General Question

Carly's avatar

Why do camera flashes sometimes cause red eyes in photography?

Asked by Carly (4555points) August 3rd, 2010

Why/how does a flash produce red in the eyes of people?

Also, is there a way to avoid this effect and still use a flash? It would save me a lot of time when editing.

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6 Answers

ragingloli's avatar

Because their irides are dilated and the light flash illuminates their retina inside their eyes, which is red by virtue of being well supplied with blood and having no pigmentation.

Rarebear's avatar

@ragingloli is correct. It’s why “red eye reduction” is nothing more than a pre-flash before the picture is taken so your pupils constrict.

Response moderated (Off-Topic)
RealEyesRealizeRealLies's avatar

The closer the flash is to the axis of the lens, the greater the effect. That’s why pro photos use off camera flash with a bracket or light stand. Prepulse flash can reduce the effect, but often makes the subject squint or blink.

Move the tube away from the lens and watch it go away. I use a ring flash circling the lens at times just to induce the effect.

Response moderated (Unhelpful)
Response moderated (Unhelpful)

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