Catchlight

The reflection of a light source on the surface of the eye. A small bright point in the eye makes the eyes look alive and lively. Raise the light too high and the brow and forehead block it, so the catchlight disappears and the eyes can look empty or scary. A reflector placed near the eyes makes catchlights too.

Lighting positions seen from above. The key light shines from about 30° to the camera’s left, a little above eye level.

Camera view. A small, bright point of light sits in the big black eyes, so they look alive.

How it feels

Liveliness
Warmth
Friendly
Clear
Eyes that show emotion

When to use it

Close-ups of people in general
Showing eyes full of emotion
Character shots in interviews and ads

In the movies

Skyfall (2012) · Source: James Bond 007 (YouTube) · Original video

Not to be confused with

Top Light: Lighting from directly above the head puts the eyes in shadow, so no catchlight forms. It is used to hide the eyes on purpose for a mysterious character.
Butterfly Lighting: Lighting from above and in front. Raise the key too high and the catchlight disappears, so the height is adjusted.
Clamshell Lighting: A light above plus a reflector below. The reflector below can add a second catchlight in the eyes.

Prompt

Keyword

catchlights in the eyes

Descriptive

Soft key light from 30 degrees camera left, slightly above eye level, with visible catchlights in the eyes. Lively, engaging close-up.

Try these combinations

Extreme close-up + catchlight: a child’s eyes
Extreme close-up of a child's eyes, soft window light, bright catchlights in the eyes, warm tone
Close-up + clamshell + catchlight: a beauty ad
Close-up portrait, clamshell lighting, two catchlights in the eyes, beauty commercial