How to Achieve Big Eyes in a Portrait

I was slightly above her for Vanessa's shoot, so she had to look up a faction. The light was in front of her to give her eyes the maximum sparkle. See how her eyes pop?

Leonardo Da Vinci once said, "The eyes are the windows of the soul.” One of the most common questions I get asked is how to achieve big eyes in a portrait. Unfortunately, gravity is not on our side, and once we start smiling, our eyes can disappear in a photo. But there are fundamental techniques to help you achieve those captivating big eyes in your portraits.

Here is another example of me being slightly higher and the client looking above the lens to create big eyes.

It's all in the angle.

Angles play a crucial role in how your eyes appear in photos. To make your eyes look bigger, try these tips:

Look Up above the lens: Position the camera slightly above your eye level and look up towards it. This makes your eyes look bigger and adds a touch of innocence and charm to your expression.

Slightly Tilt Your Head: Tilting your head slightly downwards while looking up at the camera can create the illusion of more enormous eyes. The tilt angle emphasises the upper part of your eyes, making them appear more open and prominent.

Chin Forward: Push your chin slightly forward like a turtle. This helps to elongate your neck and create a more flattering angle for your eyes.

Master the Art of Lighting

Lighting can dramatically affect how your eyes appear in photos. Here's how to use lighting to your advantage:

Natural Light: Natural light is your best friend for achieving big eyes. You can just position yourself near a window or in a well-lit area. The soft, diffused light will highlight your eyes and make them sparkle.

Catchlights: Catchlights are the reflections of light in your eyes. They add depth and dimension, making your eyes look more extensive and vibrant. To create catchlights, face a light source directly or use a reflector to bounce light into your eyes.

Avoid Shadows: Harsh shadows can make your eyes appear smaller. To avoid unflattering shadows around your eyes, ensure your face is evenly lit by providing the light in front of your face.

Enhance with Makeup and Expression

I'm new to using makeup, but I have seen the difference it makes to your eyes. I learnt this through Erica Taylor; she is a fantastic online creator who gives tips on using makeup to change your face shape; check her out! Here are some more tips I have learnt:

Use Eyeliner Strategically: To define your eyes, apply a thin line of Eyeliner along your upper lash line. Avoid heavy Eyeliner on the lower lash line, as it can make your eyes look smaller. Use eye shadow on your lids and ensure it always goes up at an angle towards the end of your brow.

Highlight the Inner Corners: Apply light, shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. This will brighten up the area and make your eyes appear more open.

Open Your Eyes Wide: Practice opening your eyes wide without looking surprised. Relax your eyebrows and focus on creating a soft, inviting expression. This will naturally make your eyes look bigger.

You can achieve those captivating big eyes in your portraits by using the right angles, mastering lighting techniques, and enhancing your eyes with makeup and expression. Remember, practice makes it easier, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Happy shooting!