distracting.
Photographers can experiment with silver or gold reflectors depending on the desired warmth or coolness in the image. White reflectors provide neutral fill, while gold adds warmth and a touch of radiance. These choices affect not just the catchlight’s appearance, but the entire tonal balance of the portrait.
Timing and Window Orientation for Optimal Natural Lighting
The direction your window faces plays a substantial role in the quality of the light it provides. North-facing windows generally yield consistent, cool, diffused light throughout the day and are often preferred for indoor portraits. They are less affected by the harshness of direct sun, making them ideal for prolonged sessions without rapid changes in brightness.
East-facing windows offer soft morning light, rich in golden tones. This can be excellent for warm, expressive portraits but may require swift action before the sun shifts. West-facing windows, on the other hand, provide late-afternoon light that tends to be more intense and dramatic, perfect for stylized or moody images.
South-facing windows usually receive the most sunlight and can be difficult to work with without proper diffusion. However, when managed correctly, they allow for creative flexibility with shadows, rim lighting, and other effects that can result in striking, visually layered images. Adjusting blinds or adding semi-sheer curtains to these windows gives photographers the control needed to soften and direct the illumination effectively.
Time of day is equally critical. Morning and late afternoon often provide a lower sun angle, which results in more flattering shadows and a more horizontal light flow. Midday sun tends to be vertical and unyielding, making it harder to achieve smooth gradients or elegant catchlights without modification.
Facial Positioning and Compositional Techniques
The placement and tilt of the head are integral to catching light in the eyes. Having the subject angle their chin slightly upward or turn their head toward the window allows the light to reflect optimally. A subtle lean or gaze adjustment can significantly enhance the vibrance of the eyes and ensure both irises receive consistent illumination.
Avoid extreme angles that obscure one eye entirely or cause shadows to fall unevenly across the face. Instead, aim for gentle rotation that maintains symmetry. In close-up portraits, focusing on the dominant eye—the one nearest to the camera—ensures that the catchlight becomes the focal point and draws the viewer’s attention directly.
Photographic composition also plays a role. Using a longer focal length lens compresses facial features slightly, intensifying the eyes and enhancing the catchlight’s visibility. A shallow depth of field, achieved by using a wide aperture, can isolate the face from the background while keeping the eye area sharp and prominent.
Post-Processing Techniques for Enhancing Natural Catchlights
Though it’s best to capture catchlights in-camera, post-processing tools can be used to subtly enhance them for greater impact. In editing software, photographers can use the dodge tool or selective brightness adjustments to intensify existing catchlights without making them look artificial. Avoid creating or moving catchlights unnaturally, as this can disrupt the realism of the portrait.
Sharpening the eye area slightly can add crispness to the catchlights, ensuring they stand out while still harmonizing with the rest of the image. Be cautious not to overdo the enhancements—eyes that appear too glossy or overly bright can break immersion and may be perceived as inauthentic.
Color grading also plays a role. Adjusting the temperature or contrast of the image affects how light is perceived within the eyes. Warmer tones can enrich skin texture and add vibrance to catchlights, while cooler tones may emphasize clarity and calmness.
Refining Your Skillset Through Repetition and Observation
Creating compelling catchlights indoors with natural light is a craft honed through consistent practice, patient experimentation, and visual awareness. Each face is unique, each window distinct, and each session offers new possibilities. Observing how light behaves as it flows through different rooms, times of day, and seasons will teach you how to adapt your techniques to various scenarios.
Begin with simple setups—one subject, one window, no reflectors—and build gradually. As you become more confident, incorporate additional tools like bounce boards, textured backgrounds, and nuanced post-processing workflows. The subtle dance of light and reflection in the eyes will become second nature, allowing you to focus on storytelling and expression.
Ultimately, the ability to master natural indoor lighting and craft stunning catchlights is a testament to a photographer’s sensitivity and attention to detail. It transforms a basic portrait into an image filled with depth, vitality, and connection—qualities that resonate universally.
Outdoor Photography and Catchlights in Natural Light
Outdoor portrait photography presents an expansive canvas filled with dynamic light sources, shifting environmental factors, and rich opportunities for creating vibrant, expressive images. Among the most compelling elements a photographer can capture in outdoor settings are catchlights—the glimmering reflections of light in the subject’s eyes that convey emotion, vitality, and presence. When executed with care, catchlights add a powerful layer of connection between the subject and the viewer, transforming portraits from ordinary to unforgettable.
Unlike indoor photography, outdoor environments introduce more variables that influence light quality, direction, and reflectivity. However, these natural elements—such as the sky, surrounding buildings, foliage, and ground textures—can be harnessed to produce radiant catchlights that breathe life into every image. By developing a deeper understanding of lighting scenarios, surface reflectivity, and facial orientation, photographers can consistently achieve stunning results using only available natural light.
The Power of Open Shade for Outdoor Portraits
Open shade is one of the most reliable and effective lighting conditions for outdoor portraiture. It offers a refuge from direct sunlight while still bathing the subject in diffused, even light. This environment minimizes harsh shadows, reduces squinting, and preserves detail in skin tones—all while enabling beautiful, natural catchlights in the subject’s eyes.
Open shade can be found beneath architectural structures like porches, under tree canopies, beside walls or fences, or in the shadow of tall buildings. When your subject stands at the edge of this shade and faces toward the open sky or a reflective surface, the ambient light reflects into their eyes, forming subtle yet luminous catchlights.
The surface beneath your subject also plays a crucial role. Light-colored ground materials like concrete, sand, or light gravel can reflect additional light upward, illuminating the face and intensifying the catchlights. Conversely, dark soil or grass absorbs light and may result in more subdued reflections. Observing how environmental factors influence bounce lighting helps refine your setup and elevate the visual quality of your portraits.
To maximize the effect of open shade, guide your subject’s gaze slightly upward or toward the brightest direction. Often, even a small shift in angle can enhance the clarity and shape of the catchlights, making them stand out more vividly without compromising the overall softness of the image.
Capturing Catchlights on Overcast Days
While some photographers may shy away from cloudy skies, overcast conditions can be a treasure trove for capturing soft, ethereal portraits with gentle catchlights. On days when the sky is covered with clouds, the sun becomes a massive natural diffuser, spreading light evenly across the landscape and eliminating hard shadows. This makes it easier to achieve balanced exposures and natural skin tones, especially in outdoor environments with inconsistent backdrops.
However, the diffused nature of overcast light can reduce the brightness of catchlights. To counter this effect, try positioning your subject so they are facing the brightest section of the sky—usually opposite the direction of the sun. By slightly elevating your own shooting position and encouraging your subject to tilt their chin upward, you can direct more light into their eyes and ensure that catchlights remain visible.
The catchlights created on overcast days tend to be softer and more understated than those produced by direct light sources. They offer a sense of quiet intimacy and subtlety, perfect for contemplative or moody portraits. In these conditions, attention to expression and composition becomes even more critical, as the image’s emotional resonance may rely more heavily on nuance than on dramatic light contrast.
Golden Hour and the Radiance of Low-Angle Light
Golden hour is a term celebrated by photographers for good reason. Occurring shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, this brief window of time offers warm, directional light that flatters the skin and produces long, soft shadows. For catchlights, golden hour is a dream scenario—because the sun sits low in the sky, it can easily reflect in the eyes without causing discomfort or squinting.
This time of day is particularly favorable for outdoor portraits because it combines gentle warmth with excellent contrast. When your subject faces the light, catchlights take on a warm, circular glow that enhances the emotional and aesthetic depth of the image. The eyes appear vibrant and expressive, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding color tones.
Golden hour also provides flexibility in how you compose your portrait. You can backlight your subject to create a halo effect around their hair while using a reflector or natural bounce surface to introduce catchlights in the eyes. Alternatively, positioning your subject so the light hits from a 45-degree angle allows for both flattering facial illumination and pronounced catchlight definition. Because of its cinematic quality, golden hour is ideal for storytelling, lifestyle photography, and romantic portraiture.
Harnessing Natural Reflectors in the Environment
Outdoor environments are filled with natural reflectors that can help boost light into the eyes and generate luminous catchlights. Surfaces such as light-colored buildings, water, white sand, snowy terrain, and even parked vehicles can reflect light back onto your subject’s face. Recognizing and utilizing these elements adds an extra layer of artistry and intentionality to your process.
For instance, photographing a subject near a white wall or light-toned building can amplify catchlights, even during high sun conditions. Similarly, bodies of water reflect both light and color, creating interesting and unique catchlight patterns in the eyes. Snow, especially, acts as a vast natural reflector, brightening every part of the image and giving the eyes a crystalline gleam.
When shooting in environments with mixed lighting sources, observe how different surfaces contribute to eye reflections. Adjusting the subject’s head slightly, altering your shooting angle, or stepping a few feet in either direction can completely transform the look and feel of the catchlights. It’s this sensitivity to minute changes that distinguishes technically skilled photographers from visually masterful ones.
Directional Light and Head Positioning for Maximum Effect
The way light enters the eyes depends heavily on the subject’s facial orientation. Even in optimal lighting conditions, catchlights can be lost if the head is tilted away from the light source or the gaze is directed too low. Proper posing and communication are key to preserving eye sparkle.
Guide your subject to look slightly toward the primary light source—whether that’s the sky, a reflective surface, or a building that’s bouncing light. A slight turn of the chin or a raised brow can often introduce catchlights that were previously missing. Pay attention to the 10 and 2 o’clock positions in the iris, as this is where catchlights often appear most natural and flattering.
In backlit situations, where the sun is behind the subject, use a reflector or surrounding surface to bounce light into the eyes. Even something as simple as a white jacket, handheld notebook, or phone screen can serve as a temporary reflector in the absence of professional gear. These subtle adjustments make a profound difference in elevating the expressiveness of your portrait.
Compositional Creativity and Ambient Integration
Great outdoor photography doesn’t only rely on technical execution but also on the creative integration of ambient surroundings. Catchlights are a focal point, but they are most effective when complemented by a thoughtful composition that supports the overall mood and narrative of the image. Using lines, color tones, and background elements can enhance the visual journey toward the subject’s eyes.
Frame your subject in ways that draw attention to their gaze. Use natural elements such as tree branches, archways, or pathways to lead the viewer’s eye into the frame. Employ shallow depth of field to isolate the face and make the catchlights pop against a blurred background. Color harmony between clothing, background, and lighting can further accentuate the natural tones reflected in the eyes.
Incorporating movement or environmental interaction can bring added realism and spontaneity to your portraits. A subject walking through a sunlit forest, sitting beside a lake, or standing against a weathered wall offers opportunities to capture both unique catchlights and authentic emotion. Let the environment inspire your creative decisions while always keeping an eye on how light reflects in the eyes.
Tips for Observing and Enhancing Catchlights in Real-Time
To consistently capture catchlights, you must develop a sharp eye for how light behaves on the face and in the eyes. During your shoot:
Look at the subject’s eyes through your camera before taking the shot. If you don’t see a catchlight, adjust your angle or ask them to rotate slightly.
Have your subject slowly turn in a circle while you observe how the light changes. The goal is to find the position where the light source reflects best in the eye.
Use your environment as a natural reflector. Light surfaces like concrete, water, or white walls can bounce light into the face, brightening shadows and enhancing catchlights.
Shoot at eye level for the most natural look. Angling your camera too far up or down can misplace the catchlight or lose it altogether.
In practice, small movements can lead to significant improvements in the light’s quality. Learn to make micro-adjustments for major results.
Editing Catchlights with Subtlety and Precision
Even when you've done everything right during the shoot, a bit of post-processing can help enhance catchlights further—if done tastefully. In most editing software, you can use localized tools like dodge or brightness adjustments to slightly enhance the existing reflections in the eye.
Focus on brightening just the catchlight itself, without over-lightening the entire eye. Keep adjustments minimal so the image still looks authentic. Avoid adding catchlights artificially unless necessary, as they may appear unnatural or out of place if not aligned with the actual light source.
Editing should aim to reinforce what you captured in-camera, not compensate for poor lighting choices. Done correctly, this subtle enhancement can give the final image a polished, professional feel without distracting from the subject.
The Broader Benefits of Learning Catchlight Techniques
Mastering catchlights improves more than just the eyes in your portraits. It helps you become more attuned to natural light, leading to better overall lighting decisions. This includes improved skin tones, reduced harsh shadows, and more cohesive exposures.
Understanding how to read light is one of the most important skills in photography. Training yourself to notice catchlights makes you more aware of how your subject is illuminated, which in turn makes your portraits more visually balanced and emotionally compelling.
Catchlights are also an excellent indicator of your growth as a photographer. The more intentional and controlled your lighting becomes, the more sophisticated your portraits will look—even with minimal equipment.
Final Thoughts:
In the world of portrait photography, there’s something undeniably powerful about the way light interacts with the human eye. Catchlights, while often small in size, carry immense emotional weight. They add life, presence, and character to the subject, making your portraits feel more intimate and engaging. Mastering the art of capturing natural catchlights isn’t just about achieving a technical element—it's about enhancing the emotional connection between your subject and the viewer.
What makes catchlights truly magical is that they don’t require fancy equipment, elaborate setups, or artificial lighting. All you need is a keen eye for natural light, an understanding of angles, and a bit of patience. Whether you’re indoors by a window or outdoors under an open sky, nature provides the perfect tools to sculpt your subject with light. The key is learning to observe, adjust, and respond to the available lighting conditions to ensure the eyes are illuminated beautifully.
Learning how to position your subject in relation to natural light will also improve other aspects of your photography. Your images will benefit from more balanced exposures, smoother skin tones, and reduced harsh shadows. You’ll also begin to develop an intuitive understanding of light direction, intensity, and quality—skills that are transferable to all genres of photography.
Equally important is your ability to train your eye. Noticing the difference between a dull, flat eye and one with a subtle twinkle is a mark of artistic awareness. As you continue to experiment with catchlights, you’ll find yourself becoming more thoughtful about composition and lighting overall.
Remember, catchlights are not just a technical requirement—they’re storytellers. They reflect not only light but also mood, environment, and emotion. They can hint at the time of day, the shape of the light source, or even the personality of your subject.
So the next time you’re planning a portrait session, take a moment to find the light. Let it shape the face. Let it dance in the eyes. Let it tell a story that words can’t. Because in photography, it’s often those tiny glimmers of light that make the biggest impact.
