What can I do to prevent red eye in digital photos?
Well, the light hits the pupil from the flash and, because the flash is so near the lens, it gets reflected right back into the camera. So, the first step would be to maximize the angle between the flash and camera lens.
Professional photographers use what is called a bounce flash. It’s that funny looking two part flash which mounts to the top of a camera. It bends in the middle so that the flash can be angled up at the ceiling and “bounce” back onto the subject.
This diffuses the light so it’s not so harsh and provides a much greater angle between the light source and where it gets reflected.
Many consumer cameras do not have the option of a bounce flash. You would need what’s called a hot shoe upon which to attach it. This is generally only available in an SLR or DSLR camera.
The other option is a diffuser. Most professionals diffuse the light from the flash by using some sort of diffuser, like a screen or umbrella. Want a quick and dirty trick for when an umbrella isn’t handy? Use a coffee filter.
An umbrella makes a great diffuser, but a coffee filter is even easier
Just tape a small piece of coffee filter over the flash to diffuse it. This will greatly diminish the light emitted by the flash, so you will probably need to compensate with additional ambient light, but it should take care of a lot of the red eye.
You can also turn on lights in the room. Ambient light will help shrink the pupil of your subjects eye before the flash is even used.
Increased ambient light decreases the size of the pupil
Another option is to use the red eye reduction setting on your camera. This setting forces the flash in bursts prior to the actual photo being taken. Your pupils naturally contract in bright light.
Forcing the flash prior to taking the photo means there is less pupil upon which the red eye will be seen. It also has the hidden effect of supremely annoying everyone whom you’re trying to photograph.
Lastly, provided you’re not taking candid photos you can suggest your subjects look slightly to the side of your camera. Then the light will not be reflected right back into the lens.
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