Catchlights are the reflections of a light source found in a subject's eyes in a photograph. They appear as small, bright highlights in the eyes which can add a sense of life and vitality to the subject. Catchlights help draw attention to the eyes, making them appear more vibrant and expressive.  Some argue that a lack of catchlights can make the eyes in a photograph appear lifeless.  When photographing people, it is important that photographers focus on precise light source placement to make certain that catchlights in the eyes are prominent.  Different types of catchlights can be created depending on the size, shape, and position of the light source relative to the subject.  The key is to, position the light source at an angle to the subject and slightly above their eye level so that the light source is reflected in the eyes.  Sometimes you will see two catchlights indicating the use of two light sources.

A good exercise is to begin studying photographs featuring catchlights. You can train your eye by trying to guess where the light source could potentially have been placed in relation to the subject.

Can you guess the light position in the below portrait? How many light sources do you think were used?

Here is how you can add catchlights to your portrait:

• Artificial Lighting: If you're shooting indoors or in a studio, you can use artificial lighting such as studio strobes, continuous lights, or speedlights to create catchlights. 

• Use Natural Light: If you're shooting outdoors or near a window, position your subject so that the light source creates a catchlight in their eyes. This could be the sun, sky, or even a reflective surface like water or a light-colored wall.

• Reflectors: Use reflectors to bounce light into the subject's eyes. You can use a white or silver reflector to create a catchlight that mimics the natural light source. Position the reflector opposite the light source to fill in shadows and create catchlights.

Remember, the key is to position your light source in a way that creates a natural-looking catchlight and adds depth and dimension to the subject's eyes.  Experiment with different lighting setups to achieve the desired effect.

As always, Best of luck!

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